Mikaal Zulfiqar
Zulfiqar in 2016
Born
Mian Muhammad Mikaal Patras Aziz Zulfiqar

(1981-09-05) 5 September 1981 (age 42)
London, England, United Kingdom
NationalityPakistani
Occupation(s)Actor, model
Years active2000–present
Spouse
Sara Bhatti
​
​
(m. 2012; div. 2017)​

Mian Mikaal Patras Zulfiqar (born 5 September 1981), commonly known as Mikaal Zulfiqar (Urdu: مکال ذوالفقار), is a British-Pakistani actor and former model.[1] He has appeared in a number of Pakistani television series.[2] He has also acted in a few Indian films and is currently active in Pakistani films. He is one of the highest paid Pakistani actors.[3] In 2015, he won the Best Actor (Popular) Award at Hum TV Awards due to his performance in television series Mohabat Subh Ka Sitara Hai.[4]

Born in London, he moved to Pakistan and initially began his career as a model in early 2000s, and caught attention of the team of Abrar-ul-Haq who cast him in the singer's music video for Sanu Tere Naal Pyar Ho Gya.[5] He made his film debut in 2007 with Bollywood crime thriller film Godfather, followed by starring roles in Shoot on Sight (2008), U R My Jaan (2011) and Baby (2015).[3] He also began his film career in Pakistan with a supporting character in critically acclaimed film Cake (2018). Zulfiqar has since played leading roles in Na Band Na Baraati (2018) and Sherdil (2019).

He entered the Pakistani television industry with drama series Saiqa (2009). The hit series Pani Jaisa Piyar (2011) stabilize his position in television medium, and he went on to appear in a number of big-budget dramas, with most notable of them include Shehr-e-Zaat (2012), Saat Pardon Mein (2012), Mirat-ul-Uroos (2012–2013), Mohabat Subh Ka Sitara Hai (2013–2014), Diyar-e-Dil (2015), Sang-e-Mar Mar (2016–2017) and Alif Allah Aur Insaan (2017–2018).

Early life

Zulfiqar was born on 5 September 1981 in London, United Kingdom and has six siblings.[6] After spending his early years in London, he moved to Pakistan and attended the Lahore Lyceum school in Lahore.[6] Additionally, he also began his career as a model and started modelling for commercials and videos which were relevant to acting.[5]

Career

After several advertising campaigns, Zulfiqar appeared in Sanu Tere Naal Pyar Ho Gya, a song from Bay Ja Cycle Tay music album by Abrar-ul-Haq.

Zulfiqar is known for his appearance in comedy commercials for Ufone. He has also performed in Bollywood films; crime thriller film Godfather in 2007, the drama film Shoot on Sight in 2008, the musical-romantic U R My Jaan in 2011, and the spy thriller Baby in 2015.[7] However, in an interview, he stated that he didn't dream of working in Bollywood further.[8]

After having a successful career in modelling, Zulfiqar stepped into the television industry. Some of his early screenwork includes Saiqa, Kaisay Kahoon, Pani Jaisa Piyar, and Jal Pari, among others.

He won Best Actor title in Hum TV Awards held in Dubai in April, 2015, for his role in the drama serial Mohabat Subh Ka Sitara Hai.[9] He also acted in popular show Shehr-e-Zaat opposite Mahira Khan.

He has performed in many dramas opposite actress Saba Qamar as protagonist, including Pani Jaisa Piyar, Sangat, and Mein Sitara.

In 2015, he played the role of Behroz Bakhtiyar Khan in romantic drama Diyar-e-Dil. Dawn praised Zulfiqar's performance and wrote, ''Meekal has finally chosen a role with depth as Behroz after a series of pot boilers. He looks amazing and reminds viewers again that he is the talented actor who could play the devil-may-care Shamraiz from Kuch Pyar ka Pagalpan or the self-absorbed, brooding Salman Ansar from Sheher-e-Zaat.''[10] Diyar-e-Dil was also well received by viewers.

In 2017, he was highly appreciated for his performance in spiritual television series Alif Allah Aur Insaan. The series became one of the most-watched shows of 2017.[11]

In March 2018, he made a special appearance in film Cake, co-starring Aamina Sheikh, Adnan Malik and Sanam Saeed. The film was highly lauded by critics.[12][13] His next film Na Band Na Baraati was released in June 2018.[14] He said in an interview that doing that film was his way to support foreign investment in local cinema.[15]

In 2019, he was seen in Pakistani war film Sherdil opposite Armeena Khan.[16] The film and Zulfiqar's performance received mostly unfavourable reviews from critics.[17][18] Nevertheless, the film became Zulfiqar's first major box-office success, and grossed Rs. 5.17 crore in the first five days of its release.[19]

Personal life

Mikaal's full birth name is Mian Muhammad Mikaal Patras Aziz Zulfiqar. His father is a retired Pakistani diplomat and his mother is British. His parents separated when Zulfiqar was 17 years old. He has two older sisters, one of whom lives in Australia and a younger brother, Jamal Andreas Zulfiqar, who is a prominent theatre actor in London.

