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

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.