There are several Pakistani actors who have won the hearts of the Indian audience with their charismatic screen presence, exceptional talent, and versatility. Some Pakistani drama actors are immensely popular in the country and also internationally because of their acting skills in dramas as well as films.
Some of the top Pakistani actors like Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan and some new faces like Hania Aamir, Wahaj Ali, Yumna Zaidi, and Bilal Abbas Khan have made a considerable impact in the industry, winning millions of hearts.
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Here is our list of the Pakistani actors who became household names in India because of their popular dramas
Pakistani Actors – Male
1. Fawad Khan (One of the finest Pakistani actors)
Breakthrough Drama: Humsafar (2011)
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Fawad Khan became a household name in the country after Humsafar aired on Zindagi Channel. His portrayal of the brooding yet romantic character, Asher Hussain, opposite Mahira Khan, made him a fan favourite.
Indian popularity:
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Made his Bollywood debut in Khoobsurat (2014) alongside Sonam Kapoor, winning a Filmfare Award for Best Debut. Featured in Kapoor & Sons (2016) with Alia Bhatt and Sidharth Malhotra, which was a huge box office success.
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He was also a part of the Bollywood film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016). Fawad was seen in a cameo role alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma.
Top Dramas of Fawad Khan:
- Humsafar (2011–2012); Role: Asher Hussain
- Zindagi Gulzar Hai (2012–2013); Role: Zaroon Junaid
- Dastaan (2010); Role: Hassan
Fawad Khan Bollywood movies:
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- Khoobsurat (2014) – Opposite Sonam Kapoor; Role: Prince Vikram Singh Rathore
- Kapoor & Sons (2016) – Alongside Alia Bhatt, Sidharth Malhotra; Role: Rahul Kapoor
- Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016) – Cameo role, yet fan-favorite
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2. Ahad Raza Mir
Breakthrough Drama: Yakeen Ka Safar (2017)
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Ahad Raza Mir’s portrayal of the character Dr. Asfandyar won the hearts of the audience. His work brought him recognition across the border, too, and he became a fan favourite in India.
Indian Popularity:
His dramas, like Ehd-e-Wafa and Aangan, have a massive following in India. Among the Pakistani actors, Ahad Raza’s chemistry with Sajal Aly made them one of the most beloved on-screen pairs.
Top Dramas of Ahad Raza Mir:
- Yakeen Ka Safar (2017); Role: Dr. Asfandyar
- Ehd-e-Wafa (2019–2020); Role: Saad
- Aangan (2018)
- Sinf-e-Aahan (2021) – Guest Appearance
International & Netflix:
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Resident Evil (2022) – Netflix Series; Role- Arjun Batra
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3. Imran Abbas
Breakthrough Drama: Khuda Aur Mohabbat (2011)
Imran Abbas’s romantic roles and striking looks made him a heartthrob in both Pakistan and India.
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Indian Popularity:
Imran was seen alongside Bipasha Basu in the Bollywood film Creature 3D (2014). He was also featured in Jaanisaar (2015), a period drama produced by Muzaffar Ali.
Top Dramas of Imran Abbas:
- Khuda Aur Mohabbat (Season 1 & 2); Role: Hammad
- Mera Naam Yusuf Hai (2015)
- Tum Kon Piya (2016)
- Aitraaz, Mohabbat Tumse Nafrat Hai, Noor-ul-Ain
Bollywood Debut – Creature 3D (2014)
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4. Mikaal Zulfiqar
Breakthrough Drama: Diyar-e-Dil (2015)
Mikaal Zulfiqar is known for his charming presence and romantic roles in dramas.
Indian Popularity:
He was featured in Akshay Kumar’s Baby (2015), where he played the role of an undercover agent. He has appeared in multiple Bollywood commercials, making him a familiar face among the Pakistani actors male in India.
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Top Dramas of Mikaal Zulfiqar:
- Sheher-e-Zaat (2012)
- Diyar-e-Dil (2015)
- Sang-e-Mar Mar (2016)
- Ruswai (2019–2020)
- Khasara (2018)
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5. Adnan Siddiqui
Breakthrough Drama: Mere Qatil Mere Dildar (2011)
Adnan is a seasoned actor known for his versatile performances in Pakistani dramas.
