Bollywood, the heart and soul of Indian cinema, has always been a thriving hub of talent, drawing artists from diverse backgrounds around the globe. Over the years, it has served as a melting pot of cultures and creativity, fostering collaborations that transcended boundaries. However, due to political tensions and differences between India and Pakistan, the ban on Pakistani Actors and actresses in Bollywood and Indian cinema had created a void that seemed insurmountable.
In this Blog we will feature Top 10 Pakistani Actors in Bollywood
10] Rasheed Naz
Bollywood Flim: BABY
Rasheed Naz, born on September 9, 1948, in Peshawar, Pakistan, was a prominent Pakistani film and television actor. He had a diverse career that spanned both television and film industries. Beginning in 1971, he embarked on his television journey, starring in Pashto, Hindko, and Urdu-language plays.
In the realm of cinema, Rasheed Naz appeared in various films, including his debut Pashto film “Zama Jang” in 1988, as well as notable works such as “Dakait” by Syed Noor and “Khuda Ke Liye” by Shoaib Mansoor.
Acknowledging his significant contributions to the television and film industries, Rasheed Naz was honored with the Pride of Performance Award by the Government of Pakistan.
Sadly, Rasheed Naz passed away on January 17, 2022, at the age of 73. Rasheed Naz was one of the talented Pakistani actors in Bollywood for his Intense role in the movie Baby.
Read more about Rasheed Naz: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rasheed_Naz
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9] Salman Shahid
Bollywood Films:
- Ishqiya
- Dedh Ishqiya
- Kabul Express
Salman Shahid, born on January 1, 1948, in Lahore, Pakistan, is a highly accomplished Pakistani actor known for his remarkable contributions to the film, theatre, television, and voice acting industries. With a career spanning across Lollywood, Bollywood, and theatre, he has left an indelible mark on the entertainment landscape.
Coming from a family deeply rooted in the film industry, Salman Shahid is the son of producer Saleem Shahid and veteran actress Khursheed Shahid. His passion for acting led him to appear in several Pakistani television shows, including popular ones like “Such Gup,” “Taal Matol,” “Teen Bata Teen,” and “Ho Bahoo,” captivating audiences with his talent and versatility.
Salman Shahid’s acting prowess is not limited to television alone. He has also made significant contributions to Pakistani films and theatre productions. Films such as “Ababeel” and “Seerhian” have showcased his ability to portray diverse characters with depth and authenticity.
Salman Shahid is one of the Senior Pakistani actors who has Performed in Bollywood movies.
Read more about Salman Shahid: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salman_Shahid
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8] Adeel Chaudhary
Bollywood Films :
- Bhaangarh
- Rhythm [2016]
Adeel Chaudhry is a Pakistani-Canadian actor, singer, songwriter, and model. Born on June 15, 1988, in Kharian, Pakistan, he has worked in Hindi and Urdu films and television. Adeel studied dentistry at King Edward Medical University and is also a dental surgeon.
He began his career as a model and actor, and later transitioned to singing, releasing his debut album “Koi Chehra” in 2009 and his second album “Raat Ruk Jaa” in 2013. Adeel has appeared in various dramas, including Bharosa Pyar Tera, Munafiq, Faryaad, Roag, Samjhota, Farq, Daniyal, Fasiq, Mutahir, and Hiddat.
Read more about Adeel Chaudhary: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adeel_Chaudhry
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7] Alyy Khan
Bollywood Film: Don 2
Alyy Khan, a British-Pakistani actor, television host, and theatre director, has established his presence in Hollywood, Bollywood, and Lollywood films and television series. He was born in Karachi, Pakistan, on December 6, 1968, and later moved to Kolkata, India, at the age of nine before settling in London. Alyy Khan holds a diploma in film and television production from Pimlico Arts and Media College.
