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How did Pakistani actors' Bollywood debuts fare this year? Indian trade analysts assess

How did Pakistani actors' Bollywood debuts fare this year? Indian trade analysts assess

From Mahira Khan to Sajal Aly, here's how these Pakistanis fared onscreen according to Bollywood trade analysts
24 Dec, 2017

This year some of Pakistan's top actors made their Bollywood debuts, but what kind of impression did they leave?

Hindustan Times rounded up assessments from B-Town trade analysts and here's what they have to say about the Pakistani actors who worked across the border.

Mahira Khan

Mahira Khan lucked out with a Bollywood debut alongside King Khan, undoubtedly she was over the moon. Though her film Raees ended up getting banned in Pakistan and she was banned from working in India, trade analyst Atul Mohan had other reservations about her debut. "When you are in a film with SRK, you don’t get much scope to perform. But in that too she was decent."

Another trade expert Komal Nahta wasn't too impressed by her acting chops. "I also felt she should have been made to look more glamourous. There have been frames where she did not look good at all. A beginner needs to be both skilled and appealing in his or her appearance."

Saba Qamar

Saba Qamar undoubtedly won critics and fans over with her acting in Hindi Medium. There's no denying that she gave an impressive performance working alongside Irrfan Khan.

"She impressed us with her histrionics. She also looked perfect with Irrfan. Both complemented each other in the film," said Mohan.

And Nahta agreed: "Saba was the right choice for the film. She was very confident good looking."

Sajal Aly

Sajal Aly fast became a favourite among her co-stars, including Sri Devi and her acting in Mom received praise from both sides of the border.

"She was good in the film. And I think given more prominence she would have done better too," said Mohan.

Nahta couldn't get past her brilliant performance. "Sajal lived up to her demanding role and lived up to everyone's expectation. There were moments in the film where she was brilliant. She is a fine actor."

Adnan Siddiqui

Another Pakistani actor who worked in Mom and co-starred with Sajal Aly and Sri Devi, is Adnan Siddiqui. Though his role in the film was limited, Nahta felt that he did justice to his screen time. Mehra was on the same page and felt that Adnan did shine in the film and performed well.

Comments

skumar Dec 24, 2017 04:15pm
saba was the best
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Ayesha Dec 24, 2017 08:58pm
Rightly said mahira is overhyped
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Rajan Dec 24, 2017 10:26pm
You forgot the prettiest, Madiha Imam in Dear Maya
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Madan Dec 25, 2017 12:13am
Saba impressed the movie goers the most.She needs to come to India frequently to portray her talent in acting.
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N abidi Dec 25, 2017 03:04am
@Ayesha success , hit movies ,awards,having millions fans,is not hype! It is mahira's hard work shown in films,dramas,and ad's ,thus ,jealosy ,of many!
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sadaf Dec 25, 2017 03:46am
saba qamar was indeed the best.
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FJ Dec 25, 2017 05:01am
@Ayesha : Mahira's role was chopped in the film. It's not her fault that she wasn't able to show her work due to politics. She is a decent actress. And no, she is not hyped. Her audience is able to connect with her characters whether it was khirad, falak, shano or saba. And she's been consistent with her honest portrayal of these characters. And as far as beauty is concerned, it lies in the eyes of the beholder. So some may not find her special but to many she's extremely beautiful. I think she's lovely. She defies the age old standard of beauty which was that one needs certain features to look beautiful. A woman like Mahira shows that one can have a big nose and big lips ( features considered ugly or imperfect) and still be beautiful. Beauty does not have rules. Mahira deserve the fame she has. She connects with her fans like no other. She is humble and kind. Traits which many talented actresses/actors lack.
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avis Dec 25, 2017 07:01am
All cuties look nice - ready for skills and skins ;)
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Dr Sarkar Dec 25, 2017 09:31am
Saba Qamar is an impressive performer on screen. Other actors also have done good job.
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Dilli ka Don Dec 25, 2017 10:31am
How did their Lollywood works fared?
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Udayan Mitra Dec 25, 2017 10:51am
Please stick to acting in Pakistan.
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Kalaniketan Dec 25, 2017 12:22pm
All are good, Art and Music spread love every time across the borders
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N abidi Dec 26, 2017 08:15am
Pakistani films industry needs many talented artists male and females,and educated directers and writers to stand on it's two feets to be weight bearing! Thus, saying only Saba is the only actress is not a very good argument! Let's not repeat history,this is what happened,when 3 actresses and 3 actors were the only artists that were cast,thus flopped pak industry ! Artists ,should learn their lessons ,pak film industry needs, Mahira, Maviish, humaima , neelum , sajal ,etc, because they are very talented and brings their own beauties to lit the screen !
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