The Radcliffe Line that came into force on August 17, 1947, changed the fate of the Indian subcontinent forever. It was a line that divided one big nation into two countries, but the division was not just limited to the landmass. It was a division of resources, division of people, and bifurcation of two communities.
While it took the British just one day to define the divisive boundary between Indian and Pakistan, the migration continued on either side of the international border for several years. It also led to a major shift in the cultural practices on the other side of the border. The two nations evolved into full-time political rivals.
However, two fields where the two sides continue to engage on good terms are art and sports. The hype of an India-Pakistan cricket match is something else. The stage performance by Indian and Pakistani singers is equally magnificent. These are the two fields that have ensured that people on the two sides continue to engage on good terms. The craze for Bollywood movies is the same on both sides of the border despite the political differences.
We see stars like the Late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Lata Mangeshkar getting equal love on both sides of the border. The same can be said about actors like Amitabh Bachchan and Javed Sheikh. While the borders are almost settled, people on both sides have some connections on the other side. Several actors in Bollywood have a connection with Pakistan.
We’ve compiled a list of 9 such Bollywood actors.
Dilip Kumar:
The original name of the veteran Bollywood actor is Mohammed Yusuf Khan. It has been in the news numerous times that the actor has an ancestral home in Pakistan. He is originally from Pakistan’s Northwest Frontier Province. Dilip Kumar was born in Peshawar, and his birthplace now lies in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region of Pakistan.
Hrithik Roshan:
Hrithik Roshan, the sexiest Asian Man, is one of the most popular Bollywood actors. He has earned millions of supporters with his role in various hit Hindi movies. Hrithik’s great grandfathers were actually from Pakistan. The actor’s paternal grandfather Roshan was born in Pakistan’s Gujranwala, Punjab. Also, his maternal grandfather J Om Prakash was born in Sialkot.
Prem Chopra:
One of the most popular actors in the supporting roles, Prem Chopra, is known for his villain roles in Hindi cinema. Not many would know that Mr. Chopra is actually Pakistan-born. He was born in Lahore, Pakistan. He was born among the Punjabi community in Pakistan.
Amitabh Bachchan:
Amitabh Bachchan is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, actors of the Bollywood industry. From Don to Deewar and from Baghban to Pink, the Shahenshah of Bollywood’s versatile roles prove that he is one of the most complete actors. It might come as a shock to many that Mr. Bachchan’s mother, Teji Bachchan, was born in Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Dev Anand:
Dev Anand, whose full name was Dharamdev Pishorimal Anand, was one of the most iconic and charming personalities in Indian cinema. The popular actor was born in Shakargarh, Gurdaspur District, Punjab, Pakistan, in the pre-independence era. Dev Anand is remembered for his Guide, Hare Krishna Hare Rama, Kala Pani, C.I.D. He is also remembered for his infectious smile.
Shah Rukh Khan:
King Khan is considered one of the most successful actors of Hindi cinema. Many believe that he is walking on the same part of the glory that Mr. Bachchan did. The richest Bollywood actor with a net worth of over $600 Million, S.R.K., also connects with Pakistan. His father, Taj Muhammad, was from Peshawar, Pakistan.
Gulzar:
Gulzar is arguably the most influential and successful lyricist, poet, and author of the film industry. His full name is Sampooran Singh Kalra. Gulzar Saab was born in Dina city, Jhelum district, Punjab, Pakistan. He started his career as a lyricist under SD Burman. His writings have been adopted by many music producers who have transformed them into superhit songs.
Rajesh Khanna:
Rajesh Khanna, the late legendary actor and politician, was one of the most influential Hindi film industry names. He is often remembered as the First Superstar of Hindi cinema. He featured in 15 back-to-back hit films. His original name was Jatin Khanna, and his family hailed from Burewala, Vehari District, Punjab, Pakistan.
Raj Kapoor:
The Kapoors enjoy huge success, name, and fame in Hindi cinema. Raj Kapoor was the first to establish a name for him with his unforgettable roles and influential screen presence. Many consider him as one of the greatest showmen in the Hindi film industry. Raj Kapoor received three National Film Awards. He was born in Peshawar. His father, Prithviraj Kapoor, was born in Lyallpur (now Faisalabad).
