OsMaya is not an unknown word for fans of Pakistani dramas. The fans fell for the palpable chemistry shared by Osman Khalid Butt and Maya in Ali their debut drama itself and coined this name way before it was considered mainstream for Pakistani pairings to have their names meshed together. Now, eight years later, the charm of this Aunn Zara pairing is still very fresh. Even now the fans just can’t get enough of these real-life great friends’ sizzling chemistry as they are always demanding more of it.
And why wouldn’t they? OsMaya share that rare chemistry in the industry that is not only mesmerizing to look at on-screen but also provides truckloads of feels off-screen. Be it their social media banter or acknowledging each other during the biggest moments of their lives, or simply just indulging in good old fashion leg-pulling whenever they are in the same room, Osman and Maya just exude the “shippable” vibes almost effortlessly.
Still don’t trust us? Well, here are some uniquely OsMaya reasons as to why this is the supreme pairing worth rooting for.
They debuted together
Osman and Maya started their television journey together in the 2012 drama Aik Nayee Cinderella. The drama, an adaptation of Faiza Iftikhar’s novella of the same name, was an instant hit and the fairytale couple of Meesha (Maya) and Mair (Osman) quickly got them both fans and attention.
While the two did not end up together in the drama, #OsMaya had already been created and the duo’s popularity was evident from the fact that they guest-starred on The Nadia Khan Show on the day the show’s finale was to air. Apart from sharing anecdotes about their shooting experience, the two had hilariously enacted the disastrous experience they had gone through in another morning show. It was clear how well in-tune they were with each other and that vibe continues till now.
The tale of their ‘shaadi‘ and ‘do bachay‘
Popular pairings being rumored to be dating is not a new thing. However, in case of OsMaya their rumors bypassed the dating news and jumped straight to the wedding (that of course, never was). Apparently some publication had taken the snaps the duo’s second drama Aunn Zara where they were dressed as bride and groom and spread the news that Osman and Maya had tied the knot. The absurd rumor was discussed in a light-hearted manner when they guest-starred on Tonite With HSY as Osman hilariously tried to look for the rumored two kids all around him.
Chemistry that works in all genres
Osman and Maya have starred in four dramas together where they have romanced each other. And all four dramas belong to completely different genres. Aik Nayee Cinderella had much fairytale romance, while in the romantic-comedy Aunn Zara where they played a newlywed young couple trying to navigate their marriage in an overbearing family amidst hilarious scenarios. The family drama Diyar-e-Dil got them all the mainstream attention as Wali and Faraa, the two characters that were talk of the town in 2015. Then there was Sanam a melodrama where they showcased their most mature chemistry yet. So overall, quite a diverse line up.
OsMaya are far from a one-trick pony and their real life chemistry allows them to mold their on-screen chemistry in any shape from intense to cotton candy soft as per the requirement of the story.
The social media shenanigans
Some of the most memorable OsMaya interactions have happened on their social media, often started by Osman himself. Be it Osman ruthlessly teasing Maya for ditching him for Hamza Ali Abbasi during Mann Mayal days, or the way they always make sure to give each other shoutout and show support for their individual projects, to the heartfelt birthday posts the two always put for each other every year, their every interaction on social media is a small glimpse of the warm yet fun relationship they share in real life. It would be remiss to not talk about that iconic two-part series post that Osman put up for Maya on the night of the Hum Awards 2015 when Diyar e Dil had a clean sweep at the awards.
They own the ramp-walk
Celebrity pairs act as show stoppers at various fashion events throughout the year. After the success of Diyar-e-Dil, OsMaya walked together as showstoppers for two different designers in two separate events. And true to their track record in dramas where every project had them showing a different facet of their chemistry, their ramp-walks were also not the typical and plain kind. ‘The Wink’ and ‘The Dip’ are two very iconic terms in the OsMaya fandom and fans immediately know what they mean whenever they are mentioned.
The way they talk about each other
Genuine warmth can never be faked and in OsMaya’s case, they don’t even have to try. Because ever since their debut until now, Osman and Maya have been completely real and honest when talking about each other. Be it them joking about how Maya did not have a good impression of a surma-laden Osman when she first met him on the set of Aik Nayee Cinderella or the two especially acknowledging and thanking each other when they won awards, there’s always genuine warmth, love, and appreciation in their voices when they talk about each other. Also, which other ship can boast of having this speech?
“We have Masha’Allah come a very long way. There’s nobody that I would want to win this award with but you, Maya. You are not just my co-star; you are my friend, my support, you are the companion to all my crazy.”
– Osman Khalid Butt, on winning Best Jodi Popular with Maya Ali at Hum Awards 2015
And the way Maya succinctly defined her lifelong friendship with Osman.
“Saari zindagi se, saari zindagi tak, dost hai.”
They just have fun when together
The media is always quick to link up a male and female celebrity when they are spotted in the vicinity. Although OsMaya have been made the target of some rumors since the beginning of their careers, it has not deterred them from celebrating their friendship the way they want to. It is a friendship that is full of teasing, banter, childish competition, but most importantly it is full of love and affection. It shows in the way they talk about each other, act around each other, and how they continue to grow their friendship stronger than before despite not always being together.
As Osman said it himself, “with Maya there’s an easy, effortless chemistry. We are very very good friends, we are very close. It just comes naturally.” And Maya said recently that she shares that immediately striking, special chemistry with Osman where she, “knew how Osman would act and how I will react to him,” owing to how in-tune they are with each other when acting together. There’s no wonder that Osman and Maya are ready to work with each other again and are just waiting for that right kind of solid project to come their way.
Well, with the kind of content these two deliver when they are in the same frame, we will be waiting with bated breaths for that elusive (for now) OsMaya Reunion onscreen that would remind the people why OsMaya remain the OG golden pairing of the last decade.