Maya Ali: The 2010s' Brightest Screen Star

Maya Ali was one of the defining faces of Pakistani drama's last golden decade. Between 2013 and 2019 she moved from breakout roles to leading hits on both television and film, collecting awards and one of the most devoted fanbases in the country.

Quick facts

• Born: 1989
• Profession: Actress
• Known for: Aunn Zara, Shanakht, Diyar-e-Dil, Mann Mayal, Teefa in Trouble
• Awards: A Lux Style Award and three Hum Awards

From Durr-e-Shehwar to Aunn Zara

Born Maryam Tanveer Ali, she began with a brief role in the telenovela Durr-e-Shehwar, then won wider recognition as the titular character in the romantic comedy Aunn Zara (2013), a performance that made her a household name overnight. Shanakht (2014) followed, a social drama about faith and identity that showed a completely different register.

The golden run

Her breakthrough era arrived with Diyar-e-Dil (2015) and Mann Mayal (2016), two of the most popular dramas of the decade, both of which turned her into the face of their seasons. A Lux Style Award and three Hum Awards followed across the run.

The big screen

On film she headlined Teefa in Trouble (2018), one of the biggest commercial hits of modern Pakistani cinema, sharing the screen with Ali Zafar in a comedy that travelled far beyond Pakistan's borders.

She remains one of the most loved stars of her era, and every new project she announces still breaks the internet.