Fawad Khan, with his tehzeeb soaked persona, seems to be the new darling of India. And with Kapoor & Sons hitting all the right notes, he has only upped his game. But Fawad is not the only one. There are many artists, if not better actors, then at least equally good looking, who carry bright acting badges in Pakistan.
Here’s a look at five potential Fawad Khans from the other side of the fence.
Danish Taimoor
He began his career as a model, but his pristine good looks amplified by his deep melancholic eyes were a perfect match for the screen. After dozens of telefilms and several TV shows, he has become a household name in Pakistan, as it was evident when his marriage with actress Ayeza Khan generated a huge buzz. After much kudos for his TV shows, he made his film debut last year with Jalaibee. Interestingly, he worked with Queen director Vikas Bahl for an ad film very recently.
Sheheryar Munawar Siddiqui
A graduate of the Institute of Business Administration, acting was something he stumbled upon. His stint as a deaf-mute young man in TV show Meray Dard Ko Jo Zuban Miley proved to be such a breakthrough that he became an overnight sensation in his home country. He went from strength to strength with consecutive shows like Tanhaiyan Naye Silsilay, Kahi Un Kahi, Zindagi Gulzar Hai and Aasmanon Pay Likha. He could be the perfect fit for youth-centric films, albeit with the grace that his Urdu laced tongue can offer.
Fahad Mustafa
A multi-faceted talent, Fahad Mustafa is known for juggling various roles: films, TV serials, anchoring to even voice acting. Highly popular for hosting the game show, Jeeto Pakistan, he has appeared in two well-liked films, Na Maloom Afraad followed by Mah-e-Meer. The actor has stated in interviews that he is in talks for his Bollywood debut, and the details are being worked out right now.
Shaan Shahid
He started working at 16, and at 44, he has finished more than 500 films in a career spanning over two decades. Measured as the Amitabh Bachchan of Pakistani cinema, he is adored by millions on the other side of the border. He famously refused Aamir Khan’s remake of Ghajini where he was offered the role of the villain. Perhaps he would accept an offer if he could share screen space with the real Amitabh Bachchan. Somebody make it happen!
Adeel Hussain
From formal attire in Daam to boy-next-door wardrobe in Mata-e-Jaan Hai Tu, Adeel Hussain has made young ones go weak in their knees with his chiseled looks and the ease with which he can carry different styles. He is known for being choosy about his projects, unlike his peers. A cat lover, he can make you purr. Beware.
(The writer is a journalist and a screenwriter who believes in the insanity of words, in print or otherwise. Follow him on Twitter: @RanjibMazumder)
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