11 Pakistani Celebrities Who Have a Huge Fan Following in India
Pakistani celebrities have seen a massive surge in global popularity, and India is no exception.
With social media breaking barriers and streaming platforms giving access to Pakistani dramas worldwide, many stars have garnered a dedicated fan base across the border.
Some of the biggest Pakistani dramas, from Ishq Murshid to Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum, have become household names in India, racking up millions of views on YouTube every week.
Despite political tensions leading to a ban on Pakistani artists in Bollywood, the love for these stars has remained unwavering.
Their performances, charm, and talent continue to win over Indian audiences, with many fans eagerly following their latest projects. Here are 11 Pakistani celebrities with an immense fan following in India.
1. Wahaj Ali
Wahaj Ali became a household name in India with his role as Murtasim Khan in Tere Bin, a drama that broke viewership records. The intensity of his performance, coupled with his undeniable charm, won over millions of Indian fans. Many have even compared his stardom to that of Bollywood's leading men, and his presence at international events always sparks a frenzy among his Indian admirers.
2. Mahira Khan
Mahira Khan's Bollywood debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Raees introduced her to the Indian audience, but her stardom had already begun with Humsafar. The actress, despite the restrictions on Pakistani artists, remains an iconic figure in India. Her elegance and performances keep her relevant, and she continues to be celebrated by fans and media alike.
3. Fawad Khan
Fawad Khan's impact in India is undeniable. After captivating audiences with Zindagi Gulzar Hai, he was welcomed into Bollywood with Khoobsurat, Kapoor & Sons, and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. Even years after his last Bollywood appearance, his fan following in India remains massive, and anticipation for his upcoming OTT project with Vaani Kapoor is at an all-time high.
4. Bilal Abbas Khan
Bilal Abbas Khan has cemented his place in Indian hearts with his stellar performances in Ishq Murshid and Abdullahpur Ka Devdas. The intensity he brings to his roles has resonated strongly with Indian audiences, and with Abdullahpur Ka Devdas rumored to have a second season, his stardom across the border is only growing.
5. Durefishan Saleem
With the unprecedented success of Ishq Murshid, Durefishan Saleem has found a loyal fan base in India. Her grace, acting prowess, and undeniable screen presence have made her a favorite. Her name frequently trends among Indian audiences, and fans eagerly wait for her next project.
6. Sanam Saeed
Sanam Saeed's portrayal of Kashaf Murtaza in Zindagi Gulzar Hai made her a sensation in India. Her strong screen presence and choice of roles have kept her in the limelight. Even after all these years, Indian fans hold her in high regard and are always eager to see her in more projects.
7. Mawra Hocane
Mawra Hocane became a Bollywood sweetheart with Sanam Teri Kasam. The film, despite its initial release years ago, has gained cult status among Indian fans, who are now demanding a sequel. Her connection to India remains strong, with fans frequently reaching out to her on social media, requesting her return to Bollywood.
8. Farhan Saeed
Farhan Saeed's music has long been popular in India, but his acting in Mere Humsafar took his stardom to new heights. His chemistry with Hania Aamir made waves, and his earlier role as Arsal in Suno Chanda also continues to have a strong following among Indian viewers.
9. Yumna Zaidi
Yumna Zaidi has always been critically acclaimed, but her role as Meerab in Tere Bin catapulted her to another level of fame in India. The demand for Tere Bin 2 has been overwhelming, with Indian fans eagerly waiting to see their beloved character return.
10. Hania Aamir
Hania Aamir has become one of the most beloved Pakistani celebrities in India. Her breakout role in Mere Humsafar introduced her to a massive audience, and her continued success in Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum solidified her stardom. Her frequent interactions with Indian artists like Badshah and Diljit Dosanjh have further fueled excitement about her possible Bollywood debut.
11. Atif Aslam
Atif Aslam is a household name in India, thanks to his soulful voice and timeless songs that have defined an entire era of Bollywood music. From Tera Hone Laga Hoon to Jeene Laga Hoon, his contributions to Indian cinema remain unmatched, despite the ban on Pakistani artists. His live concerts in India used to sell out within minutes, and his songs continue to dominate playlists across the border. Even today, Indian fans eagerly await new music from him, proving that his influence and legacy in the Indian music industry remain as strong as ever.
With these stars continuing to win hearts across the border, their influence in India is undeniable.
While the political landscape may have halted collaborations, the love for Pakistani talent remains stronger than ever.
Whether through dramas, music, or films, these celebrities are proving that entertainment knows no borders.
