Saba Faisal - Biography, Dramas & Career

Saba Faisal is a Pakistani actress and former news anchor known for her extensive work in Pakistani television dramas. Born on January 31, 1958, in Lahore, Pakistan, she began her professional career in television as a newscaster with PTV before moving into acting. Over the years, she has appeared in numerous Pakistani dramas, including Durr-e-Shehwar, Humsafar, Pyarey Afzal, Mohabbat Tumse Nafrat Hai, Alif, Ghisi Piti Mohabbat, Habs, Badzaat, and Chand Tara. She is known for portraying mothers, family elders, and other complex supporting characters in Pakistani television.

Saba Faisal Biography

Saba Faisal was born on January 31, 1958, in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. She began her career in the early 1980s after visiting the PTV Lahore Centre and being selected for television announcing. She later became associated with PTV's main news bulletin Khabarnama, as well as television hosting and sports commentary. After appearing in television dramas, she eventually shifted her focus toward acting. ARY Digital describes her career as beginning behind a news desk in the early 1980s before she established herself as an actress.

Saba Faisal

Saba Faisal spent many years working in television news before concentrating primarily on acting. Her transition from news presentation to drama acting gave her a long career across Pakistani television, where she has appeared in more than 100 dramas according to biographical sources.

Personal Information

Full NameSaba Faisal
Stage NameSaba Faisal
Date of BirthJanuary 31, 1958
BirthplaceLahore, Punjab, Pakistan
NationalityPakistani
ProfessionActress, Former News Anchor
Years Active1981–present
EducationUniversity of Lahore
SpouseFaisal Saeed
ChildrenSadia Faisal, Arsalan Faisal, Salman Faisal
Known ForHumsafar, Durr-e-Shehwar, Pyarey Afzal, Alif, Ghisi Piti Mohabbat, Habs, Badzaat, Mere Humsafar

Early Life and Education

Saba Faisal was born and raised in Lahore, Pakistan. Biographical sources state that she completed her studies at the University of Lahore. Her early professional interests led her toward television, where she initially developed her career away from acting.

Her entry into television came through PTV Lahore Centre. In 1981, she visited the centre with friends and was encouraged to audition for newscasting. She was initially selected as an announcer and later became associated with the main evening news bulletin Khabarnama.

Career as a Newscaster

Saba Faisal began her television career as a newscaster and announcer at Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV). Her work included news presentation, television hosting, and sports commentary. She became particularly recognized for her association with the PTV news bulletin Khabarnama.

Her career in news continued for many years while she also began taking acting opportunities. She appeared in PTV dramas during the 1990s and continued working as a newscaster until the early 2000s, after which acting became her primary professional focus.

Acting Career

Saba Faisal gradually moved from news presentation into Pakistani television dramas. Her early acting work included PTV productions, after which she appeared in dramas across several major Pakistani television networks.

One of her notable early television appearances came in Durr-e-Shehwar in 2012. She played Safia, and her performance received attention from critics. She subsequently appeared in numerous successful dramas and became particularly associated with mature maternal and family roles.

Her television work has included dramas from Hum TV, ARY Digital, Geo Entertainment, PTV, and other Pakistani networks. Hum TV's official cast page currently lists Saba Faisal among the casts of projects including Be Rung, Chand Tara, Dil Ik Shehr E Junoon, Dil Wali Gali Mein, Rah-e-Junoon, Sultanat, Tinkay Ka Sahara, and Zulm.

Saba Faisal in Badzaat

Saba Faisal appeared in the Geo Entertainment drama Badzaat, playing Laila Begum. The official Har Pal Geo cast listing confirms Saba Faisal among the principal cast, alongside Imran Ashraf, Urwa Hocane, Ali Abbas, Mehmood Aslam, Nida Mumtaz, Zainab Qayyum, Sidra Niazi, Zoya Nasir, and other actors.

