Pakistani dramas are applauded by audiences both locally and globally, with 2024 showcasing some outstanding performances that set viewership records and won hearts.

However, not every performance in the year’s popular shows was up to par. While great acting can elevate even a mediocre story, there were several performances in 2024 that missed the mark completely, leaving fans disappointed and cringing.

Here are the worst performances in 2024 Pakistani dramas:

Sonya Hussyn in Akhara:
‘Akhara,’ a unique sports thriller, captivated audiences with its storyline and physical transformations. Unfortunately, Sonya Hussyn’s portrayal of the lead character fell flat. Her character’s styling seemed out of place, and her performance lacked the necessary elegance to complement the narrative. Her lack of chemistry with co-star Shehzad Nawaz further highlighted how ill-suited she was for the role.

Neelam Muneer in ‘Khumar’:
Neelam Muneer’s role in ‘Khumar’ was meant to be simple and positive, but her exaggerated expressions and out-of-place glamour stole the focus. Her overly dramatic reactions made even the most mundane scenes feel like a horror movie, detracting from the emotional depth the story sought to achieve.

Arsalan Naseer in Radd:
Arsalan Naseer’s performance in ‘Radd’ was widely criticized for its lacklustre delivery. Despite the success of co-stars Sheheryar Munawar and Hiba Bukhari, Naseer’s portrayal felt disconnected and absurd, leaving viewers questioning his casting in major dramas.

Amar Khan in ‘Dil-e-Nadan’:
Amar Khan’s portrayal in ‘Dil-e-Nadan’ was another major disappointment. Her attempt at playing an innocent, naive girl was marred by over-the-top acting that only emphasized how out of place she was for the role. The overacting detracted from what could have been a more subtle performance, making the drama a struggle to watch.

Azekah Daniel in ‘Mein’:
Azekah Daniel’s performance in ‘Mein’ failed to connect with the audience. Her monotonous delivery and lack of expression made it hard for viewers to engage with her character. Despite being part of a popular drama, Daniel’s portrayal fell short of expectations.

Adnan Jaffar in ‘Ishq Murshid’:
Adnan Jaffar’s portrayal of a corrupt politician in ‘Ishq Murshid’ was criticized for its lack of authenticity. His exaggerated performance and the addition of a fake moustache turned his character into a caricature rather than a believable figure, making it hard to take his role seriously.

Yashmeera Jan in ‘Ghair’:
Yashmeera Jan’s portrayal of the villain Shifa in ‘Ghair’ left much to be desired. Her performance, combined with odd wardrobe choices, made her character feel completely out of sync with the rest of the cast. Her inconsistent expressions and confused styling only added to the confusion.

Ushna Shah in ‘Ghair’:
Ushna Shah’s performance in ‘Ghair’ also fell short. Known for her powerful performances in the past, her portrayal of Wafa was weak, with a lack of emotional depth and connection to the character’s struggles. Her polished appearance contrasted sharply with the role’s demands, making her performance one-dimensional.

Maya Ali in ‘Sunn Mere Dil’:
Maya Ali, who has given stellar performances in the past, failed to impress in ‘Sunn Mere Dil.’ Her forced expressions and stiff dialogue delivery made her portrayal of Sadaf unconvincing, disappointing fans who were expecting a stronger performance.

Sarah Khan in ‘Namak Haram’:
Sarah Khan’s role in ‘Namak Haram’ was another misfire. The repetitive storyline and her lacklustre performance left viewers unimpressed. Her portrayal lacked energy and direction, making her character appear robotic and disconnected from the drama’s plot.

Sherbano Rehmani in ‘Bismil’:
Although ‘Bismil’ was one of the year’s biggest hits, newcomer Sherbano Rehmani’s performance as Momal was the weakest link. As her debut project, she may improve over time, but in ‘Bismil’, her acting failed to match the calibre of her co-stars.