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Indian Popularity:
Adnan was seen in the Bollywood movie Mom (2017) alongside Sridevi, Sajal Aly, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. He previously appeared in A Mighty Heart (2007) with Angelina Jolie, making him one of the few Pakistani actors to work in both Bollywood and Hollywood.
Top Dramas of Adnan Siddiqui:
- Mere Paas Tum Ho (2019–2020); Role: Shehwar Ahmed
- Sammi (2017); Role: Chaudhry
- Yeh Dil Mera (2019–2020); Role: Mir Farooq Zaman
- Ghughi (2018)
6. Bilal Abbas Khan (The New Sensation)
Breakthrough Drama: Cheekh (2019)
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Indian Popularity:
The Pakistani dramas he worked in aired on platforms like Zindagi (Zee5) and YouTube, making them widely accessible to Indian viewers. He’s known for his natural acting, emotional range, and strong character choices. He is one of the most loved Pakistani Actors in India.
His drama, Pyar Ke Sadqay (2020), was immensely loved by Indian audiences on digital platforms.
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Top Dramas of Bilal Abbas Khan:
- O Rangreza (2017); Role: Qasim
- Balaa (2018); Role: Taimoor
- Cheekh (2019); Role: Wajih
- Pyar Ke Sadqay (2020); Role: Abdullah
- Dunk (2020–21); Role: Haider
- Kuch Ankahi (2023); Role: Salman
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7. Hamza Ali Abbasi (Pakistani Actor Popular Among Indian Fans)
Breakthrough Drama: Mann Mayal (2016)
Indian Popularity:
His powerful performances in Parwaaz Hai Junoon and Alif have gained him a dedicated fan base in India. His dramas, like Mann Mayal and Alif, were widely watched and loved by Indian audiences. He is known for his good looks, strong voice,and mature and passionate roles that appeal across borders.
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Pakistani Actors – Female
8. Mahira Khan
Breakthrough Drama: Humsafar (2011)
Her role as Khirad in Humsafar made her one of Pakistan’s most loved actresses. The Indian audiences instantly fell in love with her natural acting and screen presence. Mahira is among the top Pakistani female actors.
Indian Popularity:
Mahira played the lead opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Raees (2017); it was her Bollywood debut. Even though political tensions restricted her promotional activities in India, she received immense appreciation for her performance.
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Top Dramas of Mahira Khan:
- Humsafar (2011–2012); Role: Khirad
- Shehr-e-Zaat (2012); Role: Falak
- Sadqay Tumhare (2014); Role: Shano
- Bin Roye (Drama + Film)
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9. Sajal Aly
Breakthrough Drama: Yakeen Ka Safar (2017)
Sajal Aly became famous for her astounding beauty. She won everyone’s hearts with her emotional performances and strong screen presence. She is among the top Pakistani drama actors.
Indian Popularity:
She starred as Sridevi’s daughter in Mom (2017). She won critical acclaim for her intense performance. Sridevi herself praised Sajal as one of the finest young talents she had worked with.
Top Dramas of Sajal Aly:
- Yakeen Ka Safar (2017); Role: Dr. Zubia
- O Rangreza (2017); Role: Sassi
- Alif (2019)
- Gul-e-Rana, Sinf-e-Aahan, and Chup Raho
Bollywood Debut: Mom (2017); Role: Arya
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10. Saba Qamar
Breakthrough Drama: Baaghi (2017)
Saba played the role of social media sensation Qandeel Baloch in Baaghi, which brought her critical acclaim.
Indian Popularity:
She also worked opposite Irrfan Khan in Hindi Medium (2017), which became a blockbuster. Her performance as a middle-class mother striving for an English-medium education for her daughter was widely admired by the audience.
Top Dramas of Saba Qamar:
- Maat (2011); Role: Saman (the selfish, materialistic sister)
- Dastaan (2010); Co-star: Fawad Khan
- Baaghi (2017); Role: Fouzia Batool / Qandeel Baloch
- Cheekh (2019); Role: Mannat
- Thakan, Digest Writer, Fraud, Tumhare Husn Ke Naam
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11. Hina Khawaja Bayat
Breakthrough Drama: Zindagi Gulzar Hai (2012)
Hina Khawaja Bayat is a veteran actress who became famous for playing strong, supportive motherly roles in Pakistani dramas.
