One can understand why Fahad Mustafa would think that he’s the biggest star in Pakistan today. His stint at Jeeto Pakistan is hugely successful, he has two hit films under his belt and is geared up for the release of a third, Na Maloom Afraad 2, which will probably be a commercial success as well. He is also the top choice to host some of the biggest events taking place in Pakistan, like the Pakistan Super League (PSL) that took place in Dubai this year, or the Lux Style Awards (which he wasn’t able to host because he was in Cape Town, South Africa, shooting for NMA2).
So yes, Fahad Mustafa is undoubtedly one of the biggest stars in the country. But is he the biggest star in the country? Let us give you the context. Fahad recently gave an interview to Images in which he made the following statement: “I’m the only Pakistani actor to become this popular without proving myself in India.”
The biggest stars in the country are all those who have been to India, such as Atif Aslam, Javed Sheikh, Ali Zafar, Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Mawra Hocane, Saba Qamar and Sajal Aly. But let us quickly remind Fahad, and everyone else, that there are other stars in the country who’ve made it big without going to India as well. Like Shaan, for instance. Shaan is so anti-India that we cannot imagine him ever going to India to boost his career. But is there a star bigger than Shaan? He has hundreds of films to his credit and is one of the most recognized faces in the country.
Also, what about Humayun Saeed? Is Fahad a bigger star than Humayun? Although Humayun has done a Bollywood film (Jashnn), his stardom certainly can’t be credited to that flop film or to India. Humayun is undeniably the country’s most favourite hero and has delivered Pakistan’s highest earning film to date, Jawani Phir Nai Aani. He also starred in three films this year: Yalghaar, Project Ghazi and Punjab Nai Jaungi. How can one forget Hamza Ali Abbasi, who without belting out numerous TV plays and films, still manages to steal the limelight from everyone with his highly opinionated stance on everything?
Let’s not forget our ladies either. Mehwish Hayat is one of the most popular faces in the country with a huge fan following. She has several hit TV plays to her credit. She also starred in Jawani Phir Nai Aani as well as Actor in Law (for which she should have won the LSA for Best Actress).
We must also point out that Fahad’s popularity depends a lot on his show, Jeeto Pakistan. Does that mean that we should include other hosts in this list? In that case, we cannot ignore the likes of Aamir Liaquat, Sanam Jung, Sahir Lodhi and Shahista Wahidi and their insane fan following. Nothing beats Aamir Liaquat’s following!
However, since Fahad said that he’s the only ‘actor’, let’s just stick to other actors (though can debate the fact that Aamir Liaquat is more of an actor than anchor). What do you guys think? Is Fahad Mustafa a bigger star than Shaan, Humayun, Hamza and Mehwish?
