Mehwish Hayat explains why she doesn’t want to work in Bollywood

Tamgha-e-Imtiaz recipient cites abundance of work in Pakistan as her primary reason for rejecting Bollywood roles

Leading film and television actress Mehwish Hayat has revealed that she has turned down multiple offers to work in Bollywood films.

Speaking at a podcast, Hayat explained her reasons for not working in Bollywood.

"I received many offers[from Bollywood], but I declined all of them," she stated.

The London Nahi Jaunga star cited the abundance of opportunities in Pakistan as her primary reason for rejecting Bollywood roles.

"I have countless opportunities here in Pakistan. I have been part of the revival of Pakistani cinema and some of its biggest and most successful films. I have received immense respect and love in my country," she said while expressing her gratitude towards the fans for their appreciation of her work.

The actress added, "After gaining so much recognition and success in my own country, I felt that I should not accept offers from Bollywood. I enjoy my work here in Pakistan. People come to watch my films with their families, and that is a great achievement."

Many talented Pakistani actors, singers, and artists have ventured into the Bollywood film industry over the years. Some of the most notable names include Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Sajal Ali, Javed Sheikh, Saba Qamar, Ali Zafar, Humaima Malick, and Imran Abbas.

Pakistani singers like Atif Aslam, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, and Adnan Sami have also lent their vocals to popular Bollywood songs over the years.

Mehwish Hayat is one of Pakistan's renowned actresses known for her successful acting career in television dramas and films.

She started out with a short film in 2009 and then transitioned to popular TV dramas like "Massi Aur Malika", "Bin Teri", and "Dil Lagi".

Hayat made her big screen debut in 2014 with a special appearance in "Na Maloom Afraad" and went on to star in several hit Pakistani films such as "Actor In Law", "Punjab Nahi Jaungi", and "Chhalawa".

She is considered the highest-grossing actress in Pakistani cinema history.

Hayat has won numerous awards including the Lux Style Award for Best TV Actress and was honored with the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan's fourth-highest civilian award, for her contributions to the arts in 2019