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8 Bollywood Stars Who Had Love Affairs With Pakistanis

Love can happen anywhere anytime! It has no boundaries or boundations. Proving the statement true these Bollywood stars fell in Love with Pakistani celebrities.
1) SUSHMITA SEN AND WASIM AKRAM
The former Miss Universe had an affair with Pakistan’s former cricketer Wasim Akram. They fell in love while hosting a reality show in India.

2) SONALI BENDRE AND SHOAIB AKHTAR
The Rawalpindi Express bowled over Indian beauty Sonali Bendre. Shoaib even said that had said that if Sonali refused his proposal, he would kidnap her. The two were rumored of dating each other.

3) SALMAN KHAN AND SOMY ALI
After a break-up with longtime girlfriend Sangeeta Bijlani, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan was in a relationship with Pakistani born Somy Ali. The actress failed to make a successful career in the Bollywood.

4) ASHMIT PATEL AND VEENA MALIK
Ashmit Patel fell in love with Veena Malik during the controversial show Bigg Boss. Veena and Ashmit getting all cozy in “Bigg Boss season 4” which did raise the TRPs of the show.

5) TAMANNAH BHATIA AND ABDUL RAZZAQ
Baahubali actress Tamanna Bhatia and Pakistani all-rounder Abdul Razzaq’s relationship was also grabbed the limelight. Their picture captured together in a Dubai jeweler shop garnered a lot of media attention.

6) AMRITA ARORA AND USMAN AFZAL
Amrita Arora and Pakistani-born English cricketer Usman Afzal were in a relationship for around four years. They parted their ways after 4 years.

7) ZEENAT AMAN AND IMRAN KHAN
The sexy actress of 70s Zeenat Aman was in a relationship with famous Pakistani cricketer Imran Khan. The relationship, however, did not culminate in marriage.

8) REENA ROY AND MOHSIN KHAN
Reena Roy fell in love with Pakistani cricketer Mohsin Khan, the two even married. But due to the contrast in their thoughts, the two later divorced.

Source: Pagalparrot
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Love, Loss, and the Line of Control: 8 Bollywood Stars Who Had Affairs with Pakistanis

The relationship between India and Pakistan is often defined by tension, politics, and a fiercely competitive spirit, especially in the realms of cricket and cinema. Yet, in the dazzling world of Bollywood, where reality often mirrors fiction, the deep cultural and historical ties between the two nations have repeatedly sparked a different, more powerful kind of connection: love across the border.

These celebrity romances, involving some of the biggest names in Indian cinema and Pakistani sports or entertainment, have rarely been simple fairytales. They are stories fraught with public scrutiny, political controversy, and the immense pressure of representing two nations whose histories are intertwined yet painfully divided.

Here are eight of the most high-profile, fascinating, and sometimes controversial love stories that transcended the Line of Control, proving that for a few brief, shining moments, matters of the heart truly know no borders.


1. Sania Mirza (India) & Shoaib Malik (Pakistan)

The Ultimate Cross-Border Marriage

The union of Indian tennis icon Sania Mirza and Pakistani cricket star Shoaib Malik was arguably the most sensational cross-border celebrity marriage in recent history. It represented a powerful moment of cultural diplomacy, yet it also became a lightning rod for nationalist outrage.

  • How They Met: The athletes met in 2010 in Hobart, Australia, and quickly found a bond, sharing stories about the pressures of their respective sporting careers.
  • The Reaction: Their announcement of marriage in April 2010 unleashed a massive public reaction, especially in India, where right-wing political parties called for Mirza to “reconsider” her decision to marry a Pakistani. In Pakistan, the reaction was notably more enthusiastic, seen by some as “carrying home the spoils of victory.” Mirza was forced to publicly state, “We are getting married, we are not making any statement, politically.”
  • The Marriage & Divorce: The couple married on April 12, 2010, and lived together in Dubai. They welcomed their son, Izhaan Mirza Malik, in 2018. After nearly 14 years of marriage, the couple’s relationship ended in early 2024 when Malik announced his second marriage to Pakistani actress Sana Javed. Mirza’s family confirmed she had sought a divorce through khula, the right of a Muslim woman to unilaterally divorce her husband.

2. Reena Roy (India) & Mohsin Khan (Pakistan)

The Golden Era Superstar Who Gave It All Up

One of the most popular and highest-paid Bollywood actresses of the 1970s and 80s, Reena Roy shocked the industry when she decided to marry Pakistani cricketer Mohsin Khan and quit her flourishing career.

