Hania Aamir, Saman Kamran featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2026 list for Entertainment
Pakistani actor Hania Aamir and filmmaker Saman Kamran have been named in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2026 list, earning recognition in the Entertainment and Sports category for their contributions to the creative industry.
The annual list, compiled by Forbes, highlights emerging leaders under the age of 30 across Asia who are making significant impacts in their respective fields, ranging from entertainment and sports to business and technology. This year marks the 11th edition of the list, which has previously included several Pakistani figures across multiple sectors.
Hania Aamir’s rising global profile
Hania Aamir has emerged as one of Pakistan’s most prominent entertainment figures in recent years, both on-screen and on social media. She recently became the most-followed Pakistani woman on Instagram, surpassing 20 million followers, reflecting her growing international fan base.
Her television work includes popular drama projects such as Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum, which received widespread viewership and critical attention. She is also set to appear in Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samait Lo, which will be Netflix’s first original series produced in Pakistan, marking a significant milestone for the country’s entertainment industry.
Beyond acting, Aamir also serves as the United Nations Women National Goodwill Ambassador for Pakistan, highlighting her involvement in advocacy and social awareness initiatives.
Saman Kamran recognised for socially driven storytelling
Filmmaker Saman Kamran was also included in the list for her work focusing on socially relevant and environmental themes.
Her short film The Bed She Made was the only Pakistani project selected for screening at the Busan International Short Film Festival. The film explores the intersection of climate change and fertility-related challenges in Pakistan, reflecting Kamran’s focus on pressing social issues through cinematic storytelling.
Before transitioning into independent filmmaking, she worked as an assistant director on Umro Ayyar: A New Beginning, gaining experience in large-scale film production.
Pakistan’s inclusion in the Forbes list comes after a gap year in the entertainment category in 2025, although the country was still represented by Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem for his sporting achievements.
In previous editions, several Pakistanis have been honoured, including filmmaker Bushra Sultan (2024), designer and founder Zain Ahmad (2022), visual artist Misha Japanwala (2021), and singer Momina Mustehsan (2018), reflecting a steady presence of Pakistani talent on the global stage.
The latest recognition for Aamir and Kamran further underscores the growing visibility of Pakistan’s entertainment industry across international platforms.