By Sumavaya Iqbal 
Veteran Pakistani actress Maria Wasti has finally addressed her absence from television, attributing her hiatus to a lack of compelling and original roles in the current entertainment landscape.
Appearing as a guest on a private talk show, Wasti offered candid reflections on her career and why sheās been selective about new projects. Known for her emotionally rich and complex characters since the 1990s, the actress shared that while offers continue to come her way, none have sparked the artistic passion she seeks.
āThereās no dramatic reason for my break. Iām just holding out for a script that challenges me and offers something truly new,ā she said.
Over the years, Maria Wasti has built a reputation as one of the most respected actresses on Pakistani television, thanks to her performances in classic PTV serials and later private productions. Yet, she expressed concern over what she sees as a creative stagnation in the drama industry.
āCharacters lack depth these days. Everyone is writing the same stories with the same types of people,ā she noted. āThereās so much more to human experience, but that complexity isnāt being explored.ā
Wasti also spoke warmly about her time working with Pakistan Television (PTV), saying those roles allowed her to immerse herself in characters with emotional and psychological nuance.
Apart from her professional insights, the actress also revealed personal reflections, describing love as a āselfish emotionā that has the ability to deeply alter one’s state of being.
In a lighter moment, Wasti recounted an encounter with an obsessed fan who once followed her home. Thinking on her feet, she pretended to handle it calmly while securing herself indoors.
āI shut the door and told him to come back tomorrow. It was one of those moments where acting really helped in real life,ā she said with a laugh.
Her words have resonated with both industry insiders and audiences who share her call for more layered, original storytelling in Pakistani television.