Mikaal's first relationship was with Pakistani film actress Zara Sheikh.[20]

Zulfiqar got engaged to model Sara Bhatti in 2010. They got married in 2012 and have two daughters. In March 2017, Zulfiqar announced on his Facebook page that he and Bhatti had officially divorced.[21]

Public image

Mikaal is listed among the ″top 10 most beautiful men of Pakistan″.[22][23] In 2017, he was one of the highest-paid television actors in the country.[24]

In 2017, he was one of the most in-demand actors of Pakistani films and was offered a number of films. He signed five films that year.[25]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Refs
2007 Godfather Abdullah
Shoot on Sight Zaheer Khan [26]
2011 U R My Jaan Akash
2013 Abhi Tau Main Jawan Hun Faisal Quraishi
2015 Baby Ashfaq
2018 Cake Shaheryar [27]
Na Band Na Baraati Shahid
2019 Sherdil Haris Mustafa [16][28]
2023 Huay Tum Ajnabee Nizamuddin [29]
Money Back Guarantee Irfan Pathan [30]
The Trial TBA [31][32]
Qaid
Ae Dil Meray Chal Rey [25]

Television

Year Title Role
2009 Saiqa Tahir
2010–11 Dil Hai Chota Sa Amaar
Kaisay Kahoon Zidaan
2011 Pani Jaisa Piyar Adarsh
2011–2012 Kuch Pyar Ka Pagalpan Shamraiz
Jal Pari Jamshed
2012 Shehr-e-Zaat Salman
Talafi Ammad
Man Jali Taimoor
Saat Pardon Mein Ehsan Muraad
Adha Din Aur Puri Raat Ali
Durr-e-Shehwar Mansoor (young)
New York Se New Karachi Rony
2013–2014 Mirat Ul Uroos Hammad
Mujhe Khuda Pe Yaqeen Hai Shaiq
Mohabat Subh Ka Sitara Hai Nabeel
2013 Kyun Hai Tu Ali
Ek Kasak Reh Gayi Shehriyar
2014 Izteraab Jazib
Laa Daniyal Malik
Tum Mere Hi Rehna Numail
2015 Diyar-e-Dil Behroz Khan
Bay Dar O Deewar Ghar
Mere Armaan Ali
2015–2016 Sangat Adnan
Maan Imaan
Tum Mere Kya Ho Ahmar
2016 Intezaar Shariq
Mein Sitara Farhad Sethi
Mann Pyasa Arib
2016–2017 Sang-e-Mar Mar Aurangzeb
2017–2018 Alif Allah Aur Insaan[33] Shahzeb
2018 De Ijazat Shavaiz
Aakhri Station Faris
Khasara Mutasim
2019–2020 Ramz-e-Ishq Rayyan
Ruswai Salman
2020-2021 Qarar[34] Junaid
2021 Khwaab Nagar Ki Shehzadi Sayim
2022 Ishq Pagal Karay Raheel
Yeh Ishq Samajh Na Aaye Hassan
Fraud Shaan
Chauraha Junaid
2023 Sar-e-Rah Amir
Jaisay Aapki Marzi Sheheryar

Awards and nominations

Year Nominated work Award Role Result
2012 Shehr-e-Zaat Hum Award for Best Actor Salman Ansar Nominated
2015 Muhabat Subh Ka Sitara Hai Hum Award for Best Actor Nabeel Won
2016 Diyar-e-Dil Behroze Bakhtiyar Khan