Alyy Khan’s talent has shone in various notable roles, including his performances in films such as “A Mighty Heart” and “Traitor.” He has also made appearances in several television series, including popular shows like “The Bill,” “Strike Back,” “Saat Pardon Mein,” “Indian Summers,” and “The Serpent.” In 2012, Alyy Khan showcased his hosting skills by presenting the television reality show “Foodistan” for NDTV and Geo TV.
In addition to his acting and hosting endeavors, Alyy Khan has ventured into theatre directing. In 2013, he directed the play “Aapki Soniya,” featuring Sajid Hasan and Mehwish Hayat, which was staged in Karachi’s NAPA.
Alyy Khan is among the few Pakistani actors in Bollywood who have had the opportunity to work with Shahrukh Khan.
Read more about Alyy Khan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alyy_Khan
Also Read: 10 Muslim actors in bollywood
6] Humayun Saeed
Bollywood Film: Jashnn [2019]
Humayun Saeed Ansari, professionally known as Humayun Saeed, is a Pakistani actor, model, and producer. He was born on July 27, 1971, in Karachi, Pakistan. Saeed started his career in 1995 and has appeared in dozens of Pakistani television dramas and a small number of films.
He is one of the most famous Pakistani actors and has received numerous award nominations and honors. Saeed has also produced several television dramas under his production company, H.S. Production, including “Tum he to ho,” “Pehli Khahish,” “Adhuray Khawab,” “Dil wo bay mehar,” and “Undekhi”. Some of his notable television dramas include “Mehndi,” “Doraha,” “Kabhi Kabhi Pyar Mein,” “Kaafir,” “Uraan,” “Hum Se Juda Na Hona,” “Ladies Park,” “Meri Zaat Zarra-e-Benishan,” and “Daam”. Saeed has also acted in several blockbuster movies, such as “Main Hoon Shahid Afridi” and “Jawani Phir Nahi Ani”
Read more about Humayun Saeed: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humayun_Saeed
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5] Mikaal Zulfiqar
Bollywood Films:
- Shoot on Sight
- Baby
Mikaal Zulfiqar, a British-Pakistani actor and former model, was born on September 5, 1982, in London, England. With his captivating personality and undeniable talent, he has gained a significant following in Pakistan and abroad. Starting his career as a model, Mikaal Zulfiqar quickly made a name for himself in the Pakistani showbiz industry, becoming one of the most sought-after models.
Transitioning from modeling to acting, Mikaal Zulfiqar has showcased his skills in numerous Pakistani television series, solidifying his position as one of the highest-paid actors in the country. His on-screen presence and versatile performances have garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
While primarily active in Pakistani films, Mikaal Zulfiqar has also ventured into Indian cinema, further expanding his reach and influence. He made his film debut with the Pakistani movie “Godfather” and has continued to make notable contributions to the film industry.
Among his notable television series are “Mohabat Subh Ka Sitara Hai,” “Diyar-e-Dil,” “Sang-e-Mar Mar,” “Alif Allah Aur Insaan,” “Ruswai,” and “Chauraha.”
Read more about Mikaal Zulfiqar: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikaal_Zulfiqar
4] Jawed Sheikh
Bollywood Films:
- Om Shanti Om
- My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves
- Namaste London
- Tamasha
- Happy Bhag Jayegi
Jawed Sheikh, born on October 8, 1954, is a prominent Pakistani actor, director, and producer who has made a significant impact in both Lollywood and Bollywood. Hailing from Rawalpindi, Pakistan, he stepped into the world of acting with his debut film “Dhamaka” in Lollywood, which was released on December 14, 1974. Since then, Jawed Sheikh has starred in more than 100 Urdu, Sinhala, and Punjabi films, showcasing his versatility and talent. Additionally, he has appeared in numerous television serials on channels like PTV, Hum TV, and Geo.
In 1995, Jawed Sheikh made his directorial debut with the film “Mushkil.” He continued to expand his directorial repertoire with notable works like “Yeh Dil Aap Ka Huwa” in 2002, where he also played a supporting role. His directorial ventures have added another dimension to his artistic contributions.
