The Pakistani drama industry is set to witness a poignant and unconventional narrative with the upcoming serial Dil Dhoondta Hai Phir Wohi, starring acclaimed actors Zahid Ahmed and Zara Noor Abbas in lead roles.
Produced by Asad Siddiqui under his banner Alpha Productions, this marks the production house’s debut project and promises to delve into the sensitive theme of dementia, a topic rarely explored on local television.
Directed by Adnan Sarwar and penned by Rida Bilal, the drama is slated to air on Express Entertainment, aiming to spark meaningful conversations about memory, identity, love, and resilience.
With its focus on emotional depth over typical romance or revenge tropes, Dil Dhoondta Hai Phir Wohi is positioned as a landmark series that could elevate the standards of socially relevant storytelling in Pakistani dramas.
First glimpses of the leads were shared in late August 2025, generating buzz and even some online criticism for an intimate promotional pose, highlighting the drama’s emotional intensity from the outset.
As of September 2025, the project is midway through shooting, building anticipation among fans eager for a fresh narrative in the industry.
Dil Dhoondta Hai Phir Wohi Cast
The ensemble for Dil Dhoondta Hai Phir Wohi features a strong lead pairing, though full cast details beyond the protagonists have not been officially announced yet. The drama centers on complex, character-driven roles that demand nuanced performances.
Zahid Ahmed
Zahid Ahmed as the Protagonist: Zahid portrays a man afflicted with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), a rare form of the condition that impacts memory, personality, and behavior at a relatively young age. His character undergoes a heartbreaking transformation over 8-10 years, losing his sense of self and memories, which forms the emotional core of the story.
To prepare, Zahid conducted extensive research, including reaching out to fans on social media for real-life insights. He shared, “Many of his fans shared videos of their family members with him which he is grateful for,” using these to study mannerisms and the daily struggles of those with dementia.
Zahid has expressed enthusiasm for the role, noting it as the kind of challenging script he’s sought since his work in Ishq Zahe-e-Naseeb: “This is what he has been looking for… It is beautifully written and he has to research to play this character.”
Zara Noor Abbas
Zara Noor Abbas as the Co-Lead: Zara plays Zahid’s on-screen partner, likely his wife or a close family member who witnesses and supports him through the disease’s progression. Her role emphasizes resilience, love, and the emotional toll of caregiving.
Known for her graceful performances in dramas like Khani and Suno Chanda, Zara brings depth to the narrative’s exploration of loss and endurance. Promotional images show her sharing intimate, heartfelt moments with Zahid, underscoring the couple’s bond amid adversity.
Supporting Cast
As of now, no additional cast members have been revealed publicly. Sources indicate that the drama will feature a tight-knit ensemble to highlight family dynamics and the broader impact of dementia, but announcements for supporting roles—potentially including family members or medical professionals—are awaited.
The focus remains on the leads’ chemistry, which has already been praised for blending “grace and grit.”
Dil Dhoondta Hai Phir Wohi Release Date
Since shooting is not yet completed, so the release date of Dil Dhoondta Hai Phir Wohi can’t be announced right now. We will update you about the release date of the drama as soon as the shooting is completed and we get the final details.
Production Team
Dil Dhoondta Hai Phir Wohi boasts a talented creative team committed to authentic and cinematic storytelling.
Director: Adnan Sarwar
Adnan Sarwar, renowned for his work on films like Shah, Motorcycle Girl, and the drama Ek Thi Nigar, helms the direction. His signature style—infusing realism and emotional authenticity—makes him ideal for this sensitive subject. Sarwar’s vision is expected to elevate the series with high production values, avoiding melodrama in favor of relatable human experiences.
Writer: Rida Bilal
The script is crafted by Rida Bilal, an acclaimed screenwriter known for Jaan-e-Jahan. Her writing promises “socially relevant storytelling woven with deeply emotional and relatable human experiences.” Bilal’s narrative traces the slow unraveling of the protagonist’s life, focusing on themes of memory loss without resorting to clichés.
Producer: Asad Siddiqui
Asad Siddiqui steps into production with this as Alpha Productions’ inaugural drama. Siddiqui, a prominent figure in the industry, aims to deliver “powerful performances, captivating narrative, and high production values.” The project is a collaboration with Express Entertainment’s creative team, ensuring a polished output.
Storyline and Themes
At its heart, Dil Dhoondta Hai Phir Wohi is a tale of love, loss, and unyielding resilience, centered on the progression of Frontotemporal Dementia in a young man. The story spans 8-10 years, depicting how the disease erodes his memories, personality, and relationships, leaving his loved ones to navigate the heartbreak of watching him “drift beyond recognition.”
Unlike conventional Pakistani dramas filled with romance or revenge, this serial confronts the “unraveling of memory” head-on, highlighting the courage required to endure such challenges and sparking conversations about dementia awareness.
The narrative explores family bonds, the emotional burden on caregivers (embodied by Zara’s character), and the human spirit’s fight against inevitable decline. It promises to be a “landmark project” that steps away from formulaic plots, focusing instead on profound themes like identity and the passage of time.
Quotes from the production tease: “The drama focuses on resilience, the heartbreak of watching loved ones fade, and the courage needed to endure such challenges.” This fresh approach is anticipated to resonate deeply, potentially raising public awareness about a condition often overlooked in South Asian media.
Shooting and Production Schedule
Shooting for Dil Dhoondta Hai Phir Wohi officially commenced in late August 2025, with an excited announcement on social media stating, “shooting has officially begun for the highly anticipated project.” By mid-September 2025, the production was reported to be halfway complete, allowing for a timely wrap-up.
Filming is taking place in Pakistan, with a focus on realistic settings to capture the disease’s gradual impact. Behind-the-scenes glimpses shared by the cast and crew have highlighted the collaborative energy, though specific locations or challenges during shoots remain under wraps.
Zahid Ahmed’s preparation involved immersive research, including analyzing fan-submitted videos of dementia patients, ensuring his portrayal is sensitive and accurate. No major delays have been reported, and the production’s efficiency underscores Alpha Productions’ promising entry into the industry.
Broadcast and Release Details
The drama will premiere on Express Entertainment (also referred to as Express TV), a channel known for bold and meaningful programming. This partnership aligns with the channel’s commitment to “elevate the landscape of Pakistani drama” through innovative content.
As of September 19, 2025, no official release date has been announced, but given the midway shooting status, a late 2025 or early 2026 airing is likely. The series is expected to run for a standard episode count, with teasers and OST (original soundtrack) details anticipated soon. Fans can look forward to exclusive interviews and promotional content in the coming weeks.
Anticipation and Impact
Dil Dhoondta Hai Phir Wohi has already generated significant buzz, from promotional photos drawing mixed reactions to praise for its daring premise. Social media platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) are abuzz with excitement over the Zahid-Zara pairing and the drama’s potential to address underrepresented health issues.
Industry observers hail it as a “strong and promising debut” for Alpha Productions, with high expectations for Adnan Sarwar’s direction and Rida Bilal’s script to deliver an emotionally resonant experience.
This drama not only reunites two versatile actors but also pushes boundaries, potentially inspiring more stories on mental health and aging in Pakistani television. As shooting progresses, Dil Dhoondta Hai Phir Wohi stands poised to be a heartfelt addition to the drama landscape, reminding viewers of the enduring search for love and self amid life’s uncertainties.
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.
