Saba Hameed is a veteran Pakistani actress and director who has enjoyed a remarkable career spanning more than four decades in television, theatre and film. Known for her powerful screen presence and versatility, she has portrayed a wide range of characters, including mothers, family figures, comic personalities and emotionally complex roles. She became particularly popular through dramas such as Family Front, Azar Ki Ayegi Baraat, Dolly Ki Ayegi Baraat, Main Abdul Qadir Hoon, Dastaan, Qaid-e-Tanhai, Pyaray Afzal, Kahin Deep Jaley and Mere Humsafar.
Saba Hameed was born on 21 June 1957 in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. She comes from a prominent literary and artistic family. Her father, Hameed Akhtar, was a respected Pakistani writer, journalist and columnist, while her family also includes several performers. She studied at Lahore College for Women University before beginning her professional career in television.
Saba Hameed began her acting career in 1978 and gradually became one of the most respected actresses associated with Pakistani television. She also worked extensively in theatre from the mid-1980s through the mid-1990s. Over the years, she has worked with Pakistan Television and private television channels and has remained active across different generations of Pakistani drama.
Saba Hameed Biography
| Full Name | Saba Hameed Akhtar |
| Born | 21 June 1957 |
| Birthplace | Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan |
| Profession | Actress and Director |
| Nationality | Pakistani |
| Education | Lahore College for Women University |
| Years Active | 1978–Present |
| Known For | Family Front, Azar Ki Ayegi Baraat, Dastaan, Main Abdul Qadir Hoon, Pyaray Afzal, Prem Gali and Mere Humsafar |
| Honour | Pride of Performance, 2012 |
Early Life and Education
Saba Hameed was born and raised in Lahore. She is the daughter of renowned Pakistani writer and journalist Hameed Akhtar. Her father was an influential literary figure who worked as a columnist and writer, and his artistic environment contributed to Saba's early exposure to literature and the performing arts.
Saba studied at Lahore College for Women University. Although she initially considered other career possibilities, acting eventually became her profession. In a 2023 interview with Dawn, she recalled that she had once wanted to become a pilot, but began acting as a hobby before turning it into a full-time career.
Television Career
Saba Hameed began her television career in 1978, during the era when Pakistan Television was the country's dominant television network. Over the following decades, she developed into one of the country's most experienced television performers.
Her career includes a large number of television dramas, sitcoms, telefilms and special productions. She became particularly well known for her ability to move comfortably between serious family dramas and comedy. Her performance as Sumbul in the popular sitcom Family Front brought her widespread recognition and demonstrated her comic abilities.
She subsequently appeared in many successful dramas, including Azar Ki Ayegi Baraat, Dolly Ki Ayegi Baraat, Takkay Ki Ayegi Baraat, Annie Ki Ayegi Baraat, Main Abdul Qadir Hoon, Dastaan, Qaid-e-Tanhai, Aks, Mastana Mahi, Thakan, Ek Tamanna Lahasil Si, Meri Dulari, Tanhai and Dil-e-Muztar.
Theatre Career
Alongside television, Saba Hameed also developed substantial experience in theatre. She worked in theatre from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s and performed in productions in Pakistan as well as abroad. Her theatre experience helped strengthen the performance skills that later became an important part of her television career.
Saba Hameed in Prem Gali
Saba Hameed played Shireen in the Pakistani romantic comedy drama Prem Gali. The drama was written by Faiza Iftikhar and directed by Qasim Ali Mureed. It aired on ARY Digital and revolves around the love story of Joya and Hamza and the families living in the neighborhood known as Prem Gali.
In Prem Gali, Saba Hameed portrays Shireen, the mother of Joya, played by Sohai Ali Abro. Shireen lives with her daughter, her mother Rahat and her sister Musarrat. The family relationships form an important part of the drama's story.
Saba Hameed appears alongside Sohai Ali Abro as Joya, Farhan Saeed as Hamza, Javed Sheikh as Manzoor, Waseem Abbas as Hatim, Qavi Khan as Dada Jee, Shamim Hilaly as Rahat and Uzma Hassan as Musarrat.
Her performance as Shireen adds a mature family perspective to the central romance between Joya and Hamza. The character also allows Saba Hameed to demonstrate the emotional and family-oriented performances for which she has become widely recognized.