Notably, Jawed Sheikh stands among the few Pakistani actors who have made a successful transition to Bollywood.
Read more about Jawed Sheikh: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jawed_Sheikh
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3] Imran Abbas
Bollywood Films:
- Creature 3D
- Ae Dil Hai Mushkil
- Jaanisar
Imran Abbas Naqvi, popularly known as Imran Abbas, is a talented Pakistani actor, model, and former architect. He was born on October 15, 1982, in Islamabad, Pakistan. Imran started his career in the entertainment industry as a model before transitioning to acting.
Imran Abbas gained prominence for his good looks and charm, quickly becoming one of the most sought-after male models in Pakistan. His modeling career paved the way for his entry into the acting world, where he showcased his talent and versatility.
Imran Abbas made his acting debut with the Pakistani television series “Umrao Jaan Ada” in 2003, where he portrayed the iconic character of Nawab Sultan. Since then, he has appeared in numerous successful television dramas, earning critical acclaim and a massive fan following. Some of his notable television projects include “Meri Zaat Zarra-e-Benishan,” “Khuda Aur Muhabbat,” “Alvida,” and “Mohabbat Tumse Nafrat Hai.”
Read more about Imran Abbas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imran_Abbas
2] Fawad Khan
Bollywood Films:
- Khoobsurat
- Kapoor & Sons
- Ae Dil Hai Mushkil
- Dear Zindagi
Fawad Khan, a Pakistani actor, musician, and heartthrob, has left an indelible mark on Bollywood with his exceptional talent and undeniable charisma. Born on November 29, 1981, in Lahore, Pakistan, Fawad Khan first rose to prominence as the lead vocalist of the popular Pakistani band, Entity Paradigm, before venturing into acting.
Fawad Khan gained widespread recognition and adoration for his role in the Pakistani television drama “Humsafar,” where he portrayed the enigmatic character of Ashar Hussain. His stellar performance, coupled with his on-screen chemistry with co-star Mahira Khan, struck a chord with audiences in both Pakistan and India, catapulting him to immense fame.
In 2014, Fawad Khan made his much-anticipated debut in Bollywood with the romantic comedy film “Khoobsurat.” His portrayal of the brooding and sophisticated character of Vikram Rathore garnered critical acclaim and solidified his position as a promising actor in the Indian film industry. Fawad’s irresistible charm and acting prowess charmed audiences and established him as a heartthrob among fans.
Read more about Fawad Khan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fawad_Khan
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1] Ali Zafar
Bollywood Films-
- Dear Zindagi
- Tere Bin Laden Dead Or Alive (2016)
- Kill Dil
- Total Siyapaa
- Chashme Buddoor
- London, Paris, New York
- Mere Brother Ki Dulhan
- Tere Bin Laden
The first in our list of Top 10 Pakistani Actors in Bollywood is Ali Zafar.
Ali Zafar is a Pakistani actor, singer, songwriter, and model who has made a successful transition to Bollywood. Born on May 18, 1980, in Lahore, Pakistan, he began his career as a music artist and gained popularity with his debut album “Huqa Pani” in 2003.
Ali Zafar made his acting debut in Bollywood with the film “Tere Bin Laden” in 2010, where he portrayed the lead role of an ambitious Pakistani journalist. His remarkable performance in the film garnered critical acclaim and established him as a promising actor in the industry. He further showcased his acting skills in movies like “Mere Brother Ki Dulhan,” “Chashme Baddoor,” and “Dear Zindagi,” earning praise for his versatility and charm.
Apart from acting, Ali Zafar is widely recognized for his musical talent. He has contributed to the Bollywood music scene with his soulful voice and has delivered several hit songs in films like “Tere Bin Laden,” “Mere Brother Ki Dulhan,” and “London, Paris, New York.” His melodious vocals and catchy tunes have earned him a dedicated fan base both in Pakistan and India.
Read more about Ali Zafar: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ali_Zafar
