Anjum Shahzad () is a Pakistani TV and film director, producer, writer, actor and philanthropist. Shahzad is best known for his role as Bobby in the critically acclaimed and madly-followed comedy series Family Front in 1997. The situational comedy earned him PTV Award for Best Debut Actor.
Early life and education Anjum Shahzad was born and raised in Islamabad, where he spent his childhood engaged in outdoor activities such as climbing trees, playing badminton and football, and organizing informal performances with friends during school breaks.Khan, Mariam (3–9 September 2016). "Anjum Shahzad Capturing Emotions On Reel". Mag The Weekly. Archived 24 June 2025.
He initially intended to pursue a military career and applied twice to join the Pakistan Army, but was not recommended. He then considered preparing for the civil service examination (CSS) before ultimately deciding against pursuing a traditional career path. He later earned a master's degree in Economics from the University of the Punjab in Lahore.
While studying in Lahore, Shahzad developed an interest in the performing arts. He enrolled in a one-year acting course and participated in several workshops covering theatre acting, theatre direction, television direction, and screenplay writing. In 1996, he joined the Lahore Drama School, where he completed an eight-month theatre program led by prominent figures such as Shoaib Hashmi, Samina Ahmed, Salman Shahid, and Ustad Paras. During this time, he co-founded the theatre group Daastan with fellow student Zain Ahmed, the son of Samina Ahmed.
Career
Television Shahzad began his career with the role of Bobby in the 1997 sitcom Family Front. Soon after the success of his character he stopped seeking roles for acting on screen, to pursue a successful career in direction. Shahzad received accoldates for his directoral work, including his 3rd Best TV Director award at 15th Lux Style Awards for Rang Laaga (2015).
Cinema He debuted as film director in 2016 with a biopic Mah-e-Mir inspired by the life of a genius Urdu poet of 18th century, Mir Taqi Mir, with semi-fictional elements. The movie was screened as part of the official selection of the Guam International Film Festival, which included around 60 films, according to its website. The film picked up the Best Narrative Film award at the festival. Later that year, it won Best Film and Best Music awards at India's most prestigious awards at the Dada Saheb Film Festival, held in Delhi. Mah e Mir was selected by the Pakistani Academy Selection Committee as the Pakistan's Official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 89th Academy Awards.
Anjum Shahzad's second film Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hai was released in 2016.
Filmography Films YearTitleDirectorWriter2013Armaan 2016Mah-e-Mir Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hay
Television series YearTitleActorDirectorWriterProducerNetwork1997Family Front PTV1998Kyun? 2000College Jeans 2008Pehla ChandGeo EntertainmentSatrangi2013Kabhi Kabhi ARY Digital2014Dusri Biwi 2015Rang Laaga 2016Mera Yaar Miladay2017Dil‑e‑Nadaan Express EntertainmentKhaani Geo Entertainment2018Romeo Weds Heer 2019Darr Khuda Say 2021Pehli Si Muhabbat ARY Digital2023JindoGreen EntertainmentIdiot 22 Qadam2024AkharaAbdullahpur Ka DevdasZee Zindagi2025Neeli KothiHum TV
Awards and nominations YearNominated ForEventCategoryResults1998 Family Front PTV AwardBest Debut Actor 2005 Woh Tees Din Lux Style Award Best TV Director - Satellite 2008 Pehla Chand 7th Lux Style AwardsBest TV Director - Satellite 2016 Rang Laaga 15th Lux Style AwardsBest TV Director Mah e MirDada Saheb Film Festival Best Film Award Best Music Award Guam International Film Festival Best Narrative Film 2017Prague Independent Film Festival Best Director Best Cinematography 16th Lux Style Awards Best Film Director 2018 Khaani 17th Lux Style Awards Best TV Director
References
External links
- official website