Umrao Jaan Ada (TV series)

Umrao Jaan Ada is a Pakistani television series based on Mirza Hadi Ruswa's novel Umrao Jaan Ada. It is directed by Raana Sheikh and the script was written by Zehra Nigah. It first aired on Geo Entertainment in 2003. Aamina Bano played the title role of a mid-19th-century tawaif from Lucknow, with Bushra Ansari, Faisal Qureshi, Imran Abbas, Humayun Saeed and Sadia Imam in prominent roles. It is one of the expensive television series made in Pakistan.

The series was noted as too bold for the Pakistani audiences due its strong language, depiction of pioneering portrayal of extramarital romantic relationships, especially after Zia-ul-Haq's Islamisation era, and several mujra performances. The series is considered one of the most faithful adaptations of Ruswa's novel.