Veteran Pakistani actress Maria Wasti, known for her dynamic performances and commanding screen presence since the 1990s, has finally opened up about why she’s been absent from television screens in recent years.

With a celebrated portfolio that includes memorable roles in Ashiyana, Boota From Toba Tek Singh, Kallo, Rehai, and Malkin, Maria became a household name through her deep portrayals and powerful on-screen partnerships with actors like Faysal Quraishi, Saleem Sheikh, and Kashif Mehmood.

However, her noticeable retreat from the spotlight had many fans wondering about the reason behind her prolonged absence.

In a candid appearance on Dunya TV’s Mazaq Raat, hosted by Imran Ashraf, Maria addressed the curiosity head-on. “Sometimes, stepping back is necessary,” she shared. “I’ve always believed in taking a break when things feel repetitive. For me, acting isn’t just work—it’s about connecting with meaningful stories.”

She explained that while offers keep coming, she has grown increasingly selective due to the lack of quality content. “There’s no shortage of scripts, but most lack depth. I’m looking for characters that challenge me, that reflect the complexity of real people,” she said.

Maria also criticized the industry’s growing tendency to rely on formulaic storytelling. “Human beings are layered. A single person can play multiple roles—father, son, husband—each with their own emotional journey. But that richness is missing from today’s narratives. Everything feels like a copy of something we’ve seen before.”

Her remarks struck a chord with audiences who have long admired her thoughtful approach to acting. Rather than chase the limelight, Maria remains committed to stories that resonate on a deeper level, proving that for her, quality will always outweigh quantity.

Though she’s on a creative pause, Maria Wasti’s impact on Pakistani television continues to endure—quiet, yet powerful.