Indian Popularity:
She is one of the Pakistani female actors who worked in popular Pakistani dramas like Humsafar, Zindagi Gulzar Hai, and Shehr-e-Zaat, which made her a beloved figure among Indian audiences. Though she hasn’t worked in Bollywood, her Pakistani dramas have consistently been well-received in the country.
Top Dramas of Hina Khawaja Bayat:
- Humsafar (2011); Role: Mahira Khan’s mother, Farida Aunty
- Zindagi Gulzar Hai (2012–2013); Role: Zaroon’s mother
- Shehr-e-Zaat (2012); Role: Falak’s mother
- Mere Humsafar (2021–2022)
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12. Sanam Saeed
Breakthrough Drama: Zindagi Gulzar Hai (2012)
In this Pakistani drama, she played the role of Kashaf Murtaza. She portrayed the character of an ambitious and independent woman, resonating with Indian audiences.
Indian Popularity:
Zindagi Gulzar Hai was one of the most popular Pakistani dramas aired in India. Reportedly, Sanam has been approached for Bollywood roles, but she has yet to make her debut. Her performance is often compared to that of Indian actors like Tabu or Konkona Sen Sharma.
Her dramas are widely streamed on Zee5, MX Player, and YouTube, keeping her fandom alive in India.
Top Dramas of Sanam Saeed:
- Zindagi Gulzar Hai (2012–2013); Role: Kashaf Murtaza
- Diyar-e-Dil (2015)
- Talkhiyan (2012)
- Kadoorat (2013)
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13. Hania Aamir (The New Generation Pakistani drama actress)
Breakthrough Drama: Mere Humsafar (2021)
Indian Popularity:
Hania is loved by Indian fans for her bubbly personality and natural acting. Her chemistry with Farhan Saeed in Mere Humsafar made her a household name in India. The drama trended on YouTube in India for weeks.
She’s got a huge Gen-Z following due to her fun-loving Instagram, fashion sense, and relatable content.
Top Dramas of Hania Aamir:
- Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha (2022–2023); Role: Maheer
- Ishqiya (2020); Role: Roomi
- Mere Humsafar (2021–2022); Role: Hala
- Dil Ruba (2020); Role: Sanam
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14. Yumna Zaidi (The Latest Superstar in India)
Breakthrough Drama: Tere Bin (2023)
Indian Popularity:
The Pakistani drama, Tere Bin, became a pan-India sensation, trending on YouTube and Twitter for months. Indian fans adore her role as Meerab in Tere Bin. She became one of the most discussed Pakistani actresses in India.
Indian fans love this Pakistani drama actress for her natural acting, strong character choices, and dignified screen presence. She often picks roles of female empowerment.
Top Dramas of Yumna Zaidi:
- Tere Bin (2022–2023); Role: Meerab
- Pyar Ke Sadqay (2020); Role: Mahjabeen
- Dar Si Jati Hai Sila (2017); Role: Sila
- Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahi (2021); Role: Sumbul
- Ishq Zahe Naseeb (2019); Role: Shakra
- Parizaad (2021–22) (Guest Role)
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15. Ayeza Khan (The Drama Queen of Pakistan)
Breakthrough Drama: Mere Paas Tum Ho (2019)
Indian Popularity:
The drama, Mere Paas Tum Ho, was a blockbuster hit in India, making her a household name. Most of her dramas are available on YouTube, Zee5, and other streaming platforms. Indian fans love her chemistry with stars like Humayun Saeed, Imran Abbas, and Hamza Ali Abbasi.
Top Dramas of Ayeza Khan:
- Mere Paas Tum Ho (2019); Role: Mehwish
- Chupke Chupke (2021); Role: Meenu
- Thora Sa Haq (2019–2020); Role: Seher
- Koi Chand Rakh (2018)
- Jaan-e-Jahan (2023–24); Role: Mahnoor
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Conclusion
Pakistani actors continue to gain recognition on national and international platforms due to their remarkable talent and dedication. With the entertainment industry evolving rapidly, these actors are setting new benchmarks and taking Pakistani cinema and television to new heights.
Who is your favorite Pakistani actor? Let us know in the comments.
