Atiqa Odho (born 12 February 1968 ) is a Pakistani television and film actress, television host, and the namesake of her own founded cosmetics brand Odho Cosmetics. She debuted in Anwar Maqsood's TV series Sitara aur Mehrunissa and later appeared in dramas like Dasht, Nijaat, Harjaee and most recently in Humsafar. She also starred in a string of films, including Jo Darr Gya Woh Marr Gya, Mummy and Mujhe Chand Chahiye.

Early life and career

Born into a Sindhi family, the granddaughter of the Sardar of Jacobabad, in 1968, she started her professional life as a make-up artist and hairstylist in 1989. While working as a make-up artist for various advertising agencies in Karachi, she was discovered by television personality, Anwar Maqsood. She starred in his play, Sitara Aur Mehrunissa in 1992. In 1995, she made her film debut in Jo Darr Gya Woh Marr Gya. Her latest role is as Mansura in Pyar Ke Sadqey. In 2022, Atiqa Odho joins the Turkish drama Koyu Beyaz in which she will make her debut on the world stage.

Social work

Since 2016, she has also been engaged in philanthropic activities. She has been working for Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital, Fatmeed Foundation, and as a social worker in "Hamara Mulk, Hamaray Log". She is currently the CEO of Odho Cosmetics and Odho Productions. She is also the ambassador for a campaign on awareness of breast cancer in Pakistan. In June 2021, Atiqa has been elected as the chairperson of Actors Collective Trust that aims at the betterment of the artist community.

Personal life

Marriages

Atiqa first married at the age of 15. She gave birth to her first daughter at the age of 16, and to a son at the age of 19. Her first marriage lasted six years. Odho was again married to Javed Akhund at the age of 21 and had one daughter and a son. She gave birth to her son at the age of 29. A few years later, they were divorced. In July 2012, she married Samar Ali Khan for the third time.

The liquor case controversy

In June 2011, Odho was detained and then released shortly after, by the Airport Security Force at the Benazir Bhutto International Airport for allegedly carrying two liquor bottles in her luggage. After a court trial for 9 years, she was finally acquitted by a Rawalpindi civil court in August 2020.

Filmography

Films

Television

Television long-plays/ telefilms

Television shows

Awards and recognition