“To be honest, based on what I have observed throughout my career, I believe Pakistani actors are not treated equally in Indian films,” Mikaal continued. I only speak for the past 10 to 15 years. Working abroad is fine as long as we are given the same opportunity as our Indian colleagues. If you are forced to perform an action that would be ridiculed in Pakistan just for a supporting role, I will be pleased to work exclusively on our productions.
It is important to note that the Huey Tum Ajnabee actor has previously voiced his distaste about working in another country.
In a recent interview, Zulfiqar spoke about his 2015 Bollywood production and said, “The filmmakers, at the time of signing, had said Baby was not anti-Pakistan,” the Money Back Guarantee star added. “In fact, they said that the movie does not have any such content when I specifically asked them.”
“I wasn’t a part of the first part of the film and had no idea about the script,” Zulfiqar continued. I did find out about the reality, though, after it was made public. I made the decision to solely work in Pakistani films after that. Additionally, in India, we do not receive the respect we deserve.
The Sherdil actor claimed that whether Pakistani actors are involved in issues or support them, Indian filmmakers genuinely don’t give a damn. He used the issue surrounding Veena Malik’s photo session to exemplify his point and promote it.
The model-turned-actor declared that he is pleased to be a Pakistani and that he enjoys working here since he receives so much respect from his supporters. Like many Pakistanis, Zulfiqar worked in India but was unable to make as much of an impact as his contemporaries Fawad Khan.
The actor had expressed his lack of genuine desire to perform in Bollywood. “Being in Bollywood is not something I genuinely aspire to. He had added, “I’d much rather work in Pakistan and promote Pakistani movies, Pakistani television, and Pakistani culture.
But as an actor, I don’t mind Bollywood. It’s a wonderful and enormous industry,” he stated. If I were to name a fantasy Bollywood project, it would have to be a typical Bollywood production, with lots of color, glitz, comedy, romance, wonderful music, expansive sets, dancing around trees, and multiple heroines, hehe. A ideal Bollywood project, that would be.
Mikaal expressed his opinions regarding contrasting Pakistani and Bollywood films in a different interview. “I don’t understand why we’re in this constant battle of comparing ourselves with India,” he previously told The Express Tribune. “There is no reason for us to emulate them because we have our own industry. They are plainly considerably bigger, and they have excellent technical and conceptual strength. We all know that Pakistan’s industry is growing, but I don’t believe we should subject ourselves to that level of pressure just yet.
We should give Bollywood its due credit, he continued. Although they have come a long way, we have not yet arrived. The only thing you can actually compare people on, if at all, is talent. We have, in my opinion, prettier people (laughs). Not to disparage Bollywood, but our performers are excellent; they are highly sensitive and do not overact.
According to Zulfiqar, “In terms of size and other aspects of film-making, we’re still growing and it’s too early to make that comparison, but like I said, we’re getting there, for sure.”
I am a dedicated student currently in my seventh semester, pursuing a degree in International Relations. Alongside my academic pursuits, I am actively engaged in the professional field as a content writer at the Rangeinn website.