Where many popular TV actors are moving to films and contributing to the growth of Pakistani cinema, others are trying their luck in the big, boisterous world of Bollywood. Of course not all have been successful in leaving an impression. While Fawad Khan has become the newest sensation,
Saba Qamar
CineScope
After entertaining audiences across Pakistan, these actresses are all set to take on Bollywood.
Where many popular TV actors are moving to films and contributing to the growth of Pakistani cinema, others are trying their luck in the big, boisterous world of Bollywood. Of course not all have been successful in leaving an impression. While Fawad Khan has become the newest sensation, Humaima disappeared without leaving much of a trace, and while Ali Zafar has found a friend in every B-town celebrity, Mawra only paved way to controversies. Even though Mawra’s performance had critics raving about her acting skills, the film was no more than a disaster. Now all eyes are on Mahira Khan, who will soon be seen opposite Shah Rukh Khan in the upcoming action-drama Raees and from what we hear, SRK is all praise for his co-star.
However, as the year has progressed and details of upcoming projects unraveled, it seems Mahira isn’t the only one foraying into Bollywood. The launch of Zee Zindagi has given a new lease on life to a handful of other Pakistani actresses as well. Instep rounds up four Pakistani leading ladies who are all set to make a mark in B-town and who we are looking forward to watch on the big screen.
Saba Qamar
Actress and model Saba Qamar, who is all set to play a rockstar in Wajahat Rauf’s next Lahore Se Aagey – the sequel to Karachi Se Lahore, is Pakistan’s newest import to Bollywood. She recently confirmed the news of her Bollywood debut and revealed that she is doing an “A-class” Bollywood film opposite the versatile and talented Irrfan Khan. However, this is not the first time that Qamar was offered a film in India; she has been approached for several other films to which she never agreed.
Qamar is no doubt one of the most talented actresses in the Pakistani entertainment industry with several popular TV plays under her belt. She was recently seen essaying Malika-e-Taranum Noor Jehan in Sarmad Sultan Khoosat’s critically acclaimed biopic Manto and received immense critical acclaim for her performance. Knowing Qamar’s potential, and given the fact that she will be sharing the screen with Irrfan Khan, one can expect the film to boast of some brilliant performances, if nothing else.
Sajal Ali
Sajal Ali has been around for a while but her recent TV serial Gul-e-Rana proved to be phenomenal and became a viral sensation among TV viewers in Pakistan. Now, however, the young actress is gearing up for her Bollywood debut. Sajal, who is currently in India to shoot for the film, titled Mom, will be sharing the screen with veteran Indian actress Sridevi and will be seen playing the role of her daughter. Word has it that the producers were keen to cast the Pakistani actress only after seeing her acting skills in Gul-e-Rana.
Ali has played the most diverse set of roles in several TV plays and will soon be seen in a Pakistani film, titled Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hai, opposite her Gul-e-Rana co-star Feroze Khan. While her Pakistani venture is being dubbed as a romantic drama, there is not much information on her Bollywood project. Whether her role in Mom is as impactful as the ones she is seen playing on the small screen remains to be seen.
Momal Sheikh
TV actress and talk show host Momal Sheikh is another Pakistani actress who has stepped into B-town and recently returned home after wrapping up the shoot for her film Happy Bhaag Jayegi, which also stars Abhay Deol and Cocktail girl Diana Penty. The film features Sheikh as Deol’s fiancé Zoya, who is a strong, independent girl and holds an opinion on everything that happens in her life.
As far as the synopsis goes, Happy Bhaag Jayegi is described as a cross-border rom-com based in Amritsar and Lahore and revolves around a bride who runs away from her house and somehow lands in Pakistan. From the looks of it, it appears that Momal hasn’t settled for being a sidekick and will be playing a crucial role in the film but whether her acting chops help the project earn success at the box office will only be revealed once the film releases later this year.
Sohai Ali Abro
Actress Sohai Ali Abro, who was last seen on the big screen in Nadeem Baig’s rom-com Jawani Phir Nahi Ani, is also said to be making her Bollywood debut with Googly Ho Gayi opposite Indian TV actor Parth Samthaan. Produced by Subhash Singh, the film is a rom-com and is written by one of the writers of hit comedy show, Comedy Circus. Word has it that Abro agreed to do this film just because of Samthaan, who rose to popularity with his portrayal of Manik Malhotra in the cult youth show, Kaisi Yeh Yaariyaan on MTV.
Abro has worked in several TV plays but it was her spot-on depiction of an elitist, spoilt brat in Jawani Phir Nahi Ani that brought her the most acclaim. She is also expected to be a part of Hamza Ali Abbasi’s long-delayed Kambakht. With no big, credible names attached to the project, Googly Ho Gayi doesn’t seem as promising but one hopes that Sohai has made an intelligent decision.
