Saya-e-Dewar Bhi Nahi
''Saya-e-Dewar Bhi Nahi'' ( ur, ; lit ''Not Even a Shadow of a Wall'') was a Pakistani TV serial, drama serial that began to air on Hum TV on 10 August 2016 succeeding ''Dil-e-Beqarar''. It is directed by Shehzad Kashmiri and written by Qaisar ...
'' (2016).
His debut in a leading role was in
Kashif Nisar
Kashif Nisar ( ur, ) is a Pakistani television director, producer and screenwriter, and the nephew of Pakistani TV Director Tariq Mairaj.
He is known for directing artistic drama serials. Kashif's most notable works are ''Dumpukht - Aatish-e- ...
O Rangreza
''O Rangreza'' ( ur, ), is a Pakistani romantic drama serial that aired on Hum TV. It starred Bilal Abbas and Sajal Ali in lead roles. It was written by Saji Gul and was directed by Kashif Nisar, who previously directed ''Dumpukht'', which als ...
'' (2017). He recently acted in the family drama ''
Dobara
:''see Dubara Palace for the palace in Cairo''
''Dobara'' is a 2004 Indian Hindi-language film directed by Shashi Ranjan on his debut. It stars Jackie Shroff, Mahima Chaudhry and Raveena Tandon. The film is an unlicensed remake of the film '' ...
'' (2021).
Early life
Bilal Abbas Khan was born on 4 June 1993 into a
Pashtun
Pashtuns (, , ; ps, پښتانه, ), also known as Pakhtuns or Pathans, are an Iranian ethnic group who are native to the geographic region of Pashtunistan in the present-day countries of Afghanistan and Pakistan. They were historically re ...
family in
Karachi, Sindh
Karachi (; ur, ; ; ) is the most populous city in Pakistan and 12th most populous city in the world, with a population of over 20 million. It is situated at the southern tip of the country along the Arabian Sea coast. It is the former c ...
. There he was also raised and received his early education from, but was later on sent to a boarding school, called Lawrence School, in
Murree
Murree ( Punjabi, Urdu: مری) is a mountain resort city, located in the Galyat region of the Pir Panjal Range, within the Muree District of Punjab, Pakistan. It forms the outskirts of the Islamabad-Rawalpindi metropolitan area, and is about ...
, where he took part in theater plays, which inspired a desire in him to pursue a career in acting. He later joined the
Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology
SZABIST is a private institute with multiple campuses in the residential and commercial areas of Pakistan especially in the heart of Pakistan, Karachi, Islamabad, and United Arab Emirates. Its main campus is located in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.
O ...
in Karachi, to study marketing, and graduated in 2015. His father, Sohail Abbas, serves as
DSP
DSP may refer to:
Computing
* Digital signal processing, the mathematical manipulation of an information signal
* Digital signal processor, a microprocessor designed for digital signal processing
* Yamaha DSP-1, a proprietary digital signal ...
, and his mother, Farhana Sohail, is a fashion designer. Having formally studied acting at the
National Academy of Performing Arts
The National Academy of Performing Arts ( ur, ; abbreviated as NAPA) is a performing arts school located at Hindu Gymkhana, Karachi, Hindu Gymkhana in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. NAPA was established in 2005 as an institution to conserve and tea ...
and being mainly inspired by
Viola Spolin
Viola Spolin (November 7, 1906 — November 22, 1994) was an American theatre academic, educator and acting coach. She is considered an important innovator in 20th century American theater for creating directorial techniques to help actors to be ...
's "great focus on improvisation and improvisational techniques", he started acting in 2016 with commercial modelling and later started auditioning for television roles.
Career
Khan made his acting debut in 2016, with a supporting role in the
Hum TV
Hum TV is a 24-hour Urdu General Entertainment TV channel based in Karachi, Pakistan. It was founded by Sultana Siddiqui and Duraid Qureshi. It is owned by Hum Network Limited and traded on Pakistan Stock Exchange as (HUMNL).
Hum Network Limi ...
's religious drama ''
Saya-e-Dewar Bhi Nahi
''Saya-e-Dewar Bhi Nahi'' ( ur, ; lit ''Not Even a Shadow of a Wall'') was a Pakistani TV serial, drama serial that began to air on Hum TV on 10 August 2016 succeeding ''Dil-e-Beqarar''. It is directed by Shehzad Kashmiri and written by Qaisar ...
'', alongside an ensemble cast of
Naveen Waqar
Naveen Waqar is a Pakistani television actress and former video and radio jockey. She is best known for her negative role as Sara in 2012 series '' Humsafar.'' Her television appearances includes a series of acclaim projects including ''Annie Ki ...
,
Ahsan Khan
Ahsan Khan ( ur, احسن خان; born 1981) is a Pakistani actor, producer and TV host.
He began acting in 1998. He appeared in the films ''Nikah'', '' Billi'', '' Ghar Kab Aao Gay'', ''Sultanat'', ''Ishq Khuda'', ''Dil Mera Dhadkan Teri' ...
and
Emmad Irfani
Emmad Irfani () is a Pakistani model and actor.
As an actor he has done lead roles in many TV serials from Geo TV, ARY Digital and Hum TV while as a fashion model he has worked with national and international brands.
Early life and career
Of ...
. Directed by
Shahzad Kashmiri
Shahzad Kashmiri ( ur, ) is a Pakistani television and film director and cinematographer. Kashmiri is best known for his work as a cinematographer in Hum TV drama serials such as ''Humsafar'', ''Bilqees Kaur'', ''Mata-e-Jaan Hai Tu'', ''Zard M ...
