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The Pakistani entertainment industry boasts a plethora of talented actors who have left an indelible mark on audiences with their performances.
Interestingly, many of these celebrities were once on very different career paths, holding impressive qualifications and professional experiences in diverse fields.
Here, we delve into the stories of some highly qualified Pakistani celebrities who traded their initial careers to follow their passion for acting.
1. Hamza Ali Abbasi
Hamza Ali Abbasi is a name synonymous with versatility and charisma in the Pakistani entertainment industry. Before his acting career took off, Hamza pursued a degree in International Relations from the United States.
He also passed the prestigious Central Superior Services (CSS) exam and briefly worked as a civil servant.
However, his love for acting led him to leave his stable job and pursue a career in the arts. Hamza’s performances in dramas like “Pyaray Afzal” and films such as “Waar” and “Jawani Phir Nahi Ani” have made him a household name.
2. Mehwish Hayat
Mehwish Hayat, a celebrated actress and singer, holds a degree in management sciences. Despite her academic background, Mehwish’s passion for acting saw her make her debut in the entertainment industry.
Her roles in popular dramas like “Meri Behan Maya” and “Dil Lagi,” as well as her performances in blockbuster films like “Punjab Nahi Jaungi” and “Load Wedding,” have cemented her status as one of Pakistan’s top actresses.
3. Fahad Mustafa
Fahad Mustafa, known for his energetic hosting and acting skills, initially pursued a career in pharmacy. He was studying to become a pharmacist when the allure of the entertainment industry drew him away from his academic pursuits.
Fahad’s talent and hard work have paid off, with notable roles in dramas like “Main Abdul Qadir Hoon” and successful films such as “Na Maloom Afraad” and “Actor in Law.”
4. Mahira Khan
Mahira Khan, one of Pakistan’s most beloved actresses, studied at the University of Southern California before venturing into acting.
Although she did not complete her degree, her time in the United States exposed her to the world of performing arts, which ignited her passion for acting.
Mahira’s breakthrough role in the drama “Humsafar” and her subsequent success in films like “Bol” and “Raees” opposite Shah Rukh Khan have made her an international star.
5. Adeel Hussain
Adeel Hussain, a versatile actor known for his roles in “Daam” and “Mata-e-Jaan Hai Tu,” holds a degree in management from the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) in Karachi.
Before transitioning to acting, Adeel worked in the corporate sector. His decision to follow his artistic instincts has earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fan following.
6. Sanam Saeed
Sanam Saeed, widely recognized for her role in the drama “Zindagi Gulzar Hai,” pursued higher education in the United Kingdom.
She studied at Lahore Grammar School before moving to the UK, where she continued her studies in performing arts.
Sanam’s academic background in the arts provided her with a solid foundation for her acting career, which has seen her star in numerous successful dramas and films.
7. Mikaal Zulfiqar
Mikaal Zulfiqar, an actor and model, initially studied in London with aspirations of joining the British Armed Forces.
However, his interest in the entertainment industry led him to Pakistan, where he began his career as a model before transitioning to acting. Mikaal’s performances in dramas like “Shehr-e-Zaat” and “Alif Allah Aur Insaan,” as well as films like “Cake” and “Sherdil,” have earned him widespread acclaim.
Fahad Mirza
Actor and model Fahad Mirza made his acting debut in the 2012 series Badi Aapa. He went on to appear in numerous other episodes including Shanakht, Main Deewani, Mutthi Bhar Mitti, and many more.
In terms of Fahad’s educational background, the attractive actor completed his MBBS at Dow Medical College before receiving training at Liaquat National Hospital in plastic reconstructive surgery.
Fawad Khan
Both in India and Pakistan, Fawad Khan has a sizable fan following. The charming performer won over everyone’s affections with his portrayal of “Asher Hussain” in the well-liked Pakistani drama Humsafar.
Fawad debuted as an actor in the 2007 picture Khuda Kay Liye, having started his career in the television series Jutt and Bond.
He appeared in three Bollywood films, Khoobsurat, Kapoor and Sons, and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, in addition to Dastaan and Zindagi Gulzar Hai.
Aamina Sheikh
Aamina relocated to Riyadh after completing her primary education in Karachi. She attended Hampshire College in Massachusetts to study video production.
Aamina was hired by Geo Television to direct and produce a children’s chat program once she returned to Pakistan.
Nauman Ijaz
Nauman Ijaz, a Pakistani actor and anchor, has acted in a number of dramas and motion pictures, including Rehaai and Badi Aapa. Additionally, he played a variety of characters, including antagonistic ones in the dramas Ullu Baraye Farokht Nahi and Rehaee.
Following his elementary schooling, the actor attended Punjab University in Lahore to study law. In addition to her career as an actor, Nauman practices law.
Ainy Jaffri
Ainy graduated in Commerce from McGill University, Canada. After her graduation, Ainy got a job in an advertising company in Singapore. However, she quit her job and came back to Pakistan to pursue her dream of acting.
Imran Abbas
Imran Abbas, a model from Pakistan who is now an actor, made his acting debut in the 2003 television series Umrao Jaan Ada. His portrayal of ‘Hammad Raza’ in the television series Khuda Aur Mohabbat helped him become incredibly successful.
In addition, the dashing actor debuted in Bollywood opposite Bipasha Basu in the movie Creature 3D. In addition to his acting career, Imran graduated from the National College of Arts in Lahore with a degree in architecture.
Sheheryar Munawar
Sheheryar Munawar Siddiqui is popular for his role in the film, Parey Hut Love. He was also seen in many Pakistani shows like Tanhaiyan Naye Silsilay, Kahi Un Kahi, Zindagi Gulzar
Hai and many others. Apart from his amazing acting career, Sheheryar is a graduate of Finance from the Institute of Business Administration, Karachi.
Bilal Ashraf
Bilal Ashraf, a dashing Pakistani superstar, began his professional life as a visual effects director before deciding to pursue acting.
He has acted in movies including Superstar, Yalghaar, and Janaan. A UK magazine’s list of the “Sexiest Asian Men” in 2019 had Bilaal at number seven.
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