Pakistani artists today have become an important part of Bollywood Industry. Fawad Khan, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Ali Zafar and Atif Aslam are some of the artists who have got popularity at international level after working in Indian entertainment industry. This is the talent of these actors that made them popular among Indian audience and helped them get success.
Though India has been importing talent from across the border, the topic of Pakistani artists working in the country has got extreme attention after Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) ordered these actors to go back to their own country. Among all this, directors like Karan Johar and Mahesh Bhatt are also getting targeted for giving opportunity to Pakistani actors while in reality the credit of their success in India goes to the audience that accepts them with open arms.
There are many Pakistani artists who came to India to shape their careers. Here are top Pakistani artists who owe their success to India.
Aatif Aslam
The Pakistani singer cemented his position in India as a playback singer with his hit tracks like ‘Tere Bin’, ‘Pehli Nazar’ and ‘Bas Ek Pal’. He has till date sung for several movies and has launched his albums. During an interview, he also revealed that he has various offers from Bollywood to act in the movies. So the fans might soon see him acting as well.
Salma Aaga
Salma Agha became a household name after her lead role and hit ghazals in the movie ‘Nikaah’. Her hit songs from the movie earned her instant fame.
Ali Zafar
Ali Zafar started his Bollywood career with the film ‘Tere Bin Laden’ and won hearts of the audience with his amazing comic role. He also got nominated for Filmfare’s Best Male Debut Award for his role in Tere Bin Laden’. He has been working in India for around six years and given us some good films like ‘Mere Brother Ki Dulhan’, ‘Kill Dil’ and ‘London, Paris and New York’.
Fawad Khan
He is a Pakistani heartthrob and got instant fame in India with his TV show ‘Zindagi Gulzar Hai’. After this, he again stole hearts with his role in the movie ‘Khubsoorat’ against Sonam Kapoor. His cute looks and amazing acting skills helped him grab important roles in the movies ‘Kapoor & Sons’ and ‘Aie Dil Hai Mushkil’.
Somy Ali
She debuted in Indian film industry with the movie ‘Anth’ in 1993 and worked in several average films. More than an actress, she got fame in India as Salman Khan’s girlfriend. As per the reports, it is said that Somy left Bollywood and settled in the USA after Salman Khan ditched her for Aiswarya Rai.
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is today a world recognized name due to his Sufi music and Qawwali inspiring singing style. With his powerful voice and amazing songs, he created a unique niche for himself in Indian entertainment industry. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan also used his vocal talent in many Bollywood movies and gave us songs like ‘Teri Meri’ in Bodyguard and ‘Tere Mast Mast Do Nain’ in Dabang. Though he has powerful voice and unique singing style, but he got overseas popularity only after coming to India.
Veena Malik
Veena Malik is more known for her bold roles and controversies than her acting skills. She started her career in Bollywood with an item song ‘Channo’ that was followed by another item number ‘Fann Ban Gayi’. She also participated in Big Boss 4 and set the temperature high to grab eyeballs with her hot avatar and romance with Ashmit Patel.
Mahira Khan
After impressing the audience at international level with her role in the Pakistani hit film ‘Bol’, Mahira got an opportunity in Bollywood. And the lucky lady got her first break in the industry with none other than the King of Bollywood Shahrukh Khan. She will be seen in the upcoming movie Raees alongside Shahrukh Khan. Though the movie hasn’t released yet, Mahira Khan has already got a special place in the hearts of Indian audience with her charm and cute smile.
Javed Sheikh
Javed Sheikh is already a well-established actor in Lollywood and proved his mettle in Bollywood as well. He is now equally popular in both India and Pakistan. He was first seen in the movie ‘Namastey London’ and then also gave a terrific performance in ‘Om Shanti Om’.
These Pakistani stars no doubt had talent but they could prove it to the wider audience only after working in Bollywood. So, they simply owe their success to India.