Popular Dramas of Saba Hameed
- Family Front – Sumbul
- Azar Ki Ayegi Baraat
- Dolly Ki Ayegi Baraat
- Takkay Ki Ayegi Baraat
- Annie Ki Ayegi Baraat
- Main Abdul Qadir Hoon
- Dastaan
- Qaid-e-Tanhai
- Aks
- Mastana Mahi
- Thakan
- Ek Tamanna Lahasil Si
- Meri Dulari
- Tanhai
- Dil-e-Muztar
- Pyaray Afzal
- Prem Gali – Shireen
- Kahin Deep Jaley
- Mere Humsafar
- Fitoor
Film Career
Saba Hameed has also worked in Pakistani cinema. Her filmography includes productions such as Mein Ek Din Laut Kay Aaoon Ga, Good Morning Karachi, Jawani Phir Nahi Ani and other film and television productions.
Although television has remained the most prominent part of her career, her film appearances demonstrate her ability to work across different areas of Pakistan's entertainment industry.
Directing and Other Work
In addition to acting, Saba Hameed has also been credited as a director. Her long experience in television and theatre has allowed her to work in different aspects of the entertainment industry.
Her career has remained closely connected with Pakistani television, where she has continued to take on mature and character-driven roles across different generations of drama.
Awards and Recognition
Saba Hameed's contribution to Pakistani television has been formally recognized through national honours. Her major recognition includes:
- Pride of Performance – 2012
The Pride of Performance is one of Pakistan's important national civil awards, and the honour reflects Saba Hameed's significant contribution to the performing arts.
Acting Style
Saba Hameed is known for her natural acting style, expressive performances and strong screen presence. Throughout her career, she has successfully portrayed both serious and comic characters.
She has frequently appeared as mothers and senior family members in Pakistani dramas, but her work is not limited to one type of character. Her performance in Family Front demonstrated her comic abilities, while dramas such as Dastaan, Main Abdul Qadir Hoon and Mere Humsafar have highlighted her ability to handle more emotionally demanding roles.
In a 2023 interview, Saba Hameed emphasized the importance of natural performance and explained that her decades of experience had shaped her approach to acting.
Personal Life
Saba Hameed belongs to a prominent Pakistani artistic family. Her father was writer and journalist Hameed Akhtar. Her sisters Huma Hameed and Lalarukh Hameed have also worked as actresses.
Saba Hameed was previously married to Syed Parvaiz Shafi, with whom she has two children, actress and singer Meesha Shafi and musician Faris Shafi. She later married actor Waseem Abbas. Actor Ali Abbas is Waseem Abbas's son from his earlier marriage.
Her family has therefore remained closely connected with Pakistan's entertainment industry across acting, music, television and other creative fields.
Social Media
Saba Hameed maintains a public presence through entertainment interviews and media appearances. Her long career continues to attract interest from Pakistani drama audiences, particularly whenever she appears in major television productions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Saba Hameed
Who is Saba Hameed?
Saba Hameed is a veteran Pakistani actress and director who has worked in television, theatre and film since the late 1970s. She is known for her versatility and numerous memorable Pakistani drama performances.
When was Saba Hameed born?
Saba Hameed was born on 21 June 1957 in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
What role did Saba Hameed play in Prem Gali?
Saba Hameed played Shireen, the mother of Joya, in Prem Gali. Joya was played by Sohai Ali Abro.
Who is Saba Hameed's husband?
Saba Hameed is married to Pakistani actor Waseem Abbas. She was previously married to Syed Parvaiz Shafi.
Who are Saba Hameed's children?
Saba Hameed has two children from her first marriage, actress and singer Meesha Shafi and musician Faris Shafi.
Where did Saba Hameed study?
Saba Hameed studied at Lahore College for Women University.
When did Saba Hameed start acting?
Saba Hameed began her professional acting career in 1978. She later worked extensively in theatre before becoming one of Pakistan's most recognized television actresses.
What award has Saba Hameed received?
Saba Hameed was honoured with the Pride of Performance in 2012 for her contribution to the performing arts.
What are Saba Hameed's famous dramas?
Her notable dramas include Family Front, Azar Ki Ayegi Baraat, Dolly Ki Ayegi Baraat, Dastaan, Main Abdul Qadir Hoon, Pyaray Afzal, Kahin Deep Jaley, Mere Humsafar, Fitoor and Prem Gali.
Who did Saba Hameed play in Prem Gali?
She played Shireen, Joya's mother, in Prem Gali. The drama stars Sohai Ali Abro as Joya and Farhan Saeed as Hamza.
Conclusion
Saba Hameed is one of the most respected veteran actresses in Pakistani television. With a career beginning in 1978, she has successfully worked across television, theatre and film and has portrayed an impressive variety of characters.
Her role as Shireen in Prem Gali is another memorable addition to her extensive television career. Working alongside Sohai Ali Abro, Farhan Saeed and Javed Sheikh, she became part of the ensemble cast of a popular family-oriented romantic comedy.
With her decades of experience, natural acting style and ability to adapt to different generations of Pakistani television, Saba Hameed continues to hold an important place in the country's entertainment industry.