Art has no boundaries and limitations and it is also somewhat true that every artist aspires to get the biggest platform to showcase their talent (and rightfully so). Pakistan, too, has a lot of talent, we have some of the best and most hardworking artists in the world. Some have worked in Bollywood while still others have had stints in places outside of Pakistan. Similarly, there is an elite list of artists who made inroads to Hollywood.
Hollywood, being the leading cinematic industry in the world, is the hub of fame and international stardom and also where the big money is at. Artists worldwide dream of being a part of the peripheries of Hollywood. Here’s the list of Pakistani stars who made it there:
Adnan Siddiqui
Adnan is a household name in Pakistan due to his spectacular performances in Pakistani dramas such as Maat and Ahista Ahista and Indian film Mom opposite the legendary Sri Devi. Adnan has also shared the big screen with one of the biggest female superstars of the world, Angelina Jolie. He played a pivotal character in Irfan Khan starrer A Mighty Heart. Adnan revealed on Tonite With HSY that he enjoyed attending the press meets with the cast and crew at international platforms.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJ7GayaNEac
Meesha Shafi
Meesha, who was recently in news for her #MeToo controversy and her stint at the Pepsi Battle of the Bands, showcased her talent in the Hollywood film, The Reluctant Fundamentalist. The movie, which is based on the book by Mohsin Hamid, is an ensemble cast film with the likes of Kate Hudson, Liev Schreiber, Shabana Azmi, and Om Puri.
Mahnoor Baloch
The Main Hoon Shahid Afridi star has won hearts of the international audiences with her bonafide performance in the Hollywood film, Torn acting alongside another Pakistani talent, Faran Tahir in this emotional movie. This was Mahnoor’s major breakthrough in the Hollywood celluloid.
Atif Aslam
Atif is a household name in Pakistan and India with his unmatchable track record of hit songs and soulful melodies in the contemporary cinema. Three of Atif’s songs were featured in an Independent Hollywood movie Man Push Cart. Atif also lent his vocals for the Hollywood motion picture, The Reluctant Fundamentalist.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GE1kX4MQq6Q
Sajid Hassan
Sajid is a powerhouse performer, known for his amazing acting prowess in Pakistani dramas. He started off as a theater personality and then moved onto television. Hassan’s work in Pakistan has gained him widespread recognition. He managed to bag a role in the Angelina Jolie and Adnan Siddiqui starrer A Mighty Heart and showcased his talent in a brief yet pivotal role.
Strings
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rucMwBt66fM
Strings has successfully carved its own niche in the local music industry but has also made Pakistan proud in Hollywood. Both Faisal Kapadia and Bilal Maqsood got their big Hollywood break when they worked on Spiderman 2’s OST. Najanay Kyun was added to the Spiderman 2 original soundtrack.
Zia Mohyeddin
This veteran Pakistani host and actor is still remembered for his blockbuster television chat show, Zia Mohyeddin show in the 70s. Zia has struck gold with his parts in Hollywood classics such as Lawrence of Arabia and They Came from Beyond Space. The actor has also featured in innumerable English plays such as Minder and Family Pride.
Asif Raza Mir
Asif has a double whammy of celebration, firstly his elder son Ahad Raza Mir recently got engaged to his lady love; the beautiful Sajal Ali and secondly, Asif has bagged HBO’s Gangs of London. The actor who once ruled Lollywood with films like Daaman and Mere Apne is all set to take Hollywood by storm.
These superlative talents of the country need more encouragement and empowerment to shine bright at international platforms and we are here to give it to them.
