India’s two recent Oscar wins (Best Original Song and Best Documentary Short) at the 95th Academy Awards are proof that desi actors have made their mark on the global stage. After creating a massive fan following in India, they are now receiving love from across the world. Of course, they are eyeing Hollywood roles as well. But that’s not the only film industry after Bollywood where they are willing to make a mark. Did you know some of our desi stars have been a part of many Pakistani films as well?
Curious? Read on
Neha Dhupia
The former Miss India, Neha Dhupia, has been part of several Indian movies and rose to fame with her titular role in Julie. It was in 2008 when the actress made her debut in the Pakistani film industry. Neha was roped in by Pak filmmaker Javed Raza for an item song that was part of his movie, Kabhi Pyar Na Karna.
Shweta Tiwari
Shweta Tiwari, a famous TV actress, has also been part of a Pakistani film. She starred in an action-romantic movie, titled Sultanat, in which she played a role of a pari. And not only her, other TV actors like Chetan Hansraj, Akash Depp, and Anchit Kaur were in the film too.
Vinod Khanna
Late legendary actor Vinod Khanna stole hearts with his good looks and talent. However, it was in 2007 that the late actor made his acting debut in the Pakistani film industry. Vinod Khanna played a titular role in Pak’s version of the Godfather film series, titled Godfather: The Legend Continues. The film’s star cast included both Pak and Indian actors.
Arbaaz Khan
Pakistan’s version of the Hollywood film Godfather featured quite a few Indian actors. Apart from Vinod Khanna, Arbaaz Khan was also part of the star cast and he portrayed the role of Shakir Khan in the film.
Amrita Arora
Another Indian actor who was a part of the Pakistani film Godfather: The Legend Continues, was Malaika Arora’s younger sister Amrita Arora. Along with her, Mohabbatein actresses Kim Sharma and Preeti Jhangiani also featured in the movie.
Kirron Kher
Kirron Kher has given many stellar performances not just in Indian movies but also in Pakistani movies as well. In 2003, she starred in an award-winning Pak film Khamosh Pani, directed by Sabiha Sumar. Kirron also won an award for the movie in the Best Actress category at the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland.
Naseeruddin Shah
In 2007, Naseeruddin Shah starred in a Pakistani film, Khuda Kay Liye, and acted alongside Fawad Khan, Shaan and Iman Ali. The movie has won several awards and is one of the best Pakistani films. Naseeruddin has also been a part of another film, titled Zinda Bhaag (2013), which starred Pak actors Khurram Patras and Amna Ilyas.
Om Puri
Late legendary actor Om Puri has been a part of many Pakistani films. But his significant contribution to the Pak industry came from Action In Law. The movie’s production house even paid tribute to the late actor in another film, Load Wedding, where Om Puri appeared as the protagonist’s late father. Despite being criticised for working in the Pak industry, he made sure to promote peace and harmony between the two nations.
Shilpa Shukla
Shilpa Shukla, who became popular after portraying the role of Bindia Nayak, a senior hockey player, in Chak De! India has been part of the Pakistani films too. The actress starred in the award winning film Khamosh Pani, alongside Kirron kher. And did you know it was actually her first film?
Johny Lever
The king of comedy, Johny Lever, has made millions of people laugh with his excellent comic timings. And he has also been a part of a Pakistani film. In 2011, he starred in a romantic movie, Love Mein Ghum, where he portrayed the role of Sukhiya.
Well, here’s hoping that we can see many more such collaborations in future!
Featured Image: Instagram