Badzaat was written by Misbah Nosheen, directed by Siraj-ul-Haq, and produced by Abdullah Kadwani and Asad Qureshi under 7th Sky Entertainment. The drama premiered on March 2, 2022, and aired on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8:00 PM on Geo Entertainment.

In Badzaat, Saba Faisal's character Laila Begum is part of the family and relationship conflicts surrounding Wali, Daniyal, and Anabiya. The drama deals with family tensions, social status, relationships, and the consequences of harmful behavior within a joint family.

Saba Faisal in Durr-e-Shehwar

Durr-e-Shehwar was an important drama in Saba Faisal's acting career. She played Safia in the Hum TV drama, which explored marriage, family relationships, expectations, and the experiences of women within traditional family structures.

The drama became one of the early television projects through which Saba Faisal gained wider recognition as a drama actress. Her performance as a mother and family elder helped establish the type of mature supporting roles for which she later became widely known.

Saba Faisal in Humsafar

Saba Faisal appeared in the popular Hum TV drama Humsafar, playing Maimoona. The drama starred Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan in the leading roles and became one of the most widely recognized Pakistani television serials.

Her appearance in Humsafar added another notable title to her television career and introduced her work to a wider audience beyond her earlier PTV and television projects.

Saba Faisal in Pyarey Afzal

In the ARY Digital drama Pyarey Afzal, Saba Faisal played Irsa Ibrahim. The drama starred Hamza Ali Abbasi and Ayeza Khan and became one of the notable Pakistani television serials of its period.

Saba Faisal's role in Pyarey Afzal further demonstrated her ability to portray strong family characters within emotionally driven stories. ARY News has documented the drama's popularity and its conclusion in 2014.

Saba Faisal in Zara Yaad Kar

Saba Faisal appeared in the Hum TV drama Zara Yaad Kar. Her performance earned her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the 5th Hum Awards in 2017.

The drama featured a story involving relationships, marriage, family expectations, and emotional conflicts, providing Saba Faisal with another prominent supporting role in Pakistani television.

Saba Faisal in Mohabbat Tumse Nafrat Hai

Saba Faisal appeared in the Geo Entertainment drama Mohabbat Tumse Nafrat Hai, which starred Imran Abbas, Ayeza Khan, and Shehzad Sheikh. The drama explored love, family relationships, misunderstandings, and emotional conflict.

Her performance continued her established pattern of taking on significant family roles that influence the central characters and their relationships.

Saba Faisal in Alif

Saba Faisal was part of the cast of the Geo Entertainment drama Alif. The drama starred Hamza Ali Abbasi, Sajal Aly, Kubra Khan, and Usman Khalid Butt and explored themes of spirituality, faith, relationships, art, and personal transformation.

Her appearance in Alif added another widely recognized title to her television career and demonstrated her continued involvement in major Pakistani drama productions.

Saba Faisal in Ghisi Piti Mohabbat

In the 2020 ARY Digital drama Ghisi Piti Mohabbat, Saba Faisal played Farida, the mother of Samia, played by Ramsha Khan. Sajeeruddin played Anwar, Farida's husband.

The drama focused on marriage, betrayal, family relationships, and the difficulties faced by its central characters. Saba Faisal's role as Farida placed her within the family at the centre of the story.

Saba Faisal in Habs

Saba Faisal appeared in the ARY Digital drama Habs, which starred Ushna Shah, Feroze Khan, and Ayesha Omar. ARY Digital lists Saba Faisal among the principal cast of the drama.

Habs explored marriage, family expectations, misunderstandings, financial differences, and the relationship between Ayesha and Basit. Saba Faisal played an important maternal role within the story.

Saba Faisal in Pyar Deewangi Hai

Saba Faisal appeared in the ARY Digital drama Pyar Deewangi Hai, which starred Neelam Muneer, Sami Khan, and Shuja Asad. ARY Digital lists Saba Faisal among the drama's cast.