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In the great theatre of the subcontinent, many roles are played. The diplomat with his pocket square, ever so cautious, so vary of his words; the journalist with his war drum baritone and breaking news ticker; the general adorned in ranks, with his maps, military insights and strategically placed metaphors. But perhaps the most watched performers, the ones that garner the most eyeballs, are the stars, the celebrities, the legends of celluloid — those silken, sculpted, social-media-verified wonders of Indian cinema, who, in times of tension, often hold more sway over the hearts of their fans than even actual heads of state. So, when the most recent diplomatic domino between Pakistan and India began to fall, sparked by a tragic incident in Kashmir and snowballing into a full-blown chest-thumping war mongering chaos, eyes obviously turned to the borders. For the latest updates and bulletins, eyes turned to the news. And for everything in between, they turned to mobile screens. While the news cycle monopolised missile updates and water cooler conversations stoked further trepidation, it was on social media, Facebook and Instagram pages, and Threads of the world that we witnessed, some with a shrug and others with resignation, a curtain fall. The fanfare of nationalist fervour is nothing new. We have seen it before — during surgical strikes, border standoffs, even high-stake cricket matches. But this time, it felt different. The air itself had a simmering quality to it. This time, it was the power corridors of Bollywood that stood in a staunch and ignoble salute. Fan favourite stars from the lauded Bollywood pantheon, like Akshay Kumar, whose recent filmography reads like a defence ministry-sponsored resume, wasted no time. His message was swift: unwavering support for the Indian response, patriotic hashtags, and a pixel-perfect picture of the tri-coloured flag. Quick on his heels was the ever-so-predictable Kangana Ranaut, Bollywood's resident Rottweiler of righteousness. Never known for subtlety, Ms Ranaut deemed it appropriate to post that Pakistan was a 'terrorist nation' and called for the 'cleansing' of traitors. 'These [insert PC term for insects known for their signature infestations and filth] should be nuked' she said. And in doing so India will actually be doing the entire world a huge favour. Even the usually discreet monoliths — Hrithik Roshan, Ajay Devgan, and Shahid Kapoor chimed in with near-identical messages support for the armed forces, for the government, for decisive action. A methodical barrage of copy-paste nationalism. Who would have thought that the modern face of digital diplomacy could be achieved in 280 characters or less? Citizens of a proud nation simply supporting their sovereign nation? That wasn't jarring really. Why would anyone assume otherwise? Why wouldn't the slumbering nationalism be kindled by the horns of war? But what truly unsettled fans, particularly across this side of the border, was how quickly this nuance petered out. And in that silence, there seemed to be no room for peace, no space for reflection. The world's biggest democracy was suddenly rendered to be nothing more than an echo chamber. Perhaps the most painful silence was from those who once told stories that made these very borders blur. Alia Bhatt, beloved on both sides of the Wagah gate, posted a vaguely-worded graphic: 'Strength. Solidarity. Resilience.' It was the PR version of nodding solemnly and exiting stage left. And then there was the illustrious Karan Johar whose popularity spikes are the bread and butter of the expat South Asian demographic (in its gargantuan entirety) posted an Indian flag. No caption, no context. Just 'vibes'. 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Of course, Ms Sinha was swiftly trolled, memed, accused of being 'anti-national,' and told to go to Pakistan (a favourite insult, it seems, for anyone who suggested peace in that time). But she reminded us of something crucial: bravery isn't always about standing tall. Sometimes, it can just be about not sitting down when everyone else has. While India's celebrity class was actively engaged in staging their synchronised salute, the world also had the pleasure (read titillation) of tuning into a very different performance, one that took place on Piers Morgan Uncensored. There, sat across from each other, were Barkha Dutt and Hina Rabbani Khar. One Indian. One Pakistani. One a journalist. One a former foreign minister. Both articulate, accomplished women; razor-sharp, and blessedly allergic to nonsense. Khar, with her characteristic calm and poise, spoke of nuance, context, and the inherent dangers of nationalist hysteria. 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When screenwriters flirted with forbidden love across borders, when a song could soften suspicion, and when a poem could become protest. Today, those scripts are shelved, their authors quiet, their protagonists, for all intents and purposes, neutered by eagle-eyed publicists and spectres of political correctness. So here we are, popcorn in one hand, a tear stained handkerchief in the other, looking at the silver screen, waiting for someone, anyone, in this great theatre of the subcontinent, to play the role of the artist again. To remind us that before they were influencers, stars were simply storytellers. That their job was not just to reflect power, but to sometimes question it. And perhaps one day, they will. When it's safer. When the script changes. When bravery is back in vogue. Until then, we are left with silence. Polished. PR-approved. Politically correct. But silence nonetheless. Shahzad Abdullah is a PR and communications strategist, cultural curator and director of communications at Media Matters All facts are information are the sole responsibility of the
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