Pakistani Actors Who Chose Not to Work in Bollywood Despite Opportunities
Pakistani actors have always been admired by Indian audiences for their impressive acting skills and striking personalities. Many stars from Pakistan have worked in Bollywood and earned a lot of appreciation for their performances. Actors like Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan, Ali Zafar, Sajal Ali, and Mawra Hussain have found success in Bollywood films. However, there are several Pakistani celebrities who, despite receiving offers from Bollywood, chose not to accept them. Let’s take a look at these stars who decided to stay away from the Indian film industry.
1. Sanam Jung
Sanam Jung, who started her career as a VJ in 2008, became a popular face in the Pakistani drama industry after making her acting debut in the 2013 drama Dil-e-Muztar. She has since worked in hit dramas like Mere Humdum Mere Dost, Alvida, and Main Na Jaanu. Sanam had received offers to work in Bollywood films, but she decided not to take them. When asked why, Sanam shared in an interview with Pakistan’s Aurora Magazine that she did not want to do any bold or intimate scenes, which made her turn down the Bollywood offers.
2. Shaan Shahid
Shaan Shahid is one of the biggest names in the Pakistani film industry. He made his debut in 1990 with the film Bulandi and has since ruled the industry for more than two decades. Known for his patriotism and love for Pakistani cinema, Shaan has delivered countless successful films. Bollywood came knocking on Shaan’s door when he was offered a role in Aamir Khan’s Ghajini. However, Shaan declined the role, choosing to focus solely on his work in Pakistani films. His decision was based on his commitment to the local industry and his desire to contribute to its growth.
3. Mehwish Hayat
Mehwish Hayat, daughter of renowned actress Rukhsar Hayat, is among the top actresses in Pakistan today. In 2009, she was listed as the 8th ‘Best Asian Woman’ by a famous British magazine. She has worked in blockbuster serials like Punjab Nahi Jaungi, Dillagi, and has even appeared in international projects like Miss Marvel. Mehwish was offered significant roles in Bollywood, including Huma Qureshi’s part in Dedh Ishqiya and Aishwarya Rai’s role in Fanney Khan. However, Mehwish declined both offers, showing her preference for working within the Pakistani entertainment industry.
4. Ayeza Khan
Ayeza Khan became a household name in Pakistan and gained popularity in India after her role in the 2019 drama Mere Paas Tum Ho. Known for her beauty and acting skills, Ayeza has appeared in several other hit dramas such as Zard Mausam, Tum Jo Mile, Pyare Afzal, Chupke Chupke, and Chand Tara. Bollywood director Imtiaz Ali offered Ayeza a role in one of his films, but the actress turned it down. Ayeza expressed that she wanted to stay focused on her work in Pakistan, and was dedicated to contributing to local productions rather than Bollywood.
5. Faisal Qureshi
Faisal Qureshi is an iconic figure in Pakistani television. He gained immense fame with his performance in Boota from Toba Tek Singh, and over the years, he has delivered remarkable performances in dramas like Meri Zaat Zarra-e-Benishan, Main Abdul Qadir Hoon, Muqaddar, and Fitoor. Despite receiving several offers from Bollywood, Faisal rejected them all. He explained in an interview that he didn’t find the scripts appealing, and didn’t want to disappoint his fans by accepting roles that didn’t align with his values.
Pakistani Celebrities Staying True to Their Roots
While Bollywood remains a massive platform for actors worldwide, these Pakistani celebrities chose to stay true to their roots and focus on their careers within Pakistan. Their decisions are based on personal values, script choices, and a desire to contribute to the growth of their local entertainment industry. Despite the global opportunities, their love for Pakistani cinema and television shines through their work, making them respected figures in both industries.