  • The Whirlwind Romance: Reena Roy and Mohsin Khan met and began dating in the mid-1980s, with their high-profile romance becoming the central focus of tabloids in both countries. The actress, fresh from a tumultuous relationship with Indian actor Shatrughan Sinha, accepted Mohsin’s proposal and tied the knot in a private ceremony in Karachi, Pakistan, in 1983.
  • The Sacrifice and Split: After the marriage, Roy moved to Pakistan and gave up acting to settle into domestic life, where she gave birth to their daughter, Jannat (later renamed Sanam). However, cultural and lifestyle differences soon emerged. Mohsin, who briefly tried his hand at Bollywood acting using Roy’s connections, wanted to settle in England, a move Roy was against.
  • Aftermath: The couple divorced in the early 1990s. Roy fought a lengthy custody battle for her daughter, eventually winning and returning to India with Sanam, resuming her acting career in supporting roles. Mohsin has since publicly stated that he has “no regrets” about marrying her.

3. Salman Khan (India) & Somy Ali (Pakistan)

The Heartbreak of the 90s

The affair between Bollywood superstar Salman Khan and Pakistani-American actress Somy Ali was one of the most talked-about relationships of the 1990s, transcending borders from the moment it began.

  • The Beginning: Somy Ali, originally from Karachi, Pakistan, famously had a major teenage crush on Salman Khan. Inspired by him, she convinced her parents to allow her to move to India to pursue a career in Bollywood in the early 90s, where their professional connection quickly turned into a serious, long-term romance.
  • The Duration: The couple was in a relationship for about eight years. Their bond was serious enough that Ali reportedly lived at Khan’s house.
  • The End: The relationship ended in 1999. Ali has cited Salman Khan’s alleged alcohol-related issues and his growing closeness with emerging actress Aishwarya Rai as the reasons for their split. After the breakup, Ali left for the US, calling off her Bollywood career.

4. Zeenat Aman (India) & Imran Khan (Pakistan)

The Icon & The Cricketing Legend

A brief but immensely publicised alleged romance blossomed between two of the most glamorous figures of their respective nations: the Bollywood diva Zeenat Aman and the charismatic Pakistani cricketer Imran Khan (later a politician).

  • The Rumours: Their alleged relationship began in the late 1970s and early 1980s, particularly during the Pakistani cricket team’s tour of India. They were seen together at high-profile film parties and the Bombay Test. The media frenzy was intense, with rumours suggesting a serious relationship between the two.
  • The Unconfirmed Status: While the affair was widely reported, neither star ever publicly confirmed a romantic relationship. An India Today report at the time noted the pairing of the Indian film star and the Pakistani all-rounder, highlighting that their romance did not last long, with the logistical challenges of cross-border life being a speculated factor.
  • Legacy: Years later, when asked about Imran Khan, Zeenat Aman simply shrugged off the question, saying such matters were “old things” and should be forgotten. The brief, alleged romance of these two glamorous icons remains one of the most mythical and talked-about celebrity pairings across the border.

5. Sushmita Sen (India) & Wasim Akram (Pakistan)

The Beauty Queen and the Sultan of Swing

The former Miss Universe and Bollywood actress, Sushmita Sen, and the legendary Pakistani fast-bowler, Wasim Akram, were once the subjects of intense speculation regarding a serious relationship.

  • The Spark: The duo met in 2008 when they co-judged the Indian dance reality show Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena. Their chemistry on the show fueled initial rumours. After the tragic death of Akram’s first wife, Huma, in 2009, he and Sen reportedly grew closer.
  • The Marriage Rumours: For a time, the media in both countries was abuzz with rumours of an impending marriage between the two. The alleged relationship was reported to have lasted about five months.
  • The Truth: Sushmita Sen ultimately broke her silence and emphatically denied the marriage rumours, calling them “absolute rubbish” and “uncalled for.” Wasim Akram, in his 2022 memoir, also stated there was no truth to the link-up, explaining that he was “far from ready for anything serious” after his wife’s death, and that Sen was simply a graceful and decent friend.

6. Ashmit Patel (India) & Veena Malik (Pakistan)

The Reality Show Romance

The tumultuous and highly public relationship between Indian actor Ashmit Patel and controversial Pakistani actress/model Veena Malik was a defining element of the reality TV show Bigg Boss 4.

