Samiya Mumtaz

Samiya Mumtaz is a Pakistani film and television actress. She was born on 5 September 1970 in Karachi. The actress has built a significant career through her work in various media formats.

Early life and education

Samiya Mumtaz is the daughter of Khawar Mumtaz and Kamil Khan Mumtaz. Her mother is a prominent women's rights activist. Her father works as an architect. She comes from a family with deep artistic roots—she is the grandniece of expert actresses Uzra Butt and Zohra Sehgal.

Career

Mumtaz began her professional journey as a theater personality. She later transitioned into television after appearing in musical shows and recurring roles on Pakistan Television Corporation. Her first major role as an adult arrived in 1995. This occurred in the drama serial Zard Dopehar, which was directed by Shahid Nadeem.

While hosting a talk show, she caught the attention of writer Umera Ahmed. Ahmed selected her to play the lead in the television adaptation of her book, Meri Zaat Zarra-e-Benishaan. This series aired on Geo Entertainment from 2009 to 2010. Mumtaz portrayed an ill-fated woman in this production.

She has since appeared in many notable television projects. Her filmography includes Yariyan, Haal-e-Dil, Maaye Ni, and Dil-e-Nadan. In the drama Maaye Ni, she depicted a selfless mother to characters played by Sami Khan and Fahad Mustafa. She also played an antagonistic role as Rasheeda in the biographical-romance Sadqay Tumhare. This performance was noted for being short-tempered and abusive.

Other television roles include her portrayal of Maryam in Ali Ki Ammi. She appeared in the social drama Udaari as a timid mother. In 2022, she played Zarsanga in the mystery drama Sang-e-Mah. This character was loosely based on Gertrude.

Mumtaz expanded into cinema with her film debut in 2014. She starred in the drama thriller Dukhtar, which was written and directed by Afia Nathaniel. She followed this with a role in the 2015 family drama Moor, directed by Jami. She is also set to play Fatima Jinnah in an upcoming web series by Danial K Afzal.

Personal life

Samiya Mumtaz has two brothers. She is married to Farjad Nabi. The actress has two children from a previous marriage.

Awards and recognition

The actress has received multiple industry accolades. Her performance in Meri Zaat Zarra-e-Benishaan earned her a Best Television Actress nomination at the 10th Lux Style Awards. She also won a Hum Award for her role in Sadqay Tumhare. Overall, her career includes two Hum Awards and three Lux Style Awards nominations.