Mon, Oct 13
|Will C. Hogg Building - UT Austin
Haunting and Human: The Women Samiya Mumtaz Brings to Life
UT Professor and Chair of Anthropology, Kamran Asdar Ali, will engage acclaimed Pakistani TV and film actor Samiya Khan Mumtaz in a candid conversation about her career, themes in her body of work, her advocacy and activism, and her lifestyle as an organic farmer – a quiet rebellion against consumer
Time & Location
Oct 13, 2025, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Will C. Hogg Building - UT Austin, Will C.Hogg Bldg, 120 Inner Campus Drive, Austin, TX 78712, USA
About the Event
UT Professor and Chair of Anthropology, Kamran Asdar Ali, will engage acclaimed Pakistani TV and film actor Samiya Khan Mumtaz in a candid conversation about her career, themes in her body of work, her advocacy and activism, and her lifestyle as an organic farmer – a quiet rebellion against consumerism and celebrity culture.
About Samiya Mumtaz
An early induction into theater and a mentor who instilled a sense of artistic responsibility have influenced Samiya Khan Mumtaz’s acting career and choices. She is deeply committed to social justice and consistently gravitates towards scripts that challenge the status quo and provoke public discourse. Her choice of characters often mirrors her off-screen convictions. Mumtaz’s performances are understated yet powerful. She doesn’t rely on melodrama but on emotional authenticity, which makes her characters feel haunting and human. Although, acting on TV, she said, was a financial decision, she never compromised on integrity, refusing roles that didn’t align with her values.
Career Highlights
Debut & Early Work: Began in theater and transitioned to television with Zard Dopehar (1995), showcasing her roots in socially conscious storytelling.
Breakthrough: Gained acclaim for Meri Zaat Zarra-e-Benishan (2009–10), portraying an ill-fated woman in a deeply emotional narrative.
Film Debut: Starred in Dukhtar (2014), a drama-thriller tackling child marriage and the tribal custom of swara, which earned international praise.
Notable Performances:
Sadqay Tumhare – Played an abusive mother, earning a Hum Award for her intense performance
Udaari – Portrayed the mother of a sexually abused child, contributing to national dialogue on child protection
Ali Ki Ammi, Maaye Ni, Sang-e-Mah, Moor, Tan Man Neel o Neel and Zindagi Tamasha – Each role layered with emotional depth and social relevance
⏰ 3:00 - 5:00PM
📆 October 13
📍UT Austin
Will C. Hogg Building
4.118 Meyerson Conference Room
120 Inner Campus Drive
Austin, TX 78712
Samiya Mumtaz starred in Zindagi Tamasha (Circus of Life), a film screened by Indie Meme in 2021.
