Sana Javed is an iconic figure in Pakistan, known for her memorable roles in dramas such as Khaani and Ruswai. But her journey has not been without controversy, with scandals making headlines, and her recent comeback is generating a lot of buzz. Whether you’re a fan in Lahore, Karachi or Islamabad, this guide takes you through the highlights of Sana Javed’s career, her life in drama and her comeback in 2025. Written in simple, casual English, tailored to Pakistani readers, we offer practical and concise information based on information from reliable local news.
Sana Javed’s career: from beginner to star
Sana Javed, born on 25 March 1993 in Jeddah to Pakistani parents, began her career as a model, appearing in television commercials. She made her film debut in 2012 with small roles in Shehr-e-Zaat and Mera Pehla Pyar. Her real breakthrough came in 2016 with Zara Yaad Kar on Hum TV, where she played a cunning antagonist alongside Zahid Ahmed and Yumna Zaidi. Her boldness won over fans and she became a star.
In 2017, Sana made her film debut with Mehrunisa V Lub U, a fun social comedy with Danish Taimoor. That same year, she was set to star in Rangreza but had to withdraw for personal reasons. Her true claim to fame is Khaani (2017), a romantic drama in which she plays a courageous middle-class girl fighting against injustice. The chemistry with Feroze Khan was palpable, and she was nominated for the Lux Style Awards.
Sana’s talent for challenging roles shone in Ruswai (2019), where she played a rape survivor, winning the PISA Award for Best Actress. In 2020, she took on a controversial role in Dunk, playing a student who falsely accuses her teacher of harassment. Despite mixed reviews, her acting was praised. She also captained the Islamabad Dragons in the Jeeto Pakistan League that year, revealing her fun side.
The controversy: Off-screen drama
In 2022, Sana found herself in a delicate situation when model Manal Saleem criticised an anonymous actress for her ‘arrogant attitude’ and allegedly called her a ‘do takay ki model’ during a shoot. Makeup artists and stylists, including Ikram Gohar, Rhyan Thomas, and Aneela Murtaza, supported Manal, accusing Sana of rude behaviour, harassment, and unprofessionalism on set. Gohar claimed that Sana mistreated her during a Nikah makeup trial, even denying her access to the restroom, while Thomas accused her of sabotaging Sadaf Kanwal’s look at the PISA Awards out of insecurity.
The reaction was massive. Fashion brand Rang Rasiya dropped Sana from its Eid campaign, replacing her with Urwa Hocane, citing ‘disruptive’ behaviour. Sana fought back, calling the allegations ‘baseless’ and issued legal notices demanding PKR 100 million for defamation. Some, such as cricketer Shoaib Malik, defended her, describing her as ‘kind and courteous’. But social media was not kind: fans called her out and some called for a boycott of her shows.
In 2024, Sana faced further criticism after her marriage to Shoaib Malik, amid rumours that he had divorced Sania Mirza for her. She was harassed on social media, with some accusing her of imitating Anushka Sharma’s benevolent wife act during cricket matches. Her first marriage to singer Umair Jaswal (2020-2023) also made headlines, with rumours claiming that he had been pressured to divorce her.
Sana’s comeback in 2025
Sana made a strong comeback in 2023 with Sukoon, an ARY Digital drama alongside Ahsan Khan. Playing Aina in a love triangle, she won hearts with her grace and remarkable transformation: she lost weight and revealed on Good Morning Pakistan that she was committed to healthy eating. Despite mixed reviews, her performance was a highlight, proving that she still has what it takes.
In 2025, Sana is focusing on rebuilding her image. Active on Instagram (@sanajaved.official), she shares glimpses of her work and her life with Shoaib Malik, now Sana Shoaib Malik. Although no major drama projects have been confirmed, rumours on platforms such as Reddit suggest that she is aiming for new roles to win back her fans. Her old series, such as Khaani and Ruswai, are still being broadcast on apps.
