Mikaal Zulfiqar says India always takes advantage of Pakistani actors

Pakistani actor made his Bollywood debut with the 2007 film Shoot on Sight and later starred in Akshay Kumar's Baby

Pakistani actor Mikaal Zulfiqar has called a spade a spade. In a recent interview with The Knock Knock Show, the actor shared that the Indian film industry and its filmmakers have often exploited Pakistani artists. Zulfiqar made his Bollywood debut with Naseeruddin Shah's 2007 offering, Shoot on Sight and later starred in Akshay Kumar, Anupam Kher's Baby (2015).

"India always takes advantage of Pakistani actors, either you are made to do something that shows you are a Pakistani or your role is portrayed in such a way," he said.

Mikaal added, "To be honest, as far as what I have seen in my career, I think Pakistani actors are not on an equal footing in Indian films. I am speaking for the last 10-15 years, only. I don't mind working across but if we aren't given equal opportunities as our Indian counterparts. Just for a supporting role if you are made it do something that will be made fun of in Pakistan, then I am happy to be working only in our films and shows."

It is pertinent to mention that this isn't the first time the Huey Tum Ajnabee star has expressed his displeasure about working across the border.

Discussing his 2015 Bollywood offering, Zulfiqar, in a previous interview, had shared, "The filmmakers, at the time of signing, had said Baby was not anti-Pakistan," the Money Back Guarantee star commented. "In fact, they said that the movie does not have any such content when I specifically asked them."

Zulfiqar furthered, "I was not a part of the first part of the film and had no idea about the script. However, I learned about the reality after its release. After that, I decided to work in Pakistani movies only. Furthermore, we are also not treated with due respect in India."

The Sherdil star shared that the Indian filmmakers do not really pay any heed if the Pakistani stars are embroiled in controversies or back them up. He supported his comment by giving an example of Veena Malik, whose photo shoot landed her in controversy.

The model-cum-actor said that is proud of being a Pakistani and loves working here, where he gets immense respect from his fans. Zulfiqar, like several Pakistanis, worked in India but couldn't leave a mark as his contemporary Fawad Khan did.

In a 2017 interview with The Express Tribune, the actor had said that he didn't really hope to work in Bollywood. "I really don’t dream of being in Bollywood. I’d much rather work in Pakistan and promote Pakistani films, Pakistani television, and Pakistani culture," he had said.

"But I don’t mind Bollywood as an actor. It’s a great industry and very huge," he said. "If I were to mention a dream Bollywood project it would have to be typical Bollywood: a lot of colour, lots of glamour, comedy, romance, good music, large sets, dancing around trees, several heroines, haha. That would be a dream Bollywood project."

In a separate interview, Mikaal shared his thoughts about comparing Pakistani films to Bollywood films. "I don’t understand why we’re in this constant battle of comparing ourselves with India," he told The Express Tribune previously. "We have our own industry and there’s no reason for us to copy them. They’re obviously much larger, they’re technically and even conceptually very strong. Pakistan’s industry is on the rise for sure, we all know that, however, I don’t think we should put ourselves under that competitive pressure right now."

He added, "We should give Bollywood its due credit. They’ve come a long way, but we’re not there yet. If at all, the only thing you can really compare on is talent. I think we have nicer-looking people (laughs). Not to put Bollywood down but our actors are fantastic; very sensitive, not over-actors."

Zulfiqar concluded, "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."

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