The drama revolves around Rabi and Mateen and the complications that develop when family expectations, misunderstandings, and other relationships affect their lives. Saba Faisal appeared as part of the supporting cast.

Saba Faisal in Recent Pakistani Dramas

Saba Faisal has continued to work in Pakistani television in recent years. Her projects have included dramas such as Be Rung, Chand Tara, Dil Ik Shehr E Junoon, Dil Wali Gali Mein, Rah-e-Junoon, Sultanat, Tinkay Ka Sahara, and Zulm, among others. Hum TV's official cast listing confirms several of these projects.

Her continued presence across Pakistani television reflects a career spanning several decades, from PTV news presentation to contemporary television dramas. ARY Digital also continues to list her among its established television artists.

Film Career

Alongside her extensive television career, Saba Faisal has appeared in Pakistani films. Her film credits include Rangreza, Kaaf Kangna, London Nahi Jaunga, and Bhoot Bangla.

Her film appearances have generally complemented her television career, allowing her to work with different casts and directors while continuing to portray mature and supporting characters.

Saba Faisal in Rangreza

Saba Faisal appeared in the 2017 Pakistani film Rangreza, where she played Aapa. The film featured Gohar Rasheed, Bilal Ashraf, Urwa Hocane, and other Pakistani actors.

Rangreza marked one of Saba Faisal's appearances in Pakistani cinema during the later stage of her television career.

Saba Faisal in Kaaf Kangna

In the 2019 Pakistani film Kaaf Kangna, Saba Faisal played the character of Begum. The film was directed by Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar and featured an ensemble Pakistani cast.

Saba Faisal in London Nahi Jaunga

Saba Faisal appeared in the Pakistani comedy film London Nahi Jaunga, playing Chaudrani. The film featured Humayun Saeed, Mehwish Hayat, Kubra Khan, and other Pakistani actors.

Saba Faisal in Bhoot Bangla

Saba Faisal appeared in the 2021 Pakistani horror film Bhoot Bangla, where she played Amma. The project added a different genre to her filmography.

Family and Personal Life

Saba Faisal is married to Faisal Saeed. In an interview with ARY News, she discussed her relationship with her husband and explained that they are maternal cousins who knew each other from childhood. She also said that her husband has an MBA degree and had an office job at the time of their marriage.

Saba Faisal has three children: Sadia Faisal, Arsalan Faisal, and Salman Faisal. All three have worked in the entertainment industry. Sadia Faisal is an actress and model, while Arsalan and Salman have also worked as actors and models.

Her children have appeared in Pakistani television projects, making the Faisal family one of the families with multiple members working in Pakistan's entertainment industry.

Awards and Recognition

Saba Faisal received a PTV Award for Best Newscaster in 1998 for her work on Khabarnama. Her recognition began during her career in television news before her transition into full-time acting.

She was also nominated for Best Actress at the 11th Lux Style Awards for her performance in Pal Bhar Mein. In 2017, she received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the 5th Hum Awards for Zara Yaad Kar.

Selected Pakistani Drama List

  • Chamak (2000) – Nazia
  • Tum Jo Miley (2009) – Sadiqa
  • Sirf Tumhare Liye (2009) – Javeria
  • Mera Saaein (2010) – Wajahat's sister
  • Kountry Luv (2011) – Muniza
  • Tera Pyar Nahi Bhoole (2011) – Ansa
  • Pal Bhar Mein (2011) – Alina
  • Ek Tamanna Lahasil Si (2012) – Beena
  • Durr-e-Shehwar (2012) – Safia
  • Mil Ke Bhi Hum Na Mile (2012) – Nazri Begum
  • Humsafar (2012) – Maimoona
  • Mirat-ul-Uroos (2013) – Rafia
  • Pyarey Afzal (2013–2014) – Irsa Ibrahim
  • Parvarish (2014) – Dil Awaiz
  • Ishq Parast (2014) – Khadija
  • Sangat (2015) – Aisha's mother
  • Mere Khuda (2015) – Surahya
  • Zara Yaad Kar (2016) – Aneesa Begum
  • Mohabbat Tumse Nafrat Hai (2017) – Kaneez Begum
  • Alif (2019) – Supporting role
  • Ghisi Piti Mohabbat (2020) – Farida
  • Ishq Hai (2021) – Supporting role
  • Habs (2022) – Supporting role
  • Pyar Deewangi Hai (2022) – Supporting role
  • Badzaat (2022) – Laila Begum
  • Chand Tara (2023) – Supporting role
  • Dil Ik Shehr E Junoon – Supporting role
  • Dil Wali Gali Mein – Supporting role
  • Rah-e-Junoon – Supporting role
  • Sultanat – Supporting role
  • Tinkay Ka Sahara – Supporting role
  • Zulm – Supporting role

