TV host Tabish Hashmi has revealed that he was not the first choice for Geo News when the channel planned its popular satire show Hasna Mana Hai.

 

Speaking during a recent episode that featured Saba Qamar as a guest, Tabish jokingly claimed the channel initially wanted to sign Saba for the show. While welcoming her on stage, he left his seat and told her she was the original face of Geo, referring to her iconic work on Hum Sub Umeed Se Hain.

 

Tabish shared the story with the audience, saying, “I want to tell everyone I was not the first priority for the selection of Hasna Mana Hai. It was Saba Qamar. Then Geo realized if they wanted to do well, should they hire me? No, just kidding.”

 

Saba responded with a laugh and added her own punchline. “Wait, wait. With the budget Geo was giving, only Tabish Hashmi would have agreed. Saba Qamar would not have come,” she said, drawing applause from the audience.

 

Tabish Hashmi began his career as a stand-up comedian and gained recognition through satire and observational comedy before moving into television hosting. 

 

He rose to national prominence with Hasna Mana Hai, where his sharp humor, political satire, and celebrity interviews turned the show into one of Geo News’ most-watched programs. 

 

He also appeared in the film Aag Lagay Basti Mein, featuring Fahad Mustafa and Mahira Khan, which is scheduled to release on Eid ul-Fitr.

 

Saba Qamar is widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s most versatile actors. She earned critical acclaim for television dramas such as Baaghi and Cheekh, and also appeared in films including Hindi Medium. 

 

Earlier in her career, she became a household name as the host of Hum Sub Umeed Se Hain, a show that remains one of Pakistan’s most popular satire programs.