12 Pakistani Artists Who've Been Shown The Doors By Bollywood

Fawad Khan has managed to garner a decent following especially with the girls. His latest portrayal of a gay in the movie ‘Kapoor & Sons’ was very well received. His presence in the upcoming Karan Johar’s directorial ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ is under fire from Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) who are looking to ban the movie’s release. He was asked to leave to Pakistan. But, Fawad released a statement quoting that he had been in Pakistan since July and is hoping that India and Pakistan will make peace in the near future.

One of the first artists from across the border who also holds a huge fan base in India is Atif Aslam. Recently, the ‘Tere Bin’ singer was to perform at a concert in Gurgaon. Though the Police commissionerate said they are not against any form of art, the notice they issued to the organisers asking them to defer the concert was just to protect the sentiments of armed personnel.

Ace singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan was also affected by the IMPAA ban. The singer who is known for his romantic tracks didn't comment on the attacks and the producers of his latest movie for which he sang a song, ‘Laali Ki Shaadi Mein Laddoo Deewana’ starring Vivaan Shah and Akshara Haasan, have decided to replace the song with an Indian singer. The producers had mentioned that the song by Rahat had come out beautifully and they didn’t want to replace it, but Rahat’s failure to comment on the Uri attack made the producers take this call.

Shafqat’s concert was scheduled on September 30th in Bengaluru by a Radio channel. But, before they received a notice from MNS, organisers voluntarily put down their plans to host the event. However, Shafqat was the first Pakistani artist to react and condemn the attacks. He told a news channel, ‘It is a terror attack and I condemn it, I strongly condemn it.”

Pakistani singer-actor and song writer Ali Zafar also had to face the wrath of being banned. The makers of his recent movie, ‘Dear Zindagi’ have already made plans not to include him in the film’s trailer. However, removing him from the movie completely might be a tough task as his role forms a crucial part of the story’s narration. The makers are also looking for an alternative young talent to replace two of Ali’s songs in the movie.

Mahira made her debut with ‘Bol’. She grabbed many eye balls with her TV shows and went on to become the ‘Sexiest Asian Woman’ in a poll conducted by Eastern Eye in 2015. She bagged a role in Shahrukh Khan’s ‘Raees’, but soon to her disappointment, with the ongoing issues and the movie that is still under production, the makers have decided to show her the doors.

The latest to join the list is Pakistani model and actress, Saba Qamar. This latest sensation in Pakistan's glam world was making her debut with Irrfan Khan in 'Hindi Medium'. Though the actress went ahead with the shoot for few of her portions, makers of the movie stalled its shooting after the notice from IMPPA was rolled out. Saba is now back in Pakistan.

Another actor who is trying to get a hold in Bollywood is Imran Abbas. The actor who was seen first in Vikram Bhatt’s ‘Creature’ has a cameo appearance in ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’. Though the attention is more on Fawad Khan, who is already a superstar in Pakistan, the times ahead for Imran Abbas seems to be tougher in Bollywood.

Another Pakistani hottie who grabbed many eye balls is Mawra Hocane (read Hussain) with her film ‘Sanam Teri Kasam’. Just when she saw offers pouring in, the ban was imposed and she lost a project as a main lead. Director Abhishek Jawkar said that he had plans to cast Mawra as his leading lady in the film ‘Not a Prostitute’. But, post the Uri attacks, Abhishek has chosen not to work with any Pakistani actors in order to convey his support to the nation and troops battling for the country.

Ali Zafar has an equally good looking brother Danyal Zafar. Danyal was supposed to make his Bollywood debut in Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions soon. The ban imposed by MNS and a subsequent ban of Pakistani actors by IMPPA have doused his chances.

Adnan Siddiqui is a famous TV artist who has worked in Lollywood and also Hollywood. He was all set to make his Bollywood debut with the movie 'Mom' opposite the legendary actress Sridevi. With the ban being imposed on Pakistan actors and just a day left to wrap-up the complete film's shoot, the film came to a halt. 

Sajal Ali is known as one of the most versatile actress in the Pakistan's Television industry. She was also supposed to be making her debut with 'Mom' along with Adnan Siddiqui. She plays Sridevi's daughter in her movie. With the movie's shoot being abruptly stopped, the actress who had high hopes of making a great Bollywood debut might have to alter her plans.