Intro: When Chemistry Just Isn’t Enough
In the world of Pakistani dramas, it’s no secret that on-screen couples can either elevate a show to iconic status or drag it down into forgettable territory. Even with a predictable plot, the right pairing has the power to capture hearts — just think of Tere Bin, Mere Humsafar, and Ishq Murshid. But sometimes, no matter how skilled the actors are, some on-screen couples just don’t click. Whether it’s due to lack of chemistry, awkward age gaps, or simply a mismatched vibe, these pairs left viewers scratching their heads.
Here’s a look at the recent on-screen couples that, despite all efforts, just didn’t make any emotional sense on screen.
- Noor & Murad – Noor Jahan
Noor Jahan on ARY Digital brought us relatable family drama centered around in-laws’ politics. Kubra Khan and Ali Raza stepped into the shoes of Noor and Murad, a newlywed couple. Although they delivered decent individual performances, as on-screen couples, they lacked that emotional spark. Instead of a romantic duo madly in love, they gave off strong cousin or buddy vibes. The emotional connection one expects from newlyweds was sorely missing, making their scenes fall flat. 
- Munna & Zarnab – Gentleman
Gentleman gave viewers an exciting storyline, and for the first time ever, Humayun Saeed and Yumna Zaidi came together as a fresh on-screen couple. While both actors shine individually—Humayun with his charisma and Yumna’s emotional range—their chemistry as Munna and Zarnab just didn’t land. They looked more like office colleagues than lovers. Despite their individual fan bases, this on-screen couple didn’t deliver the romantic intensity the storyline demanded. 
- Zaid & Ayra – Mein
Mein was heavily centered around a deep, passionate love story between Zaid and Ayra, portrayed by Wahaj Ali and Azekah Daniel. But surprisingly, the on-screen couple looked uncomfortable and mismatched in most scenes. The emotional depth that was supposed to define their relationship was absent. Ironically, both characters had better on-screen chemistry with Mubashira Jaffar, making the central pairing seem dull and misplaced. 
- Zain & Emaan – Radd
Radd has been a ratings juggernaut, thanks to Hiba Bukhari’s amazing chemistry with Sheheryar Munawar. But the earlier love track featuring Arsalan Naseer’s Zain and Hiba’s Emaan fell short. The narrative tried to convince viewers that Emaan was deeply in love with Zain, yet the emotional conviction was lacking. As on-screen couples go, this one didn’t resonate, especially when compared to Hiba’s prior pairings with Wahaj Ali in Fitoor. 
- Dilsher & Sitara – Akhara
Akhara was a breath of fresh air, full of action and transformation. Feroze Khan as Dilsher looked every bit the rugged fighter, while Sonya Hussyn played Sitara. Despite the strong storyline, the central love story didn’t strike the right chord. The on-screen couple never showed the passion or emotional connection the script hinted at. Instead, their scenes often felt like filler moments rather than a key part of the story. 
- Faiz & Hareem – Khumar
Feroze Khan returned to TV with Khumar, playing the soft-hearted Faiz opposite Neelam Muneer’s Hareem. While the drama was set up to be a classic love tale filled with misunderstandings and emotional twists, this on-screen couple just didn’t fit. From the first episode to the last, Faiz and Hareem felt more like strangers than soulmates. Their pairing lacked harmony, making it one of the most forgettable duos in recent memory. 
- Salaar & Wadima – Teri Chhaon Mein
Danish Taimoor returned in a typical romantic role, this time opposite newcomer Laiba Khurram. They played Salaar and Wadima, a pair of love-struck youngsters who defy their families. But unfortunately, the age difference between the actors was too noticeable to ignore. As on-screen couples go, this one looked unbalanced. Danish tried to bring his usual romantic flair, but their scenes came across as forced and awkward. - Shabrez & Mehar – Rah e Junoon
Another attempt by Danish Taimoor to ignite romance on-screen was with Komal Meer in Rah e Junoon. Shabrez and Mehar were portrayed as passionate lovers, but the visual mismatch between them was jarring. Komal’s youthful appearance clashed with Danish’s mature persona, making it hard to believe in their love story. As on-screen couples, their interactions lacked natural chemistry, making viewers wish for alternate casting choices. 
Conclusion: Why Chemistry Is Everything for On-Screen Couples
In the end, casting the right on-screen couples is critical to the success of any drama. No matter how gripping the plot or how talented the cast, if the chemistry doesn’t translate on screen, audiences will disconnect. While some recent dramas have nailed this with unforgettable pairs, others have missed the mark completely. These eight mismatched couples remind us that good storytelling needs believable love stories—and that starts with the right on-screen couple.
