Many stars have shined in Pakistan’s showbiz industry but some chose to leave fame behind to follow Islamic teachings.

Here are a few notable celebrities who turned away from the limelight to pursue a life in line with their religious beliefs.

•Sarah Chaudhry

Sarah entered the industry in 2003 quickly rising to fame with her beauty and talent.

She starred in several well-known dramas like Dil Diya Dehleez, Tere Pehlu Mein, Udaan, Tere Jaane Ke Baad and Tarikiyan.

However at the peak of her career in early 2010 she left showbiz married a businessman from Dubai and relocated there.

In a podcast Sarah shared that despite her success there was a void in her life. Her family’s influence and the sudden death of a close relative led her to realize the fleeting nature of life prompting her decision to leave the industry.

•Noor Bukhari

Noor a former actress host director and model worked in countless films dramas and commercials.

She entered the film industry in the mid-90s and starred in films like Mujhe Chand Chahiye, Jannat, Aag Ka Dariya and Tere Pyar Mein.

Noor’s multiple marriages were often in the spotlight with her eventually clarifying she married three men five times in total.

In 2017 she announced her departure from showbiz stating that she had found guidance from Allah and would no longer participate in any acting modeling or dancing.

•Anum Fayyaz

Anum began her career in modeling after 2010 and later ventured into acting quickly making a name for herself.

She appeared in hit dramas such as Zard Mausam, Mein Haari Piya, Ghar Ek Jannat, Ishq Ibadat and many more. Anum married Asad Anwar in Mecca in 2016 after which she began limiting her work in showbiz.

In February 2023 she announced on Instagram her decision to permanently leave the industry to live according to Islamic teachings.

•Sanam Chaudhry

Sanam made her TV debut in 2013 with the drama Ishq Hamari Galiyon Mein and went on to act in numerous dramas including Aasmano Pe Likha, Bhol and Ghar Titli Ka Par.

She married musician Somee Chauhan in 2019 and they welcomed their son in 2020. In 2021 she deleted her Instagram photos and hinted at her journey toward spirituality.

By December 2021 she confirmed that she had left showbiz saying she sought inner peace and a better life beyond acting.

•Zarnish Khan

Zarnish entered the industry in 2015 with the drama Susral Mera and her work in dramas like Sahara Mein Safar, Laaj, Suno Chanda, Sun Yara and Ek Mohabbat Kaafi Hai earned her acclaim.

After performing Umrah in February 2023 Zarnish deleted her old photos and started sharing religious content on social media.

Recently she revealed in an interview that a vision of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in a dream influenced her to leave showbiz and she sought Allah’s help to continue on this path.

•Zainab Jamil

Zainab started her career as a news anchor and later worked as a VJ on an entertainment channel before moving into acting.

She starred in dramas like Sada Sukhi Raho, Susral Meri Behan Ka, Mil Ke Bhi Hum Na Mile and Aap Ki Kaneez. In

March 2015 she announced her departure from showbiz stating that she would no longer continue as an actress or model due to her commitment to Islam.

She recently made headlines after surviving an attack allegedly orchestrated by her husband.

•Momal Khalid

Momal began her career in 2008 with the drama Khudgarz and later appeared in Bechari Qudsia, Guriya Rani and Mere Humnasheen.

Although she didn’t act in many dramas, she left a strong impression. After marrying Usman Patel in 2017 she deleted her photos without hijab from Instagram sharing only veiled pictures and religious content.

When asked by a fan in May 2023 if she would return to acting Momal confirmed she had left showbiz permanently to live according to her faith.