Cinema blends stories and cultures, with Bollywood drawing talent worldwide.
Yet, Pakistan tells a different story.
Here, 10 actors chose their roots over Bollywood, amid geopolitical and cultural tensions.
Pakistan’s film industry, censored for cultural ethos, presents a unique landscape.
The 2019 ban on Bollywood deepened cultural divides.
These actors’ choices go beyond careers to cultural integrity and identity.
Despite Bollywood’s lure and its stars’ following in Pakistan, these actors stayed true to their homeland.
Their choices highlight the deep cultural connections and tensions between India and Pakistan.
Bollywood’s Hindi films, similar to Urdu, and South Indian movies’ appeal for their action and tech, reveal the complex interplay of culture and politics in cinema.
Pakistani audiences seek stories that resonate deeply with them.
Delving into these 10 actors’ paths shows more than personal choices.
It’s about cultural pride and cinema’s role in uniting and dividing.
Their dedication to Pakistani cinema underlines the industry’s challenges and opportunities in a global context.
Hamza Ali Abbasi
Hamza Ali Abbasi, a prominent figure in the Pakistani film industry, is currently in the spotlight for delivering Pakistan’s highest-grossing film, The Legend of Maula Jatt.
He has also appeared in popular TV shows such as Pyarey Afzal and Mann Mayal.
However, it might come as a surprise that he has declined offers for two Bollywood films in the past.
In 2013, Hamza was offered a role in Akshay Kumar’s Baby, but he rejected it due to the film’s negative portrayal of Pakistan.
He was later approached by Sajid Nadiadwala for Judwaa 2, but he turned down this offer as well.
The actor cited several reasons for his decisions, with the primary one being the strained relations between India and Pakistan.
This was also when Pakistani actors were prohibited from working in Hindi cinema.
Sanam Jung
After working as a VJ for many years, Sanam Jung made her acting debut with the Pakistani drama Dil-e-Muztar in 2013.
She then gained fame through her roles in Mere Humdum Mere Dost, Alvida, and Main Na Janoo.
She was even approached by Bollywood directors for a few films but rejected them without hesitation.
Explaining her straightforward refusal, Sanam stated: “When I mentioned I would not do bold scenes, they replied they could ‘cheat’ the scene.
“However, even with ‘cheating’ a scene, the audience would believe I had done it.”
Shaan Shahid
Shaan Shahid made his debut in the Pakistani film industry in 1990 with Bulandi, and since then, he has never looked back.
He has captivated hearts with movies such as Waar, Zarrar, and Yalghaar, among others.
After appearing in more than 300 films, Shaan was offered a role in the Aamir Khan-starrer Ghajini.
However, he declined the offer, stating: “There are some differences between the two nations (India and Pakistan), so casting a villain from Pakistan puts additional pressure and spotlight on that relationship.”
Mehwish Hayat
Named the 8th sexiest Asian woman by a British daily, Mehwish Hayat is one of the most established Pakistani actors.
She is renowned for her roles in Punjab Nahi Jaungi, Dillagi, Miss Marvel, London Nahi Jaunga, and more.
Mehwish was offered the roles played by Huma Qureshi in Dedh Ishqiya and Aishwarya Rai in Fanney Khan, but she declined both.
When asked about her reasons in an interview, she explained: “I received many offers from Bollywood.
“There was a time when Pakistani cinemas were completely shut down, and like every other actor, I dreamed of working in films.
“However, sometimes the story didn’t resonate with me, and other times, the character didn’t.”
Fahad Mustafa
A phenomenal host, brilliant producer, and exceptional actor, Fahad Mustafa has been basking in the glory of success.
Some of his notable shows include Jeeto Pakistan, Mere Humrahi, Mastana Mahi, and Bandish.
In one of his Twitter AMAs, Fahad revealed that he got an offer from Bollywood but he chose to work for his country.
When a fan asked: “When are you going to India? Will you remain there or you’ll come back?”
Fahad wrote: “I was offered a movie but I made a choice, had better offers here.”
Fatima Effendi
After making her debut as a child actor in Chal Jhooti in 2001, Fatima Effendi became one of Pakistan’s highest-paid actors.
She received widespread praise for her roles in Man O-Salwa, Meri Zaat Zarra-e-Benishan, and Kash Mai Teri Beti Na Hoti.
Fatima was also approached by Bollywood director Anees Bazmee, known for movies like Singh is King, Ready, and No Entry, for a role.
However, she declined it because the role required her to portray a bold character.
She shared: “Anees Bazmee called me and praised my drama serial, asking me to work in his film.
“I inquired about the story and the character I would portray but refused to sign the movie because it required me to play a bold character.”
Sheheryar Munawar
Television host and actor Sheheryar Munawar was offered a Bollywood role by Anil Kapoor in 2010, but he chose not to proceed with the project.
In a conversation on Momin Saqib’s talk show, Sheheryar was asked why he rejected the role in Anil Kapoor’s film.
He responded: “I didn’t reject the movie per se; I turned it down based on its merit.
“As an actor, if I’m offered a role that I find interesting and fun, I would accept it.
“However, at that time, I felt I couldn’t do justice to the role, so I had to decline.”
He continued: “But it was definitely a fan moment for me to receive a call from Anil Kapoor offering me a role in his film. I still remember getting that call.”
Ayeza Khan
Ayeza Khan has become a household name in Pakistani dramas.
Her brilliant performances are showcased in a list of daily soaps, including Zard Mausam, Tum Jo Milay, Pyare Afzal, and Maaye Ni.
Ayeza once appeared on a talk show and revealed that she was approached by the ace filmmaker Imtiaz Ali for a typical Bollywood film.
However, she declined the offer, expressing her desire to debut in a Pakistani movie before venturing into Bollywood.
Faysal Quraishi
Faysal Quraishi is a powerhouse of talent and one of the highest-paid actors in Pakistan.
He has delivered numerous hits, including Boota from Toba Tek Singh, Meri Zaat Zarra-e-Banishan, Main Abdul Qadir Hoon, Rang Laaga, and Muqaddar.
Faysal once revealed that he turned down several offers from Bollywood, stating:
“I’ve had 2-3 offers, but the scripts weren’t to my liking.
“I don’t want to disappoint my fans by doing something that doesn’t live up to their expectations.”
Shehnaz Sheikh
The renowned Pakistani actor, Shehnaz Sheikh, is celebrated for her roles in Tanhaiyaan and Ankahi.
However, she took early retirement and bid farewell to the entertainment industry in 1990.
After her departure, Shehnaz was offered a role in the Bollywood film Henna by Raj Kapoor.
She declined to work in the film due to personal reasons, leading to Zeba Bakhtiar being cast in the role instead.
We end our story of 10 Pakistani actors, considering cinema’s impact on global and cultural divides.
Their choices show strong cultural connections and how cinema keeps identities alive.
Their journey shows the strength of people and art’s power to cross borders.
It shows cinema as a way to celebrate diversity, bring cultures together, and give hope.
Looking ahead, their stories and Pakistani cinema’s development hint at a future where movies encourage understanding, honesty, and respect.
Their tale motivates us, revealing how creative choices influence our cultural legacy.
This exploration of new cinema territories highlights how storytelling can bring us together, challenge us, and honour our collective human experience.