See also

References

  1. ^ "I've never dreamt of being in Bollywood: Mikaal Zulfiqar - The Express Tribune". The Express Tribune. 19 November 2017. Archived from the original on 10 March 2018. Retrieved 1 May 2018.
  2. ^ "Shehr-e-Zaat: A spiritual romance". Retrieved 5 February 2018.
  3. ^ a b "Mikaal speaks up on Na Band Na Baraati". The Nation. 15 June 2018. Archived from the original on 17 June 2018. Retrieved 19 June 2018.
  4. ^ Desk, Entertainment (10 April 2015). "HUM TV Awards 2015: 'Sadqay Tumhare' a clear winner". DAWN.COM. Archived from the original on 7 September 2017. Retrieved 19 June 2018.
  5. ^ a b "Getting to know the handsome and talented Mikaal Zulfiqar". Archived from the original on 20 June 2018. Retrieved 19 June 2018.
  6. ^ a b "Mikaal Zulfiqar – Biography, Age, Marriage, Divorce, Controversies, Dramas | Reviewit.pk". Reviewit.pk | Pakistani Drama & Movie Reviews | Ratings | Celebrities | Entertainment news Portal. 5 June 2017. Archived from the original on 19 June 2018. Retrieved 19 June 2018.
  7. ^ Sibtain, Momina (18 August 2014). "Looking back through Mikaal Zulfiqar's lenses – The Express Tribune". The Express Tribune. Archived from the original on 19 September 2014. Retrieved 18 September 2014.
  8. ^ "I've never dreamt of being in Bollywood: Mikaal Zulfiqar - The Express Tribune". The Express Tribune. 19 November 2017. Archived from the original on 10 March 2018. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  9. ^ Desk, Entertainment (10 April 2015). "HUM TV Awards 2015: 'Sadqay Tumhare' a clear winner". DAWN.COM. Archived from the original on 7 September 2017. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  10. ^ Haider, Sadaf (18 March 2015). "Review: 'Diyar-e-Dil' opens with a bang and is a visual treat". DAWN.COM. Archived from the original on 2 August 2018. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  11. ^ "Overnights: 'Alif Allah Aur Insan' tops 20:00 slot on Tuesday". BizAsia | Media, Entertainment, Showbiz, Events and Music. 6 September 2017. Archived from the original on 10 March 2018. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  12. ^ McCahill, Mike (29 March 2018). "Cake review – Karachi sister act ditches melodrama for real life". the Guardian. Archived from the original on 11 July 2018. Retrieved 5 April 2018.
  13. ^ "This cake has all the right ingredients - Samaa TV". www.samaa.tv. Archived from the original on 5 April 2018. Retrieved 5 April 2018.
  14. ^ "The teaser for Mikaal Zulfiqar starrer 'Na Band Na Baraati' promises a lot of fun! - Oyeyeah". Oyeyeah. 10 March 2018. Archived from the original on 10 March 2018. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  15. ^ "I'm not Salman Khan, I won't do the same roles over and over: Mikaal Zulfiqar - The Express Tribune". The Express Tribune. 17 June 2018. Archived from the original on 20 June 2018. Retrieved 19 June 2018.
  16. ^ a b "Armeena Khan and Mikaal Zulfiqar to star in Pakistan Air Force film 'Sherdil' - The Express Tribune". The Express Tribune. 13 January 2018. Archived from the original on 10 March 2018. Retrieved 9 March 2018.
  17. ^ Hasan, Mehreen (21 March 2019). "Sherdil uses patriotism as bait and hopes a love for Pakistan will keep you hooked". Images. Archived from the original on 4 April 2019. Retrieved 4 April 2019.
  18. ^ "Review: 'Sherdil' crashes before it takes off". The Express Tribune. 21 March 2019. Archived from the original on 4 April 2019. Retrieved 4 April 2019.
  19. ^ "Sherdil rakes in RS5 crores in first five days". Dunya News. Archived from the original on 30 March 2019. Retrieved 4 April 2019.
  20. ^ "Hottie of the week: Mikaal Zulfiqar". The Express Tribune. 12 November 2012. Archived from the original on 2 June 2017. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  21. ^ "Mikaal Zulfiqar gets divorced after six years of marriage". The Express Tribune. 30 March 2017. Archived from the original on 5 May 2017. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  22. ^ "Top 10 Most Beautiful Pakistani Actors 2015 | Times of Pakistan". timesofpakistan.pk. Archived from the original on 19 March 2018. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
  23. ^ ScoopWhoop (18 April 2015). "These 22 Men From Pakistan Are A Perfect Cocktail of Good Looks & Talent". ScoopWhoop. Archived from the original on 19 March 2018. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
  24. ^ "Top 10 Highest Paid Pakistani Actors/Models 2017 | BestStylo.com". www.beststylo.com. Archived from the original on 19 March 2018. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
  25. ^ a b "Mikaal Zulfiqar Is Over The Moon To Star in 5 Films This Year". Reviewit.pk | Pakistani Drama & Movie Reviews | Ratings | Celebrities | Entertainment news Portal. 1 March 2017. Archived from the original on 6 August 2017. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
  26. ^ "Mikaal Zulfiqar Filmography". Fandango.com. Archived from the original on 4 January 2014. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  27. ^ "The first slice of Cake is served!". www.pakistantoday.com.pk. Archived from the original on 10 March 2018. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  28. ^ Haq, Irfan Ul (18 January 2018). "Mikaal Zulfiqar turns fighter plane pilot for Sherdil". Images. Archived from the original on 10 March 2018. Retrieved 9 March 2018.
  29. ^ "Exclusive: Mikaal Zulfiqar's "Huay Tum Ajnabee" based on Dhaka Fall in the works!". 23 September 2019. Archived from the original on 23 September 2019. Retrieved 28 September 2019.
  30. ^ "Meet The Complete 28 Member Cast Of 'Money Back Guarantee' money back guarantee pakistani film". Galaxy Lollywood. 30 January 2020. Archived from the original on 15 February 2020. Retrieved 15 February 2020.
  31. ^ "Shamoon Abbasi will play a villain in The Trial". 1 December 2016. Archived from the original on 5 December 2016. Retrieved 3 December 2016.
  32. ^ "Film on East Pakistan debacle in works - The Express Tribune". 2 December 2016. Archived from the original on 3 December 2016. Retrieved 3 December 2016.
  33. ^ Khan, Saira (12 January 2017). "Mikaal Zulfiqar gears up for a new play called Alif Allah". HIP. Archived from the original on 16 February 2017. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  34. ^ "Rabab Hashim to star alongside Muneeb Butt in 'Qarrar'". WWW.Samaa.TV. Retrieved 2 March 2021.

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