After a years-long hiatus from the entertainment industry, actor-turned-painter and social media personality Naimal Khawar is reportedly making her return to television, alongside her husband, celebrated actor Hamza Ali Abbasi.
Naimal, who rose to fame with her performance in the drama serial Anaa and made her film debut with Shoaib Mansoor’s Verna, had earlier announced her departure from acting, stating that it was a personal decision made well before her marriage.
“I quit acting nine months before my wedding. It was entirely my own decision, made without any pressure,” she had said in a social media post following her 2019 marriage to Hamza Ali Abbasi. The couple welcomed their first child, Mustafa, in 2020, after which Naimal remained largely focused on her family life while occasionally appearing in fashion campaigns and continuing her passion for painting.
However, recent reports suggest that the actor is all set to make a comeback with a new television project titled Ishq Mein Khuda Mil Gaya, expected to air soon.
What has particularly caught the attention of fans is that her husband Hamza Ali Abbasi, known for his roles in Pyare Afzal and Alif, will also be starring in the drama.
The upcoming serial is said to be penned by writer Mohsin Nadeem and directed by Shahzad Kashmiri, who previously helmed successful projects like Sinf-e-Aahan and Parizaad. The cast will also reportedly feature social media influencer Rabia Faisal, known for her viral content under the ‘Sisterology’ brand.
While the couple has not officially confirmed the news, several social media pages have cited inside sources claiming that the drama is already in production. The possibility of seeing the real-life couple together on-screen for the first time has sparked excitement among fans.
One user commented on X (formerly Twitter), “Wow, Hamza and Naimal together — like a dream come true,” while another wrote, “Is this news really true? I can’t wait!”
However, the casting has not been without controversy. Some social media users expressed disappointment over the reported replacement of Hiba Bukhari, who was initially rumoured to be in talks for the lead role. “Why cast Naimal when Hiba has been consistently delivering strong performances?” read a comment on a drama fan forum.
Naimal, who continues to maintain an active presence on Instagram, has yet to issue a statement regarding the project. Her return, if confirmed, would mark a significant shift from her previous stance on distancing herself from mainstream media.
