Actor Mikaal Zulfiqar’s journey in the entertainment industry has been full of twists, turns and hard decisions. Despite recognition for his work in Indian films, the actor says he made a life-changing decision to “prioritise Pakistan” after the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
Appearing as a guest on AK Buzz ‘Persona’, Mikaal shared some candid insights into his career, explaining how his approach towards work and priorities has evolved over the years.
“After 2008, I decided Pakistan would be my priority. Even though I had aspirations for Hollywood due to my background, Bollywood opportunities came my way and I took them. But after the Mumbai attacks, I firmly shifted back to working in Pakistan,” he said.
When asked how he got the opportunities in Bollywood, Mikaal said he was lucky. “I started with Bollywood early. I used to go to India for modeling and fashion shows in Delhi. Especially for bridal events. I think it was 2002 when I first went to India… just a year into my modeling career. We did this for two or three years.”
“Later, I was part of a film called ‘Godfather’ that was produced by Aslam Bhatti. It featured some Indian and Pakistani actors and was shot in Dubai as well as Bulgaria. I got a role there, thanks to Ahsan Khan, who was initially cast but couldn’t do it. We were friends, so he suggested I talk to the team. That’s how I ended up doing the role,” Mikaal revealed.
The Aap Jaise Marzi actor also praised the relationships he built along the way. “Vinod Khanna recommended me for my next project, ‘Shoot on Sight,’ an Indian-English production. It was a major turning point for me as I worked with legends like Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri. Their craft is recognised not just in Bollywood but across the globe.”
“That film gave me confidence as director Jagmohan Mundhra told me how they had considered actors like Abhishek Bachchan and Vivek Oberoi but eventually decided I was the right fit. That acknowledgment made me feel like I was on the right path,” he added.
When asked if it was challenging as a Pakistani artist in India at the time amid political tensions, Mikaal said it was “indeed tricky”.
“Bollywood is a bigger industry with more opportunities, fame and larger-scale projects. Around that time, I started focusing on India and took fewer projects in Pakistan. Things changed after the 2008 Mumbai attacks that strained Pakistan-India relations. The projects I had lined up in India were put on hold or cancelled,” he said, sharing how it prompted him to decide to focus entirely on Pakistan.
Mikaal Zulfiqar has starred in dramas such as, Saiqa, Dil Hai Chota Sa, Kiasay Kahoon, Pani Jaisa Piyar, Shehr –E- Zaat, Talafi, and Mann Pyasa.
Dil-e- Nadaan , written by Sadia Akhtar and directed by Saima Waseem, is his latest offering.