Sutapa Sikdar Praises Pakistani Actress Hajra Yamin, Calls Her an “Underrated Gem”

Cross-border appreciation in the entertainment industry has once again come into focus after Sutapa Sikdar, writer and wife of the late actor Irrfan Khan, praised Pakistani actress Hajra Yamin for her performance in the television drama Doctor Bahu.

The comment, shared on social media, has drawn attention for highlighting the shared artistic respect between Indian and Pakistani performers, despite limited professional collaboration in recent years.

Sutapa Sikdar’s praise for Hajra Yamin

Sutapa Sikdar reacted to a post by journalist Sadiq Saleem, where Hajra Yamin’s performance in Doctor Bahu was being discussed. In the comments, Sikdar described the actress as an “underrated gem”, appreciating her screen presence and acting discipline.

She noted that Yamin maintains strong control over her performances even when paired with inconsistent co-actors, adding that her craft remains consistent regardless of the strength of the supporting cast.

Sikdar further observed that when Yamin shares scenes with strong performers, the overall impact of the scene becomes significantly more powerful, highlighting her adaptability as an actor.

She also praised Doctor Bahu, calling it a well-written and well-directed production.

Hajra Yamin responds with gratitude

Hajra Yamin responded warmly to the appreciation, expressing gratitude for the recognition. She also shared a personal connection, stating that she has long admired the work of Irrfan Khan, making the praise especially meaningful coming from his family.

Her response emphasized the emotional value of the acknowledgment and reflected the deep respect she holds for Indian cinema and its performers.

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A post shared by Sadiq Saleem (@sadiqidas)

A legacy of cross-border artistic respect

Irrfan Khan himself was widely regarded as an actor who bridged cinematic boundaries through his work. Over his career, he collaborated with Pakistani artists such as Adnan Siddiqui in A Mighty Heart and Saba Qamar in Hindi Medium, performances that were critically acclaimed on both sides of the border.

His legacy continues to be associated with artistic openness and cultural collaboration beyond geographical divisions.

Hajra Yamin’s growing recognition

Hajra Yamin has steadily built a strong reputation in Pakistani television and film through versatile performances. Her notable projects include Ehd-e-Wafa (2019), Noor Jahan (2024), and Main Manto Nahi Hoon.

Currently, she is earning praise for her roles in Doctor Bahu and Humrahi, further strengthening her position as one of Pakistan’s prominent contemporary actors.