  • The Chemistry: The pair’s on-screen romance, characterised by close proximity and public displays of affection within the confines of the Bigg Boss house, instantly became a national sensation in both India and Pakistan.
  • The Post-Show Affair: Following the show, their relationship continued, with Malik delaying her return to Pakistan. Veena Malik later confirmed in a 2012 interview that they had dated for a year after the show, saying there was “something very, very special” between them.
  • The Aftermath: The affair fizzled out, allegedly due to issues like Veena planting stories in the media, which bothered Patel. However, in a stark reversal, Veena Malik later changed her public stance, denying the entire relationship, stating, “Ashmit was never my friend,” and that the people she met on Bigg Boss “don’t even exist in my life.”

7. Amrita Rao (India) & Farhan Saeed (Pakistan)

The Rumoured Music Video Pairing

In the late 2000s, rumours began circulating about a romance between Bollywood actress Amrita Rao and the lead vocalist of the popular Pakistani band Jal, Farhan Saeed.

  • The Connection: The speculation of a relationship arose after the two collaborated on a music video. Their frequent public appearances and apparent chemistry further fueled the media narrative that they were dating.
  • The Unconfirmed Status: Despite the media buzz that lasted for a considerable time, neither Rao nor Saeed ever officially confirmed they were romantically involved.
  • Resolution: The speculated relationship eventually came to an end, with both celebrities finding love elsewhere and marrying their respective partners.

8. Imtiaz Ali (India) & Iman Ali (Pakistan)

The Director and the Model

The acclaimed Indian filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, known for hit movies like Jab We Met and Rockstar, was linked to a serious relationship with famous Pakistani actress and model Iman Ali.

  • The Courtship: The director and the actress were romantically involved following Ali’s separation from his wife in 2012. Reports suggested they shared a strong bond and dated for about two years. The depth of their relationship was evidenced by joint trips, including a visit to Delhi’s Nizamuddin Dargah.
  • The Challenge: Despite their genuine affection, their relationship reportedly ended around 2014. The primary reason cited for the breakup was the difficulty of sustaining a serious, long-distance relationship across the contentious border, a challenge often faced by cross-border couples.

Love on a Fault Line: The Geopolitical Scrutiny

The interest in these relationships is magnified exponentially by the deeply strained diplomatic ties between India and Pakistan. In this context, a celebrity romance is rarely just a personal matter—it becomes a public performance loaded with national identity.

  • The Nationalist Pressure: The reaction to the Sania Mirza-Shoaib Malik wedding highlighted this perfectly. Many in India viewed Mirza’s decision as “unpatriotic,” while in Pakistan, the event was often framed as a “victory.” This gendered dynamic—where an Indian woman marrying a Pakistani man is seen as a ‘loss’ but an Indian man marrying a Pakistani woman is welcomed—reveals a pervasive, hyper-competitive, and often sexist undercurrent in the public discourse.
  • Professional Challenges: The political climate frequently impacts the professional lives of artists. The film industries in both countries have experienced bans and severe restrictions on collaborations, making it nearly impossible for love stories like that of Veena Malik and Ashmit Patel, or Imtiaz Ali and Iman Ali, to sustain a professional or even personal connection in the same city for long.

These celebrity love affairs, whether ending in marriage or remaining confined to the realm of rumour, hold a mirror up to the complex, paradoxical relationship between India and Pakistan. They are, ultimately, tales of individual human emotion attempting to flourish in the shadow of a political fault line—a beautiful, fragile dream of unity that is often tragically undone by the weight of two nations’ histories.


Notable Mentions: The Gossip Mill

The highly sensational nature of cross-border relationships means that rumours often fly with little basis in reality.

  • Rekha and Imran Khan: While Imran Khan was linked to Zeenat Aman, there were also prominent rumours in the 1980s that he was in a brief romance with legendary actress Rekha, though this was never confirmed by either party.
  • Tamannaah Bhatia and Abdul Razzaq: A widely circulated photograph of Indian actress Tamannaah Bhatia and Pakistani cricketer Abdul Razzaq at a jewellery store in Dubai sparked wild rumours of their affair and even a secret marriage. Both have explicitly denied the rumours, with Tamannaah joking that she was “embarrassed” to be linked to him, as she barely knew him.

Beyond the Border: 8 Bollywood Stars Whose Love Stories Crossed the India-Pakistan Divide

The world of Bollywood is a kaleidoscope of glamour, drama, and intense public scrutiny. Yet, few things capture the collective imagination of the Indian subcontinent quite like a romance that dares to defy the geopolitical fault lines: a love affair between an Indian star and a Pakistani national. These cross-border relationships, often involving the world of cinema and the highly charged arena of cricket, become instant sensations, simultaneously celebrated as symbols of unity and criticized as political statements.

