Before Bollywood’s ban on Pakistani celebrities, India was importing a lot of its talent from Pakistan. This includes a long list of Pakistani actors, musicians, comedians and other people working in the entertainment industry.
There are some Pakistanis artists that have done more projects in India than they have in Pakistan (looking at you Ali Zafar).
Some of the artists view opportunities from Bollywood as a big leap forward and an opportunity to grow. Others strongly disagree and refuse to work in India.
We take a look at Pakistani celebrities who said no to Bollywood.
1. Shehnaz Sheikh
Shehnaz Sheikh was offered to work in Bollywood during her famed days of Tanhaiyan and Un Kahi. The actress refused the offer.
2. Shaan Shahid
The Waar actor is a strong supporter of Pakistan’s Bollywood ban and has long called for it to promote local cinema.
Shaan was offered the role of the antagonist in Ghajni but he refused. He also refused roles in many Bollywood productions over the years. He would rather have Indian actors play roles in Pakistani films than export talent.
3. Hamza Ali Abbasi
The Jawani Phir Nahi Ani actor was propositioned for a role in Bollywood’s Baby. Hamza Ali Abbasi rejected the role because the storyline of the movie had anti-Pakistan elements.
4. Faisal Qureshi
The actor-cum-TV host was offered three roles in Bollywood films. He rejected the offers as he was not impressed with the script and characters offered to him.
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5. Fahad Mustafa
In 2015, Indian film-maker Mahesh Bhatt approached Fahad Mustafa for a role in his movie. The Load Wedding actor rejected the offer because he was content with his work in Pakistan.
6. Sanam Jung
The Vj-cum-actor-cum-TV host rejected an offer to work in Bollywood because she stood firm on the issue that she would not film bold scenes.
7. Fatima Effendi
Indian film-maker Anees Bazmi approached actress Fatima Effendi for a role. The Pakistani actress rejected the role because she was not comfortable filming the bold scenes written for her character.
8. Mehwish Hayat
Pakistani bombshell Mehwish Hayat was offered the lead female role in Bollywood’s Jutt James Bond. The Enaaya actress rejected the offer.
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