Pakistani nationals who have been a part of the Indian film industry

In the aftermath of India carrying out surgical strikes in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, and the Raj Thakeray led MNS issuing a 48 hour ultimatum for Pakistani actors and technicians working in India to leave the country, the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA), has called for a ban of all Pakistani actors and technicians till ‘normalcy returns’. While this has led to different reactions, with some saying that since Bollywood involves business, cutting of trade relations with Pakistan should include the film industry as well, and that the actors were wrong in remaining silent over the Uri attacks, and another group saying that art should not be a victim of cross border tensions.

We take a look at the Pakistani actors and singers who have been a part of the Indian film industry, and the films that they have signed up for:

Fawad Khan: One of the most popular Pakistani actors in the Indian film industry, Khan made his Bollywood debut with a leading role opposite Sonam Kapoor in the 2014 film, Khoobsurat. He is best known, however, for his portrayal of a closeted homosexual in the 2016 family drama Kapoor and Sons, for which he won much critical acclaim. Khan’s next project is Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, however there have been reports about MNS asking for him to be replaced in the film. Khan was also expected to play a lead role in Salman Khan’s next project, and in another one opposite Katrina Kaif. However we will have to wait and watch to see what happens to these projects.

Mahira Khan: Former VJ and Pakistani actress, Mahira Khan, is all set to make her Bollywood debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in his upcoming film Raees, directed by Rahul Dholakia. The actress also had a couple of other films signed on, however, with the ban coming into effect, and amidst calls for replacing her, their fates are yet to be seen. Back home in Pakistan, Khan has acted in the Pakistani films Bol, Bin Roye, Ho Mann Jahaan and Actor in law.

Image: By www.filmitadka.in, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18977865www.filmitadka.in, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18977865

Ali Zafar: The Pakistani actor, singer and songwriter, was one of the first to make a successful crossover into Bollywood, when he made his debut with the 2010 comedy, Tere Bin Laden. Zafar has also acted in Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, London, Paris, New York; Total Siyappa and had a supporting role in Kil Dill. Zafar’s next project is Gauri Shinde’s upcoming Dear Zindagi, which is slated for a November, 2016 release, but is likely to be stalled. Zafar’s younger brother, Danyal Zafar, also a singer and performer, who was reported to have a Bollywood launch with Yash Raj Films, may also lose out after the ban.

Veena Malik: Pakistani actress and TV host Veena Malik has been more famous in India for her various controversies than her films. She and her husband, Asad Bashir Khan, even have a 26 year prison statement hanging over their heads, issued by a Pakistani court, for a blasphemy case. The actress made her Bollywood debut with an item song, in the film Gali Galli Mein Chor Hein, and her acting debut with the film, Daal Mein Kuch Kaala Hein, which did not do well in the box office. The actress has also acted in the Kannada remake of The Dirty Picture, titled Dirty Picture: Silk Sakkath Hot, based on yesteryear’s actress Silk Smitha.

Image: By Thomas Rome - Flickr: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25640166

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan: Nephew of the legendary Pakistani Qawwali singer, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and a famous singer himself, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has lent his voice to a number of films in Bollywood, since his debut in the 2003 film Paap, and most of his songs have gone on to be famous. His last Bollywood outing was Sultan, where he sung Jag Ghoomeya. According to reports, the Pakistani singer will be replaced in TP Aggarwal’s upcoming film, Laali Ki Shaadi Mein Laaddoo Deewana, with an Indian singer.

Atif Aslam: Pakistani singer and actor Atif Aslam is best known for his soulful numbers, which include ‘Aadat’ from Kalyug, and ‘Tere Bin’, from Bas Ek Pal. Post the ban on Pakistani artists, Aslam’s concert which was scheduled to be held in Gurgaon, has been cancelled. The singer was also supposed to team up with rapper Akon for a song for the Tum Bin 2 end credits, however that remains to be seen.

Mawra Hocane: A newbie in Bollywood, Pakistani VJ, model and actress Mawra Hocane made her acting debut in the Indian film industry with the film Sanam Teri Kasam, a modern rendition of Eric Segal’s Love Story, opposite actor Harshvardhan Rane. The actress had also reportedly signed on two other Bollywood projects - the future of both are unsure as of now.

Imran Abbas: The actor has been a part of films such as Creature 3D and Jaanisaar, both of which bombed, and not much has been seen of him lately. Abbas, however has done a cameo role in Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.

Images courtesy: Bollywood Hungama via Wikimedia Commons