From vintage marriages that abruptly ended a career to modern-day flings that broke the internet, these stories prove that when it comes to the heart, boundaries are merely lines on a map. Here are eight of the most talked-about Bollywood stars who were linked romantically with individuals from Pakistan.


1. Sania Mirza (Indian Tennis Star) & Shoaib Malik (Pakistani Cricketer): The Modern Fairytale Divorce

The relationship between Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza and Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik was, for years, the quintessential cross-border romance. Their 2010 wedding was a whirlwind of controversy, media circus, and a national talking point in both countries, viewed by many as a powerful statement of peace and unity across the divide.

  • The Union: The two sporting superstars tied the knot in April 2010 in a ceremony that embraced both Indian and Pakistani traditions, with their primary residence initially set up in Dubai. The marriage gave birth to their son, Izhaan Mirza Malik, in 2018.
  • The Conflict and Resolution: Their relationship symbolized a cultural fusion and was celebrated as a modern power couple, conquering their respective sporting arenas. However, their long-standing marriage ended in divorce (via Khula—the right of a Muslim woman to unilaterally divorce her husband) in early 2024, following speculation about their separation since 2022. Shoaib Malik’s subsequent marriage to Pakistani actress Sana Javed confirmed the end of the 14-year union, an event which itself became major news on both sides of the border.

2. Reena Roy (Bollywood Actress) & Mohsin Khan (Pakistani Cricketer): The Marriage That Halted a Career

Reena Roy was one of Bollywood’s leading actresses in the late 1970s and early 1980s, known for her powerful screen presence. Her decision to marry Pakistani cricketer Mohsin Khan in 1983 sent shockwaves through the Hindi film industry.

  • The Sacrifice: At the peak of her career, Roy married Khan in a private ceremony in Karachi, Pakistan, and subsequently announced a sabbatical from the Indian film industry. Mohsin Khan himself attempted to leverage his new Bollywood connection, appearing in a few Hindi films.
  • The Outcome: The marriage, however, was short-lived. Due to cultural and lifestyle differences, the couple divorced in the early 1990s, and Reena Roy returned to India. A protracted and public custody battle followed over their daughter, Jannat (later renamed Sanam Khan), with Reena eventually regaining custody and successfully making a return to cinema. This case remains one of the most significant and consequential cross-border marriages in the entertainment industry.

3. Salman Khan (Bollywood Superstar) & Somy Ali (Pakistani Actress): The Serious 90s Romance

Before his blockbuster fame and legendary status, Salman Khan was involved in a long and serious relationship with Somy Ali, an actress who hailed from Karachi, Pakistan.

  • The Backstory: Somy Ali reportedly moved to India with the goal of working in Bollywood, driven by a massive teenage crush on Salman Khan. She appeared in several Hindi films throughout the 1990s.
  • The Relationship: Salman Khan and Somy Ali dated for approximately eight years, during which time their relationship was constantly scrutinized by the media. It was considered one of the most high-profile relationships of the decade, showcasing a serious commitment that transcended borders. The couple eventually parted ways in the late 1990s.

4. Zeenat Aman (Bollywood Actress) & Imran Khan (Pakistani Cricketer/Politician): The Glamourous 70s Rumour

The golden age of cricket and cinema saw sparks fly between the ultimate Indian glamour icon, Zeenat Aman, and the Pakistani cricketing legend, Imran Khan, who would later become a politician and Pakistan’s Prime Minister.

  • The Rendezvous: The two met during one of the Pakistani cricket team’s tours of India in the late 1970s. Their striking good looks and star power immediately made them the subject of intense media scrutiny and speculation.
  • The Unconfirmed Romance: The rumor mill went into overdrive about a blossoming romance. Some reports from the time even claimed it was “love at first grope” after meeting at a Bombay Test party. However, their relationship, if it existed beyond a brief courtship, did not last long, reportedly due to Aman’s commitment to her career and Imran’s roots in Pakistan. Years later, when asked about the affair, Zeenat Aman chose to brush it off as a thing of the past.

5. Sushmita Sen (Bollywood Actress) & Wasim Akram (Pakistani Cricketer): The High-Profile Denial

The alleged affair between former Miss Universe and Bollywood star Sushmita Sen and legendary Pakistani pacer Wasim Akram became a dominant media story in the late 2000s, especially after they shared a professional platform.

