Ruling the small screen

Hark back to Sajal Ali’s best performances following her birthday

Treats are in order for Sajal Ali who celebrated her birthday on January 17. And for all we know, the celebrations might be a long way from being over. After her big day, let’s look back at some of her most memorable performances

‘Yaqeen Ka Safar’ (2017)

Many would agree that Sajal’s portrayal of Dr Zubiya was an unforgettable experience for drama serial enthusiasts. On the surface, it might seem like Zubiya is merely a prey to the suffering that she is put through. But after sympathising with her, you learn to admire her for how she trumps these persistent obstacles.

Once free of the toxicity and abuse weighing her down, Zubiya breaks barriers in her professional life, pursuing her dreams and excelling at giving back to society. While the trauma of the past does make her prone to vulnerability, she finds ways to persevere, aided by the strength of her character.

Sajal knocks it out of the park with her raw emotions in this one. Her gut-wrenching monologues, especially raising her voice to spell out justice, makes this serial a compelling watch.

‘Zard Patton Ka Bunn’ (2024)

Here too Sajal plays a similar character – one invested in the world of medicine. However, the difference to note is in the tone. While Yaqeen Ka Safar establishes its intent with a sombre beginning, Zard Patton Ka Bunn is adored for its lighthearted banter between the leads, especially Sajal’s endearing performance.

However, the serial also touches upon societal issues, such as the lack of medical awareness in remote areas and the matter of educating girls. As these themes pervade the length of the drama, sub-themes like ride-or-die friendships also join the mix, generously imbuing the narrative with wholesomeness.

At the centre stands Sajal, whose bubbly take on Meenu will always be remembered as a heart-robbing performance. Meenu’s quirks and mannerisms along with her larger sense of self are all nuances that make her an outstanding protagonist in a sea of mains whose personalities easily bleed into each other.

‘Kuch Ankahi’ (2021)

Sajal’s skills shine the best in scenes where her eyes tell the story. Her full-of-wonder eyes have been an object of envy ever since she shot to fame, and she rightfully flaunts them through her craft. The reminder rings true through her performance as Aliya in Kuch Ankahi.

When paired with the paralleled skills of Bilal Abbas Khan as Salman, Sajal is bound to bring magic to the screen. The two’s shared emotional range is the heart of the serial, captivating viewers with the clutch of their undeniable chemistry. You can’t help but be invested in their story.

But romance isn’t all there is to Aliya, who also serves as a real estate agent with a strong ambition guiding her actions. She is decisive about what she wants to accomplish in life. A true boss lady, if we’ve ever seen one!

‘Alif’ (2020)

Romance took on a spiritual shroud with this drama serial, in which Sajal played Momina, a struggling actor estranged from the world of glamour. Momina is someone who takes a stand for herself in an environment where women are lured into objectification with the promise of fame.