Bollywood has seen many Pakistani artists crossing the border and trying to make a mark in the Indian film industry. Some of them received immense love from the Indian audience, while a few couldn’t do that well.
Here is a list of Pakistanis who after creating a fan base for themselves in their native country, made it big in the Indian film and music industry.
1. Atif Aslam
The Pakistani pop/rock singer is the heartthrob of millions of Indian girls. His first song in a Bollywood movie was Woh Lamhe from the movie Zeher. He went to give back to back hits like Aadat, Pehli Nazar Me, Tu Jaane Na, Bakhuda, Doorie. He also acted in a Pakistani movie, Bol, which did pretty well in India too. He is a rage among Indian audience and his good looks and charm have made him the heartthrob of Indian girls.
2. Fawad Khan
The meteoric rise of Fawad Khan in the Indian film industry is perhaps unmatched by any other actor from Pakistan till this day. After a couple of high profile dramas, Hamsafar was the one which made Fawad a household sensation in Pakistan and earned him a celebrity status in India as well. With his boyish good lucks and gentleman’s charm, he was able to bag a role opposite Sonam Kapoor in the film Khoobsurat. His acting talents and the movie plot helped him to win the Filmfare award for Best Debutant Actor. Since then, there has been no looking back for Fawad Khan.
3. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
The nephew of Qawwali legend Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Rahat fateh Ali Khan has sung popular songs for Bollywood movies such as O re Piya for Madhuri Dixit’s film Aja Nachle which received immense praise and admiration. Later on, songs such as Tere Mast Mast Do Nain for Salman Khan’s blockbuster hit Dabangg and Jiya Dhadak Dhadak for Imran Hashmi’s Kalyug also helped Rahat to cement his place in the hearts of Indians as a noteworthy musician.
4. Ali Zafar
As a musician, Ali Zafar launched three albums that were well received by the Pakistani audience, two of which namely Huqa Pani and Masti achieved instant success in Pakistan. Ali also made the move to Indian cinema, starting off with the hilarious Tere Bin Laden and went on to star in Chashme Badoor and Mere Brother Ki Dulhan. His next comedy Total Siyapaa did not settle well with critics but Kill Dill earned him critical praise.
5. Mahira Khan
Mahira Khan started off as a talented Vj and went on to star in drama serials. Her most noteworthy drama till date has been Humsafar which enthralled audiences in Pakistan and India alike. Her portrayal of Khirad Ehsan led her to become of the most praised drama actresses within Pakistan and helped revive the Pakistani dramas. She also starred in film Bol as Ayesha and the film went on to become a huge hit. She bagged a role opposite Shahrukh Khan as his love interest in the action film Raees. The movie is bound to establish her as a well known actress in India as already there has been hype building around her.
6. Adnan Sami Khan
Adnan Sami is a Pakistani native who was raised in UK. His first album that released in India was Kabhi To Nazar Milao, a collection of love songs for which he teamed up with the legendary Asha Bhosle. The album was a huge success. He has sung many songs for Bollywood movies and his albums have always done well among the Indian audience.
7. Humaima Malik
Humaima Malik rose to fame as a fashion model but it was her role as Zainab in the film Bol that caught everyone’s eye. She succeeded in bagging a role opposite actor Emraan Hashmi in the film Raja Natwarlaal. The Pakistani beauty has a couple of high profile projects lined up for her including Mission Allah Hu Akbar.