  • The Media Frenzy: The two first met in Dubai and later co-judged the Indian dance reality show Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena in 2008, where their chemistry became the immediate focus of media speculation. The rumors intensified after the death of Akram’s first wife in 2009, with reports suggesting they were growing closer and even planning to marry.
  • The Truth: Despite the persistent and frenzied media coverage, both Sushmita Sen and Wasim Akram categorically denied the wedding rumors. Sen took to social media to call the rumors “absolute rubbish,” clarifying that Akram was, and would always be, a friend. Akram later confirmed in his memoir, Sultan, that while the media linked him with many beautiful women, including Sen, the truth was that he was “far from ready for anything serious” after his wife’s passing.

6. Amrita Arora (Bollywood Actress) & Usman Afzaal (British-Pakistani Cricketer): The Long-Distance Heartbreak

Amrita Arora, known for her roles in films like Awara Paagal Deewana and Golmaal Returns, was in a long and committed relationship with Usman Afzaal, a London-based English cricketer of Pakistani origin.

  • The Commitment: Their relationship was an open secret in Bollywood circles, with Amrita often being vocal about her commitment. In a famous appearance on a television game show, she even introduced Afzaal and declared her certainty that he was “the man” for her.
  • The Breakup: The serious relationship, which lasted for about four years, eventually succumbed to the pressures of distance and conflicting lifestyles. They parted ways in 2008, with reports citing the difficulties of maintaining a long-distance romance as the primary reason. Amrita later married businessman Shakeel Ladak in 2009.

7. Sonali Bendre (Bollywood Actress) & Shoaib Akhtar (Pakistani Cricketer): The ‘Kidnap’ Crush

This is a story of a prominent Bollywood-cricket “affair” that was more an unrequited, sensationalized crush from one side. Former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, the ‘Rawalpindi Express,’ was famously vocal about his admiration for the beautiful and talented Bollywood actress Sonali Bendre.

  • The Rumour Mill: The legend began when news circulated that Shoaib Akhtar had a huge crush on the actress and used to keep her picture in his wallet. The story was further sensationalized by a highly quoted (and later disputed) interview where Akhtar allegedly joked that he would propose to Sonali Bendre and “kidnap her” if she refused.
  • The Clarification: Decades later, both stars addressed the viral rumor. Sonali Bendre expressed doubt and skepticism about the authenticity of the “kidnap” comment, saying that fake news existed even then. Shoaib Akhtar also explicitly denied ever making the controversial “kidnap” statement in an interview and later in a YouTube video, clarifying that he was simply a fan of the actress. Despite the denials, the story remains one of the most colorful and enduring pieces of gossip connecting Bollywood and Pakistani cricket.

8. Ranbir Kapoor (Bollywood Actor) & Mahira Khan (Pakistani Actress): The Viral Modern Rumour

In the age of the internet, a rumored cross-border affair can ignite global headlines with a single photograph. This was the case with Bollywood heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor and acclaimed Pakistani actress Mahira Khan.

  • The Spark: The rumors first began after the two were spotted together at the Global Teacher Prize Ceremony in Dubai in 2017. However, the speculation exploded into a viral sensation later that year when photos of the two casually dressed and smoking together in New York surfaced online.
  • The Fallout: The pictures led to massive media speculation about an intense romance, given their obvious chemistry in the candid moments. While the stars initially refuted the dating speculations, the public narrative took on a life of its own, with fans and media outlets on both sides of the border debating the nature of their bond. This relationship, or perceived relationship, stands as a prime example of how quickly and intensely a cross-border rumor can dominate the modern news cycle.

The Enduring Allure of Cross-Border Romance

The fervent public reaction to every Bollywood-Pakistan romance is a reflection of the deep-seated cultural and historical ties between the two nations, often complicated by political tension. When a celebrated personality from one side finds love in the other, it is never just a personal story; it becomes a symbolic narrative.

  • Bridging the Divide: These high-profile relationships, particularly the rare ones like Sania Mirza and Shoaib Malik’s marriage, are often viewed as a microcosm of what could be, offering a glimpse of shared heritage and mutual admiration that supersedes political conflicts.
  • Intense Scrutiny: Every date, public appearance, and particularly, every breakup or divorce, is amplified through a geopolitical lens. The intense scrutiny and pressure from fans, media, and, at times, political groups, highlight the unique challenges faced by these couples, where a relationship often feels like an unofficial diplomatic event.

These eight stories, ranging from marital commitments to sensational crushes, confirm a simple truth: the heart knows no border. The connection between the stars of Bollywood and the individuals of Pakistan continues to be one of the most compelling, controversial, and enduring narratives of the subcontinent.

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