Mumbai, often referred to as Mayanagari, is the city where dreams come true for many aspiring actors. While some make it big in Bollywood, others leave with unfulfilled dreams. Interestingly, several prominent Bollywood stars have roots in Pakistan, though their hearts remain firmly Indian. These stars have reached heights in Hindi cinema that many only dream of. Here’s a look at five legendary actors with special connections to Pakistan.
The Kapoor Legacy: From Prithviraj Kapoor to Raj Kapoor
When we talk about the oldest and most influential families in Bollywood, the Kapoor family is undoubtedly the first to come to mind. The Kapoor family has deep ties with Pakistan. The patriarch, Prithviraj Kapoor, was born in 1906 in Faisalabad, which is now in Pakistan. His son, Raj Kapoor, was also born in Peshawar, another city in Pakistan.
Prithviraj Kapoor ventured into Bollywood and quickly became a prominent figure, laying the foundation for what would become one of the most iconic families in the Indian film industry. His sons—Raj Kapoor, Shashi Kapoor, and Shammi Kapoor—continued this legacy, making significant contributions to Bollywood. The Kapoor family’s influence in the industry continues to this day, with the newer generations carrying forward the family’s rich tradition.
Dilip Kumar: The Tragedy King with Peshawar Roots
Dilip Kumar, known as the tragedy king of Bollywood, also shares a deep connection with Pakistan. Born in 1922 in Peshawar, Dilip Kumar spent the first 12 years of his life there before moving to India. His contribution to Indian cinema is unparalleled, with a career spanning over five decades.
Dilip Kumar was not only loved in India but also had a huge fan base in Pakistan. In 1991, he became the first actor to be honored with Pakistan’s highest civilian award, the ‘Nishan-e-Imtiaz.’ His visit to his ancestral home in Peshawar years before his death was an emotional journey, where he connected with his roots and heritage.
Rajesh Khanna: Bollywood’s First Superstar
Rajesh Khanna, the first superstar of Bollywood, also has his origins in Pakistan. He was born in a place called Burwala, near Faisalabad. At the age of five, his family migrated to India, where they settled and began a new life.
Rajesh Khanna’s journey in Bollywood was nothing short of legendary. He delivered numerous memorable performances and became one of the most celebrated actors in Indian cinema. Despite his Pakistani roots, his identity and success were deeply tied to India.
Shahrukh Khan: The King of Bollywood with Peshawar Ancestry
Shahrukh Khan, often referred to as King Khan, has a special connection with Pakistan as well. His father, Mir Taj Mohammad Khan, was born in Peshawar, in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The Khan family lived in Peshawar before moving to Delhi during the partition.
Today, Shahrukh Khan is one of the biggest names in Bollywood, adored not only in India but also across the border in Pakistan. His ancestral home in Peshawar still stands, with relatives residing there. The love and admiration for Shahrukh Khan transcend borders, making him a beloved figure in both India and Pakistan.
Amitabh Bachchan: The Superstar with Punjabi Roots
Amitabh Bachchan, the legendary actor often called the ‘Superstar of the Century,’ also has a connection with Pakistan. His mother, Teji Bachchan, was born in Lyallpur, Punjab, which is now known as Faisalabad in Pakistan. Teji Bachchan’s father, Sardar Khajan Singh, was a prominent figure in the region.
Amitabh Bachchan’s journey in Bollywood has been nothing short of extraordinary. His influence in Indian cinema is profound, and his roots in Pakistan add an interesting dimension to his legacy.
Other Stars with Pakistani Connections
Beyond these five iconic actors, several other Bollywood stars also have roots in Pakistan:
- Hrithik Roshan’s grandfather and Rakesh Roshan’s father were born in Gujranwala, Pakistan, in 1917.
- Govinda’s father, Arun Kumar Ahuja, was born in Pakistan.
- Manoj Kumar, famous as Bharat Kumar, was born in Abbottabad, Pakistan.
- Renowned filmmaker BR Chopra and his brothers, Yash Chopra and Dharm Chopra, were born in Lahore.
- Sunil Dutt, a famous actor and filmmaker, was born in Jhelum, Pakistan, in 1929.
During the partition, many of these families migrated to India, where they went on to make significant contributions to the Indian film industry.
Honorable Mentions
Other notable personalities with Pakistani roots include:
- Ramanand Sagar, the creator of the iconic TV series Ramayan.
- Famous poet Sahir Ludhianvi.
- Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur.
- Actor Vinod Khanna.
- Actor Rajendra Kumar.
All of these individuals were born in Pakistan but later moved to India, where they achieved immense success and became renowned figures in both countries. Their journeys are a testament to the shared cultural heritage of India and Pakistan, and the lasting impact these stars have had on the world of entertainment.
