Over the past few decades, Pakistani actors have cast a magical spell on audiences across borders. We’ve seen a drastic rise in their fandom when it comes to soulful Pakistani music and daily soap dramas. While artists like Atif Aslam, Shae Gill, and Fawad Khan have established a true fan following in India, there are a few big names in the Pakistan entertainment industry who turned down some big Bollywood offers. Want to know who they are? Scroll down:
Hamza Ali Abbasi
Hamza Ali Abbasi is a big name in the Pakistan film industry and is currently making headlines for giving Pakistan its highest-grossing film, The Legend of Maula Jatt. He’s also starred in TV shows like Pyarey Afzal and Mann Mayal. However, did you know he has turned down two Bollywood films in the past? Back in 2013, Hamza was offered a role in Akshay Kumar’s Baby, but he turned it down due to the negative portrayal of Pakistan in the movie. He was again approached by Sajid Nadiadwala for Judwaa 2, but he refused it as well. The actor said, “There were many reasons for doing this, but the main reason was the bad relations between India and Pakistan. Around the same time Pakistani actors were banned 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 rose to fame through her roles in Mere Humdum Mere Dost, and Alvida, Main Na Janoo. She was even approached by Bollywood directors to work in a few films. However, she rejected them without thinking twice. Sharing the reason for the straight-up refusal, Sanam said, “When I said I would not do bold scenes, they replied they could ‘cheat’, but even if they cheat a scene, the audience will think I have done it.”
Shaan Shahid
Shaan Shahid made his Pakistani film debut in 1990 with Bulandi and then there was no looking back for him. He has been ruling hearts with movies like Waar, Zarrar, Yalghaar, and many more. After doing more than 300 films, Shaan was offered a role in Aamir Khan starrer Ghajini. But he turned the offer down and said, “There are some differences between the two nations (India and Pakistan), so picking up a villain from Pakistan puts more pressure and limelight 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 known for her roles in Punjab Nahi Jaungi, Dillagi, Miss Marvel, London Nahi Jaunga, etc. She’s also been rewarded with the state-organized honour of Pakistan, Tamgha-E-Imtiaz in 2019. Fun fact? Mehwish was offered Huma Qureshi’s role in Dedh Ishqiya and Aishwarya Rai’s role in Fanney Khan. But the actress refused both offers. When asked about the reason in one of the interviews, she said, “I got many offers from Bollywood. There was a time when Pakistani cinemas were totally shut down, and like every other actor I had a dream to work in films but sometimes the story didn’t hit me and sometimes the character.”
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 with Chal Jhooti as a child actor in 2001, Fatima became one of the highest-paid actors in Pakistan. She received abundant praise for her roles in Man O-Salwa, Meri Zaat Zarra-e-Benishan, and Kash Mai Teri Beti Na Hoti. Fatima was also offered a role by Bollywood director, Anees Bazmee who is famous for movies like Singh is King, Ready, and No Entry. But she turned it down as the role required her to portray a bold character. She shared, “Anees Bazmee Called Me And Praised My Drama Serial And Asked Me To Work In His Film. I Asked Him About The Story And The Character I’d 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 refused to go ahead with the project. In a candid convo on Momin Saqib’s talk show, Sheheryar was asked to share the reason behind rejecting the role in Anil Kapoor’s film. To this, the actor replied, “I didn’t reject the movie, per se, I had turned it down on the basis of merit. I’m an actor and if I’m offered a role that I think is interesting and fun, I would do it. But at that time I thought that I couldn’t pull it off well enough so I had to turn it down.” He went ahead and added, “But it was definitely a fan moment for me to have Anil Kapoor call me and offer me a role in his film. I still remember when I got that call.”
Ayeza Khan
Ayeza Khan has become a household name when it comes to Pakistani dramas. The list of daily soaps showcasing her brilliant performance includes Zard Mausam, Tum Jomilay, Pyare Afzal, Maaye Ni, Kaala Jadu, Aks, Shadi Mubarak, Mera Saaien 2, Mere Meher Baan, Bikhra Mera Naseeb, Teri Meri Love Story, and Tum Kon Piya. Ayesha once went to a talk show and revealed that she was approached by ace filmmaker, Imtiaz Ali for a typical Bollywood film. However, she rejected the film as she wanted to first debut in a Pakistani movie before foraying into Bollywood.
Faysal Quraishi
Faysal Quraishi is a powerhouse of talent and one of the highest-paid actors in Pakistan. He has given numerous hits like 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. He said, “I’ve Had 2-3 Offers, But The Scripts Weren’t To My Liking. I Don’t Want To Disappoint My Fans By Doing That Doesn’t Live Up To Their Expectation.”
Shehnaz Sheikh
The OG Pakistani actor, Shehnaz Sheikh is famous for her roles in Tanhaiyaan and Ankahi. However, the actress took an early retirement and bid goodbye to the entertainment industry in 1990. Post her farewell, Shehnaz was offered the Bollywood film, Henna, by Raj Kapoor. But she refused to work in the film due to personal reasons and Zeba Bakhtiar ended up playing the said character.
Here’s hoping to see some of these names in Bollywood, someday!
Feature Image: Instagram