Selected Film List

  • Rangreza (2017) – Aapa
  • Kaaf Kangna (2019) – Begum
  • Bhoot Bangla (2021) – Amma
  • London Nahi Jaunga (2022) – Chaudrani

Frequently Asked Questions About Saba Faisal

Who is Saba Faisal?

Saba Faisal is a Pakistani actress and former PTV news anchor known for her extensive work in Pakistani television dramas.

When was Saba Faisal born?

Saba Faisal was born on January 31, 1958, in Lahore, Pakistan, according to ARY Digital. Some other published sources list a different birth year.

What was Saba Faisal's profession before acting?

Before becoming primarily known as an actress, Saba Faisal worked as a PTV newscaster, announcer, television host, and sports commentator.

When did Saba Faisal start her career?

Saba Faisal began her television career in 1981 after joining PTV Lahore Centre as an announcer and later becoming associated with the Khabarnama news bulletin.

Who is Saba Faisal's husband?

Saba Faisal is married to Faisal Saeed. She has described him as her maternal cousin, explaining that they knew each other from childhood.

How many children does Saba Faisal have?

Saba Faisal has three children: Sadia Faisal, Arsalan Faisal, and Salman Faisal. Her children have also worked in the Pakistani entertainment industry.

What was Saba Faisal's first major television career?

Saba Faisal initially became known as a PTV news presenter and was associated with Khabarnama before moving more fully into acting.

Which drama made Saba Faisal famous?

Saba Faisal has appeared in many widely recognized Pakistani dramas, including Durr-e-Shehwar, Humsafar, Pyarey Afzal, Alif, Ghisi Piti Mohabbat, Habs, Badzaat, and Mere Humsafar.

Who was Saba Faisal in Badzaat?

Saba Faisal played Laila Begum in the Geo Entertainment drama Badzaat. The drama was written by Misbah Nosheen, directed by Siraj-ul-Haq, and produced by Abdullah Kadwani and Asad Qureshi under 7th Sky Entertainment.

Who was Saba Faisal in Humsafar?

Saba Faisal played Maimoona in the popular Hum TV drama Humsafar.

Who was Saba Faisal in Pyarey Afzal?

Saba Faisal played Irsa Ibrahim in the ARY Digital drama Pyarey Afzal.

Who was Saba Faisal in Ghisi Piti Mohabbat?

Saba Faisal played Farida, the mother of Samia, in the ARY Digital drama Ghisi Piti Mohabbat.

Who was Saba Faisal in Habs?

Saba Faisal was part of the main supporting cast of the ARY Digital drama Habs, starring Ushna Shah, Feroze Khan, and Ayesha Omar.

What movies has Saba Faisal appeared in?

Saba Faisal's film credits include Rangreza, Kaaf Kangna, Bhoot Bangla, and London Nahi Jaunga.

Has Saba Faisal won any awards?

Saba Faisal received a PTV Award for Best Newscaster in 1998 for Khabarnama. She has also received nominations including a Lux Style Award nomination for Pal Bhar Mein and a Hum Award nomination for Zara Yaad Kar.

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