Celebrities

Mikaal Zulfiqar Reveals Insights About His Work in India

In a recent interview with BBC Urdu, renowned Pakistani actor Mikaal Zulfiqar unfolded his groundbreaking portrayal as Sherry in the TV serial “Jaise Apki Marzi.” The actor explored the intricacies of his character, discussed the challenges of tackling intense roles, and shared candid reflections on the dynamics of the Pakistani entertainment industry.

Additionally, he addressed the issue of India exploiting Pakistani artists. Mikaal commenced by shedding light on Sherry’s unique character, recognizing the rarity of roles that unabashedly confront their toxicity. He attributed the compelling narrative to the scriptwriter, who deviated from the conventional female-driven dramas.

“Toxic people never admit they’re toxic. But we need to credit Sherry for at least being who he is on your face. I would also like to credit the writer for this great script. I said yes to Sherry because it was a driving character. Usually, our dramas are female-driven and the female character is pushing the narrative forward. But in this case, it was the other way around.”

Mikaal Zulfiqar Exposes Level of Selfishness in Industry

The actor admitted to a certain level of selfishness in accepting the role, driven by the belief that Sherry’s complexity would allow him to showcase his acting prowess. Despite Sherry’s dominating and overpowering demeanour in scenes with Alizeh’s character, Mikaal found a margin for artistic expression, and the positive reception from the audience affirmed his decision. “To be honest, there was nothing good about Sherry, in all the scenes he is dominating Alizeh’s character, he is overpowering, and so, it didn’t inspire me in real life. But as an actor, I saw a lot of margin. You could say, I was selfish while accepting this script because I felt I could shine. And I did so, that’s wonderful.”

When asked about encountering individuals like Sherry, Mikaal drew inspiration from society, personal experiences, and interactions with narcissistic personalities. Reflecting on the challenging scenes, Mikaal emphasized his commitment to maintaining a natural flow in his performance. He stated, “I tried to keep things natural, and that’s what I’m getting compliments for as well. I didn’t try to force anything. I could’ve taken pauses, delivered my dialogues with emphasis on certain words, but I wanted to deliver everything fluently. People are calling it my best performance till date, and I wouldn’t disagree with that.”

The conversation then shifted to the impact of intense characters on an actor. Mikaal acknowledged that the roles an actor plays can leave a lasting mark, prompting him to be selective about the characters he portrays. He said, “Even if you’re acting, you’re still performing an act (real or not) that that character would. I understood this seven years ago, and I became very careful about the kind of characters I play. When I was offered the character that Ahsan Khan plays in Udaari, that of a child molester, I rejected it because I didn’t want to play that out. I have daughters of my own.”

Mikaal Zulfiqar Discusses “Jaise Apki Marzi”

Discussing Jaise Apki Marzi, Mikaal highlighted the drama’s focus on red flags in relationships. “Jaise Apki Marzi is about the red flags we tend to overlook in relationships earlier on and its consequences later in life. Mostly women can relate to it because they feel their husbands or their ex-husbands were exactly like this. It saddens me. I think, if this drama can help people spot these red flags earlier on, it’s served its purpose. And this isn’t just for women, but men too. Women can be toxic as well.”

In a candid revelation, Mikaal also addressed his experiences working in India, noting that while he has received positive feedback from Indians, he believes Pakistani artists have been exploited in the Indian entertainment industry. He clarified that his comments weren’t fuelled by animosity but a call for a levelled playing field. “I said what I said based on my own experience and everyone knows the history behind this working relationship. Not just me but a lot of artists have been exploited in India. Deep down, Indians are great, so much of my feedback I get from Indians and I have a lot of interaction with them. But some parts of India or some people, especially the Indian establishment, whenever they get the chance, they paint us in a negative light. To be clear, I don’t have any enmity against them, but the playing field needs to be levelled.

Also Read: For the First Time, Mikaal Zulfiqar Shares His Divorce Reasons.

Related Topics:Bollywood Jaise Apki Marzi Mikaal Zulfiqar

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Tazeen Hussain Says Faisal Rehman Is a ‘Riot’ on Set

What’s It Like Reuniting with a Co-Star After 28 Years? For Tazeen Hussain, It Feels Like No Time Has Passed at All

When Tazeen Hussain reunited with fellow actor Faisal Rehman after 28 years, she picked up right where they left off—as if no time had passed.

“It didn’t feel like 28 years. It felt like 28 minutes—or even 28 seconds!” she recalled, referring to her onscreen husband in Qarze Jaan (2024), during a resurfaced clip from The Rafay Mahmood Podcast. Longtime fans of Pakistani television may remember their first pairing in Shahpar (1997), but for Tazeen, the decades in between haven’t changed a thing.

