Bilal Abbas Khan, Sarwat Gillani make it to UK publication's Top 50 Asian celebrities of 2020

UK publication Eastern Eye's list of Top 50 Asian celebrities of 2020 is out, and three of our own Pakistani stars have made it to the list!

Acknowledged for her role in one of the most prominent South Asian television series of the year, Sarwat Gillani was number 21 of the list of top 50 Asian celebrities of 2020 for her phenomenal performance in Churails, where she played the lead. "With the electrifying drama, she opened the door for a new era of TV content in Pakistan box and consolidated her position as a feminist icon."

Labelled the 'fastest rising acting star in Pakistan', Bilal Abbas made it to the list on number 28, recognised for his work in Pyar ke Sadqay as well as his sleeper hit Ek Jhooti Love Story that premiered on Zee5. "With some more high-profile projects on the way, Khan looks like the future of Pakistani film and television," his promising description read.

Bagging 49th place was Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, the only director on the list. She was acknowledged for using her platform "to raise awareness about social issues, nurture new talent and gain international attention for her work." The Oscar winner's highlight of the year was Sitara, a short-film on letting girls dream, while she is all geared up to direct the superhero series Ms Marvel.

Anushka Sharma, Salman Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Tiger Shroff and Hrithik Roshan also made it to the list representing Bollywood, while other popular names included poet Rupi Kaur, comedian-turned-tv personality Hasan Minhaj, host-turned-actor Jameela jamil, Riz Ahmed, Zayn Malik, Kumail Nanjiani and singer Armaan Malik.

Coming first on the list was Sonu Sood. "No celebrity did more to help others during lockdown than the big-hearted Bollywood star," the publication said, applauding his philanthropic work.

The Eastern Eye is Britain’s best known and most respected Asian weekly newspaper, regarded as the authentic voice of British Asians in the UK and responsible for hosting the annual Asian Business Awards and publishing the widely respected Asian Rich List.