Reigniting the Magic: A Look at 2024’s Triumphant Returns
SLOUGH, ENGLAND:
For fans who feared they would never see their favorite artists return to the screen after a long hiatus, 2024 proved that hope springs eternal. As the year draws to a close, we take a closer look at three Pakistani stars who made a comeback to the screen after a break, along with two major international bands who chose 2024 as the year for their highly anticipated returns.
Humayun Saeed
Humayun Saeed needs little introduction. A prominent figure in Pakistani television, Humayun’s career soared with notable roles in Mere Paas Tum Ho (2019) and Bin Roye (2016). His international acclaim grew with his portrayal of Dr. Hashmat in Netflix’s The Crown (2022). This year, Humayun returned to local dramas, taking on the role of Iqbal in Gentleman, a show exploring Karachi’s inner-city gang wars. While the show received mixed reviews, Humayun’s performance was widely praised. His star power shines through his reserved personality, as he remains distant from public scrutiny and social media.
Fawad Khan
Fawad Khan, who first won hearts as the frontman of the rock band EP and later became a household name with roles in Humsafar and Zindagi Gulzar Hai, continues to captivate audiences. In 2024, Fawad made a comeback alongside Sanam Saeed in the much-discussed web series Barzakh. Despite being pulled from YouTube in Pakistan, the show allowed fans to enjoy every episode before its removal. Fawad’s performance remained untouched by the show’s controversial reception. Additionally, Fawad is set to star in the Bollywood romantic comedy Abir Gulaal with Vaani Kapoor, marking yet another milestone in his prolific career.
Fahad Mustafa
Fahad Mustafa’s return to television was nothing short of spectacular, especially with the viral success of Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum. After a 10-year hiatus from acting, Fahad captivated audiences with his portrayal of Mustafa, a carefree character who evolves over the course of the show. Fahad also took on the role of producer, though he has since hinted that juggling both acting and production may not be something he will repeat. Beyond the small screen, Fahad remains a fan favorite, solidifying his place as one of Pakistan’s leading stars.
Oasis
Britpop legends Oasis stunned the music world with their surprise reunion announcement. After years of infamous sibling rivalry, brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher declared in August 2024 that Oasis would reunite for a comeback tour, 15 years after their last performance in 2009. Fans rushed to secure tickets for the band’s highly anticipated concerts at London’s Wembley Stadium in July 2025. The announcement sparked a flood of memes and excitement, with many fans humorously lamenting that younger generations eager to hear Wonderwall live would likely snag all the tickets.
Linkin Park
Not to be outdone, American rock band Linkin Park also made waves with their return. After the tragic death of lead singer Chester Bennington in 2017, the band had remained silent. But in September 2024, Linkin Park announced a new album, tour, and lineup, marking their first new project in seven years. The new lineup, which includes original members Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Dave Farrell, and Joe Hahn, as well as new vocalist Emily Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain, eased fans’ concerns over how the band would continue without Bennington. The release of their new single, The Emptiness Machine, garnered praise, while their latest album, From Ground Zero, debuted in November, bringing their hiatus to an end.
