Kubra Khan

Rabia Iqbal Khan, known professionally as Kubra Khan, is a Pakistani actress working in Urdu television and films. She is recognized by the media as one of the highest-paid actresses in the nation. Her work spans various genres ranging from romantic comedies to intense psychological dramas.

Early life and education

Khan was born on 16 June 1993 near Multan, Punjab. Her family moved to the United Kingdom when she was only 6 months old. Before transitioning into acting, she worked as a model. She entered the industry after being spotted by Fatima Khan and later by the brother of Ahmed Ali Butt.

Career

Khan made her cinematic debut in 2013 with the action-comedy Na Maloom Afraad. In this film, she portrayed Hina, a bank worker who serves as the love interest for Mohsin Abbas Haider. A reviewer from the Gulf Times described her presence as "almost angel-like," although they criticized her monologue. She later appeared in the 2015 Bollywood movie Welcome 2 Karachi.

Her television career began in 2016 with the series Sang-e-Mar Mar on Hum TV. Sadaf Haider of DAWN Images identified her as a breakout star of the serial due to her controlled performance as Shireen. Following this, she appeared in the spiritual-romance Khuda Aur Muhabbat season 2. She also took on roles in the dramas Andaaz-e-Sitam and Muqabil, which earned her a Lux Style Award nomination.

In 2017, she played an arrogant daughter in the spiritual drama Alif Allah Aur Insaan. While she expressed dissatisfaction with this specific performance, she continued to work steadily across different formats. She appeared in the romantic-comedy Shadi Mubarak Ho and the social drama Daldal. Her filmography expanded in 2018 when she starred in Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2 and Parwaaz Hai Junoon, both of which released on 22 August.

Khan returned to television in 2019 through the project Alif. She portrayed Husn-e-Jahan, a famous cinema actress who leaves her career to marry a calligrapher's son. She described this role as her most memorable work because she gave "heart and soul" to the character. In 2022, she played Mashal Tahir in the psychological drama Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay. Maria Kari of DAWN Images noted that Khan "packs a punch" in this role.

The actress also appeared in the mystery-drama Sang-e-Mah alongside Atif Aslam. She returned to the big screen in 2022 with the romantic-comedy London Nahi Jaunga. Rafay Mahmood of The Express Tribune described her as a "surprise package" who ruled both the screen and camera. In 2023, she starred in the ontology drama Jannat Se Aagay as a TV show host. Her most recent television appearance was in the 2024 series Noor Jahan, where she played Noor Bano Shah. She is scheduled to appear as Homai Vyarawalla in the upcoming drama Fatima Jinnah.

In 2023, Khan faced allegations from retired Major Adil Raja regarding the use of actresses by intelligence services. These claims suggested that actresses were used to entrap politicians through compromising videos. Khan denied these unfounded claims and threatened legal action for defamation. Raja eventually issued an apology to her, stating his intention was not to target women.

Personal life

Khan is a longtime friend of Gohar Rasheed. In January 2025, the two announced their upcoming wedding.

Awards and recognition

Khan received a nomination for Best TV Actress at the 17th Lux Style Awards for her role in the drama Muqabil. She also earned a nomination for Best Film Actress at the 22nd Lux Style Awards for her performance in London Nahi Jaunga.