Mikaal Zulfiqar reveals how 2008 Mumbai attacks led him to leave Bollywood

• Mikaal Zulfiqar opened up about his transformative career journey.
• He opened up about how geopolitical tensions shaped his choices.
• Mikaal recounted his initial Bollywood success.

Actor Mikaal Zulfiqar recently opened up about his transformative career journey and the pivotal decision to focus on Pakistan’s entertainment industry following the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Speaking on AK Buzz Persona, the Dil-e-Nadaan actor shared how evolving priorities and geopolitical tensions shaped his choices.

“After 2008, I decided Pakistan would be my priority,” he said. “Even though I had aspirations for Hollywood due to my background, Bollywood opportunities came my way, and I took them. But after the Mumbai attacks, I firmly shifted back to working in Pakistan.”

Mikaal recounted his initial Bollywood success, attributing it to early modeling gigs in India. “I used to go to India for modeling and fashion shows in Delhi. Especially for bridal events. I think it was 2002 when I first went to India, just a year into my modeling career,” he recalled.

Highlighting key projects, Mikaal credited his Bollywood debut in Godfather to friend Ahsan Khan and shared how legendary actor Vinod Khanna recommended him for Shoot on Sight. “That film gave me confidence,” he said.

Acknowledging the challenges, Mikaal added, “Bollywood is a bigger industry with more opportunities, fame, and larger-scale projects. But the 2008 attacks strained Pakistan-India relations, and many of my projects in India were put on hold or cancelled.”

With a stellar portfolio including Shehr-e-Zaat and Pani Jaisa Piyar, Mikaal continues to thrive in Pakistan’s drama industry. His latest drama, Dil-e-Nadaan, written by Sadia Akhtar, is directed by Saima Waseem.

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