“Faisal hasn’t changed much—and he told me I haven’t either!” she added. “He’s a riot to work with. That’s how it was back then, and that’s exactly how it is now.”

Tazeen praised Faisal’s spontaneous energy on set, crediting his knack for improvisation. “A lot of our scenes involved improv. He’s amazing at it,” she explained.

She also pointed out Faisal’s playful tendency to tweak scenes without warning. “He’s very clever!” she laughed. “He knows if he tells me what he’s planning, I won’t agree. So he just does it on camera!”

Despite the surprises, Tazeen said their chemistry allows her to respond with instinct. “My reactions to him are totally natural,” she admitted.

Reflecting on one particularly challenging scene—her wedding night sequence in Qarze Jaan—Tazeen revealed how Faisal’s presence helped her stay grounded. “I was so stressed and told [director] Saqib [Khan] I couldn’t do it. But Faisal calmed me down, and the scene turned out beautifully. It worked because he was with me. Having that level of comfort with your co-actor makes all the difference.”

Tazeen praised Faisal for fostering a respectful, relaxed environment on set. “He respects all his co-stars, whether they’re new or experienced,” she said. “And he owns what he does—he’s totally shameless and unapologetic about it. That’s what makes him who he is.”

Also Read: Tazeen Hussain Starts a New Chapter with Her Marriage

Celebrities

Meera Makes Emotional Appeal to UK for Visa

The acclaimed actress promptly reported the theft to the local authorities, pointing fingers at one of her domestic help as the prime suspect of Meera's house theft.

Renowned Pakistani actress Meera has issued a heartfelt plea to British authorities, requesting the United Kingdom to consider her visa application on humanitarian grounds. The Lollywood star, whose real name is Syeda Irtiza Rubab, is seeking entry into the UK to visit her ailing sister undergoing cancer treatment in London.

Addressing the UK High Commission and High Commissioner Jane Marriott, Meera said, “My home is in London. My family lives there. My sister is battling cancer and I need to be by her side. I humbly ask the UK authorities to grant me a visa on merit.”

Meera submitted a new visa application this week after a string of setbacks. Earlier this year, it was revealed that the UK immigration authorities had imposed a 10-year entry ban on her—a restriction that has now expired. The ban was reportedly the result of miscommunication during an English-language interview, which caused confusion and led to her movements being restricted by immigration officials.

Following the expiry of the ban, Meera’s attempt to re-enter the UK hit yet another roadblock when her travel agent mistakenly submitted incorrect information, resulting in a denial due to “false representation.” Meera has since confirmed that she is now taking matters into her own hands and will reapply with complete transparency.

Her mother, Shafqat Zahra Bukhari, has also stepped forward in support, emphasizing that Meera’s family home is in London, and several film projects — in which Meera plays lead roles — are currently stalled due to her absence. “The ban is over. She should be allowed to enter. Meera is a respected artist and has worked hard for her place. Let her reunite with her family,” she appealed.

Meera’s younger sister lives in Germany, while another sister — a qualified solicitor — resides in London. Her mother spends most of her time in the UK at the family home, which was reportedly purchased with Meera’s earnings from her acting career.

Despite her frequent travel to the United States as a Green Card holder, Meera’s inability to enter the UK remains a deeply personal and professional setback.

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London Mayor Sadiq Khan Hails Rahat Fateh Ali Khan as a ‘Legend’

London Mayor Sadiq Khan lauded Pakistani musical icon Rahat Fateh Ali Khan as a “legend” and “genius” during a high-profile event held at the Royal Albert Hall. The celebrated Qawwali maestro was in London to perform at the 90th birthday celebration of Sir Anwar Pervez, founder of the Bestway Group.

Praising Rahat’s global legacy, Sadiq Khan said, “Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is a legend. I listen to his songs regularly. His performance at the Royal Albert Hall, joined by some of the top Western musicians, reflects the universal appeal and extraordinary talent he brings to the stage.”

The mayor went on to emphasize that Rahat has played a vital role as “a bridge between cultures and generations,” spotlighting the singer’s impact beyond music — one that unites communities and transcends borders.

The elegant gathering brought together a rare mix of political, business, and cultural elites, including former UK Prime Minister David Cameron, Lord Zameer Choudrey, and a host of ex-Tory ministers. Over 1,000 distinguished guests, including more than 100 from Pakistan, attended the event, making it one of London’s most prestigious cultural nights of the year.

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, visibly moved, shared his sentiments with Geo News: “London feels like a second home. It’s an honor to celebrate Sir Anwar’s incredible life in the presence of people like Sadiq Khan and David Cameron.”

This visit celebrated Rahat’s return to the UK after a three-month hiatus. Earlier in April, he mesmerised British audiences with three sold-out performances, organised by Rock On Music founder Vijay Bhola, demonstrating that Rahat’s magic remains undimmed across continents.