Reham Rafiq, the Pakistani actress and dancer known for her captivating performances in dramas like Parwarish, Jhoom, Kaffara, and Judwaa, has once again captured the spotlight. This time, it’s not a recent role or a TikTok challenge that’s making waves, but a resurfaced video from her childhood that has taken social media by storm.
Mixed Reactions and Public Discourse
While many fans have celebrated the resurfaced video for showcasing Reham’s early talent, it has also sparked controversy. Some viewers, particularly fans of her drama Judwaa, expressed surprise and criticism, with comments ranging from disapproval of her dance moves to personal remarks about her character.
Social media reactions included sentiments like, “So she’s been like this since childhood,” and “Sad to see what is being promoted to Muslims.” Others, however, praised her confidence and skill, with comments like, “Wow, she was a star even back then!”
Reham has faced similar scrutiny before, notably for a TikTok dance video to “Shake It to the Max,” which also drew mixed reactions. In response to such criticism, she has consistently advocated for tolerance and personal freedom, famously stating, “Live and let live,” in response to backlash over a recent Eid dance video. Her poised responses have earned her support from fans who admire her resilience and commitment to her art.
Another clip, showcasing her winning performance at the Karachi Youth Festival 2016 Dance Finals, has sparked a mix of admiration, nostalgia, and debate across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
A Star in the Making: The 2016 Dance Finals
At the Karachi Youth Festival 2016 Dance Finals, a young Reham Rafiq took the stage with confidence and flair, delivering a performance that earned her the top spot in the competition. In the viral video, Reham is seen dancing to a Western song, dressed in a casual grey and black outfit, her moves perfectly in sync with the beat.
The caption “Do you know her?” accompanied the clip when it resurfaced, prompting fans to recognize the now-famous actress who played Rakhshi in Judwaa and Amal Sulaiman in Parwarish. Her youthful energy and polished choreography in the video highlight the roots of her passion for dance, a craft she has carried into her professional career.
From Dance Floor to Drama Sets
Reham’s journey in the entertainment industry began with dance, a passion she nurtured from a young age. She participated in prestigious events like the Arts Council dance competitions and performed as a background dancer in films such as Romeo Weds Heer and Heer Maan Ja.
Her expressive movements and strong stage presence caught the attention of directors, leading to her acting debut in 2021 with Nabeel Qureshi’s film Khel Khel Mein. Since then, she has become a household name, earning praise for her relatable and emotive performances in television dramas.
The viral 2016 dance video serves as a reminder of Reham’s longstanding dedication to her craft. In interviews, she has shared that opportunities for dancers in Pakistan are limited due to the lack of a robust film industry and live performance culture. This reality pushed her to pivot toward acting, but she has never abandoned her love for dance.
Her social media accounts, boasting 340,000 followers on Instagram and 918,000 on TikTok, are filled with dance clips that blend cultural pride with modern trends, keeping her connected to her roots.
A Multifaceted Talent
Beyond her dancing and acting, Reham is also a skilled voice-over artist, having lent her voice to animated characters and Turkish dramas. Her versatility extends to live performances, such as a dubbing demonstration on Hasna Mana Hai with Tabish Hashmi, where she showcased her ability to voice cartoon characters.
Her multifaceted career, combined with her strong social media presence, has made her a relatable and accessible figure to fans worldwide.
Reham’s personal life has also garnered attention. As the younger sister of Pakistani singer Nimra Rafiq, she comes from a family of performers. In April 2025, she married Shakeeb Khan in a private ceremony, and her wedding dance videos, including one with her husband and another with her grandmother at her dholki, also went viral, showcasing her ability to bring joy to any occasion.
A Lasting Impact
The viral resurgence of Reham Rafiq’s 2016 Karachi Youth Festival performance underscores her journey from a talented young dancer to a celebrated actress and social media influencer. While the video has sparked debate, it has also highlighted her unwavering passion for dance and her ability to captivate audiences, both then and now.
As she continues to shine in Parwarish and engage fans with her vibrant online presence, Reham Rafiq proves that her talent transcends boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on Pakistan’s entertainment industry.
Whether she’s stealing the show on a drama set or grooving to a classic song at a wedding, Reham’s energy and authenticity resonate with audiences. Her story is one of perseverance, versatility, and an unapologetic love for her craft—a true testament to her status as an emerging star.
Nikhil Sharma is a seasoned news editor at TheDailyNewsTimes.com, based in India. With over a decade of experience, he specializes in political, entertainment and cultural journalism. His editorial leadership delivers balanced, impactful content for a global audience. Nikhil’s dedication to truth has earned him widespread respect in the industry.
