UNDER THE RADAR

entertainment

Every now and then, television introduces fresh faces who aren’t riding on hype alone, they’re slowly etching their names into audience memory through nuanced work and memorable characters. While established stars dominate the spotlight, there’s a new generation shaping up with range and depth. From sensitive portrayals in socially charged dramas to emotionally layered arcs that have drawn digital chatter, these new talents stand on the brink of wider recognition. This week, You! shares the pick of the most promising under the radar actors of 2026…

Ahsan Afzal Khan

Ahsan Afzal Khan has been carving out his screen presence in Sharpasand, appearing alongside seasoned performers but still managing to catch the eye. Young actors often get overshadowed in ensemble dramas, but Ahsan’s nuanced work, blending youthful relatability with adaptability, points to an actor who could step confidently into lead parts soon. He also appeared in shows including Laadli and Bharam. He’s still building recognition, but his contributions suggest readiness for more significant challenges in the year ahead.

Elahi Bux Khan

Another young standout from Jama Taqseem, Elahi Bux Khan impressed with his portrayal of Zeeshan’s emotional arc, handling both the sleazy and introspective sides of the character with surprising maturity. His theatre background shines through in his physicality and expressive range, traits that larger screen roles will likely reward. Elahi isn’t a name you’d immediately recognise yet, and that’s exactly why he feels like a rising star worth watching in 2026: a performer building credibility before mainstream fame locks him into one image.

Nooray Zeeshan

Nooray Zeeshan emerged as a compelling presence in Parwarish, where her performance showcased a natural ease and relatability. Though still developing her portfolio, she demonstrated emotional clarity and authenticity, qualities that often distinguish breakout actresses early on. Audiences gravitated toward her scenes because they felt lived in rather than staged. With her early work already hinting at wider range, Nooray could be one of 2026’s most talked about young actresses if she lands roles that let her explore that depth further.

Abul Hasan

Popularly known on Instagram as ‘Abulo’, Abul Hasan recently stepped into acting. While Parwarish was led by its main cast, Abul Hasan’s performance as Sameer Suleman left an impression. Playing a supporting character, his grounded emotional realism resonated with viewers. Smaller roles are often where truly versatile actors emerge and in Abul Hasan’s work, there was an understated confidence that suggested he’s capable of much more than cameo energy. Without overplaying scenes, he hinted at range and depth, an ideal combination for an actor ready to scale up in 2026 with more substantive parts.

Zuni Sheikh

Zuni Sheikh has drawn attention with her performance as Hafsa in Sharpasand, a character arc that is emotionally intense and socially resonant. Although the show features veteran actors in its ensemble, Zuni’s portrayal stands out for its emotional sincerity, especially during dramatic moments that challenge viewers and spark discussions online. Her work hints at maturity beyond her screen time, making her a prospect for more prominent roles. With 2026 shaping up as a year of stronger storytelling on television, Zuni looks set to build on this momentum.

Nazeeha Zainab

Nazeeha Zainab’s debut as Sidra in Jama Taqseem was one of the pleasant surprises of 2025. Her portrayal of a young woman navigating sensitive familial tensions demanded emotional honesty and she delivered it with natural ease and authentic presence. Despite the buzz and occasional comparison with better known names, Nazeeha remains relatively unknown to mainstream audiences, a genuine discovery rather than a freshly hyped face. Her capacity to bring nuance and vulnerability to screen makes her one of the most intriguing young actresses to follow heading into 2026.

Syed Sohaib

Another fresh face from Jama Taqseem, Syed Sohaib’s portrayal of Faisal as a Gen Z character embodying respect and boundary awareness garnered appreciation. In a medium saturated with predictable archetypes, his grounded performance, realistic dialogue delivery, believable reactions and ease in emotional scenes, hinted at an actor with authentic instincts. He’s currently operating under the radar, but if 2026 brings roles that showcase his adaptability, he could quickly become a name audiences remember long after the credits roll.