Beauties from the other side: Pakistani actresses storm Bollywood

Over half a dozen Pakistani actresses have – or are set to – enter Bollywood; experts say they bring “freshness” to films.

In the past, a few Pakistani actresses such as Veena Malik, Meera and Sara Loren acted in Bollywood movies. But now, film-makers are increasingly looking for female leads for their films across the border. So, if Meesha Shafi was seen in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013), Humaima Malick romanced Emraan Hashmi in Raja Natwarlal (2014). That’s not all. Now, over half a dozen Pakistani actresses have either made their entry in B-Town this year, or will be seen in a few forthcoming projects.

Saba Qamar will be seen romancing Irrfan Khan in his yet-untitled next, which she describes as “little like Piku”.

Humaima Malick made her Bollywood debut with Emraan Hashmi in Raja Natwarlal.

Read: Women may be swooning but Fawad Khan doesn’t think he looks good

New entrants

Mawra Hocane tested B-Town waters with Sanam Teri Kasam earlier this year. Mahira Khan, who will be seen with Shah Rukh Khan in Raees, has wrapped up her part of the schedule while Saba Qamar will romance Irrfan Khan in “a family-oriented story of a husband and wife”, which is “little like Piku (2015)”. Also, Maya Ali and Sadia Khan were, reportedly, in Mumbai a few days back. Apparently, Maya revealed that “she’s been offered a role” in a film in India, and Sadia has said that she’s in talks for the female lead opposite Akshay Kumar in his new film, Ikka.

Mahira Khan has wrapped up her shoot for Raees, in which she will be seen opposite Shah Rukh Khan.

“The biggest advantage of casting Pakistani actresses is that they bring loads of freshness, since no one [in India] has seen them earlier on TV, in films or in ads. So, there’s novelty. Plus, they are a deadly combination of beauty and talent,” says casting director Mukesh Chhabra.

Mawra, who shuttles between Karachi and Mumbai for work, has even decided to rent an apartment in the city. “I am happy with the variety of work I’m getting here, and the mix of people I have met,” says the 22-year-old, adding that she has received “a lot of love and respect here”.

Mawra Hocane, who made her B-Town debut with Sanam Teri Kasam, now plans to rent an apartment in Mumbai.

A Bollywood film-maker, on condition of anonymity, says unlike a lot of Indian girls, Pakistani actresses are “very professional” with “no unnecessary tantrums”. Plus, their command over Hindi language “is better, and can’t be compared [to some of the Indian actresses]”.

Trade experts say casting Pakistani actors are “pure creative calls”. “It’s a director’s prerogative to decide which actor fits the bill for his or her film. Thanks to satellite TV and the Internet, we are aware of the talent [in other countries too]. So, we can easily identify them. Plus, going by their work in Pakistan, they are all solid actors too,” says trade expert Taran Adarsh.

Model Sadia Khan has been, reportedly, approached for Akshay Kumar’s new film, Ikka.

Wealth of talent

Raees director Rahul Dholakia feels the same. “As a film-maker, what works best with non-regular casting is that you - as the audience - would believe the character more than concentrating on the image of the star. We auditioned other girls, too, for the part, but Mahira acts and looks her part [in the film],” he says.

Read: We would love to see Indian actors working in Pakistan: Adnan Siddiqui

Fawad Khan, who is already a known name in India thanks to his roles in films such as Khubsoorat (2014) and Kapoor & Sons, says he’s “happy” with more Pakistani talent coming in. “I have been a mediocre representation of Pakistani talent (smiles). There is a wealth of talent back home. Seeing other Pakistani actors entering this market is a great feeling,” he says.