Pakistani artists who have been a part of Bollywood films in recent times

Mumbai: The Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association (IMPPA) passed a unanimous resolution at the annual general meeting, a few days back, urging all their members to stop working with artists and technicians from Pakistan until tensions die down.

Ever since the IMPPA urged filmmakers to refrain from hiring Pakistani artists, a clear divide is visible between film industry members who oppose the stand and those who support it.

Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan have been making headlines for having Pakistani artists – Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan –in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Raees respectively.

Amid the din surrounding the issue, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) led by Raj Thackeray threatened to disrupt the screening of the films and even ‘beat up’ those who would work with artists from Pakistan.

Recruitment of Pakistani artists for Indian films is certainly a burning issue at this juncture. Nonetheless, a number of them have been a part of some of Bollywood’s recent releases. Here’s taking a look at ten Pakistani artists who have been a part of Bollywood films in the last few years:

Fawad Khan

Fawad made his Bollywood debut opposite Sonam Kapoor in Khoobsurat. He was also a part of Karan Johar’s Kapoor and Sons, a film that released earlier this year and will now be seen in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.

Ali Zafar

Since his Bollywood debut in 2010, Ali Zafar has been working consistently in India. He has been a part of films such as Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, London Paris New York, Chashme Baddoor, Total Siyapaa, Kill Dil. He will reportedly feature in Shah Rukh Khan and Ali Bhatt starrer Dear Zindagi.

Imran Abbas

Imran had made his Bollywood debut a couple of years back with Bipasha Basu’s ‘Creature 3D’. He is one of Pakistan’s most popular actors.

Mikaal Zulfiqar

Mikaal Zulfiqar made his presence felt with a small but significant role in Akshay Kumar’s Baby last year.

Mawra Hocane

Mawra made her Bollywood debut opposite Harshvardhan Rane in Sanam Teri Kasam this year.

Meesha Shafi

Meesha played Perizaad in Farhan Akhtar’s Bhaag Milkha Bhaag in 2013.

Shafqat Amanat Ali

Shaqfat Amanat Ali has lent his voice to a number of Bollywood songs in the recent times. Manchala from Hasee Toh Phasee, Dildara from ‘Ra.One’ are two of his most popular songs from a big kitty of melodious tracks.

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

Rahat had recently sung for Salman Khan’s Jag Ghoomaya track from Sultan. He has to his credit a number of other Bollywood chartbuster numbers.

Atif Aslam

‘Tere Sang Yaara’ - the romantic track featuring Akshay Kumar and Ileana D’Cruz in ‘Rustom has been sung by Atif, who too has a number of popular Bollywood songs to his credit.

Mahira Khan

Mahira had shot her portions in Shah Rukh Khan’s Raees and is now looking forward to the release of the film next year. But there are reports that the lady might be replaced by an Indian actress. However, no official confirmation has been made by the makers of the film yet.