, his role was that of a spoiled brat who hated his parents for neglecting and abandoning him. Khan received praise for portraying a man betrayed by his elder brother (played by
Sami Khan
Mansoor Aslam Khan Niazi, known professionally as Sami Khan, is a Pakistani actor and model who appears in films and television dramas. He started his career with film ''Salakhain'' and then moved to television.
Early life
He was born on July ...
) by marrying his love interest (played by
Armeena Khan
Armeena Rana Khan ( ur, ) is a Pakistani Canadian film and television actress and model. One of Pakistan's most popular actresses, she has received a Lux Style Award, a Hum Award and a Nigar Award nomination. Most of her television series in ...
) in the romantic drama ''
Rasm E Duniya
Rasm E Duniya is a 2017 Pakistani romantic drama serial which aired on ARY Digital. It was produced by Abdullah Seja. It was a new drama on Idream Entertainment and was directed by Roomi Insha. It starred Armeena Khan and Sami Khan. The drama ...
'', that aired on
ARY Digital
''ARY Digital'' ( ur, ) is a Pakistani pay television network available in Pakistan, the Middle East, North America and Europe. The ARY Group of companies is a Dubai-based holding company founded by a Pakistani businessman, Abdul Razzak Yaqoob ...
in 2017. His next role was that of a murdered victim in the courtroom drama ''Saanp Seerhi''. The series was based on the novel of the same name, written by
Umera Ahmed
Umera Ahmed ( Punjabi, ur, ) is a Pakistani writer, author and screenwriter. She is best known for her novels and plays ''Shehr-e-Zaat'', ''Pir-e-Kamil'', ''Zindagi Gulzar Hai'', '' Alif'', ''Durr-e-Shehwar'', ''Daam'', '' Man-o-Salwa'', ''Qa ...
, and also starred
Samina Peerzada
Samina Peerzada (, Punjabi, ) is a film and television actress, producer and director from Pakistan.
Personal life
Samina was born into an educated Kashmiri Butt family in Lahore, but was raised in Karachi, Sindh Pakistan. After graduating in ...
and
Madiha Imam
Syeda Madiha Imam ( ur, ) is a Pakistani VJ-turned-actress and television host. She is known for her roles in ''Heer'' (2015) and '' Dhaani'' (2016).
She made her film debut with ''Dear Maya'' in 2017.O Rangreza
''O Rangreza'' ( ur, ), is a Pakistani romantic drama serial that aired on Hum TV. It starred Bilal Abbas and Sajal Ali in lead roles. It was written by Saji Gul and was directed by Kashif Nisar, who previously directed ''Dumpukht'', which als ...
'' (2017), in which he starred as an introvert, raised by his strict uncle (
Noman Ijaz
Nauman Ijaz (Punjabi and ur, ) is a Pakistani television and film actor, TV anchorperson, and TV show presenter. He is the recipient of several accolades including 10 Lux Style Awards, 7 Hum Awards and a President's Pride of Performance, wh ...
), who falls in love with his daughter (
Sajal Aly
Sajal Aly (; born 17 January 1994) is a Pakistani actress noted for playing a variety of characters in a range of serials—from contemporary social to romantic dramas.
Career
Sajal's first appearance on screen was a minor role in one episode ...
). Mahwash Ajaz of '' Samaa'' wrote that Khan portrayed his character without "being repetitive" and that he is the "master of iscraft". The series topped the rating upon its airing and earned him further recognition, as well as the
Hum Award for Best Supporting Actor
The Hum Award for Best Supporting Actor is an award presented annually by the Hum Television Network and Entertainment Channel (HTNEC). It is given in honor of an actor who has delivered an outstanding performance in a supporting role while working ...
nomination. Further success came with the role of a family-oriented guy married to a selfish wife (played by
Ushna Shah
Ushna Shah is a Pakistani actress who works in Urdu television. She made her acting debut in 2013 with ''Mere Khwabon Ka Diya''. Shah had her first critical success with the 2014 thriller romance ''Bashar Momin'' as Rudaba. She rose to promine ...
) in the thriller ''
Balaa
''Balaa'' ( ur, , lit=Monster) is a 2018 Pakistani thriller television series aired on ARY Digital. It is produced by Fahad Mustafa and Dr. Ali Kazmi under their banner Big Bang Entertainment. It stars Bilal Abbas Khan, Ushna Shah, Azekah Danie ...
ARY News ARY may stand for:
* Abdul Razzak Yaqoob, a Pakistani expatriate businessman
* Andre Romelle Young, real name of Dr. Dre
* Ary and the Secret of Seasons, an action adventure video game
* ARY Digital, a Pakistani television network
* ARY Digital Ne ...
'' said that "Bilal continues to go from strength to strength" and labeled him as an "amazing actor".
The 2019 crime drama ''
Cheekh
''Cheekh'' ( ur, ; ''lit'': 'Scream') was a 2019 Pakistani crime-drama television series created and produced by Fahad Mustafa and Dr. Ali Kazmi under their production house, Big Bang Entertainment. It features Saba Qamar and Bilal Abbas in lea ...
'', was one of the most successful and acclaimed dramas of 2019. His role of an antagonist opposite
Saba Qamar
Saba Qamar Zaman (born 5 April 1984), known professionally as Saba Qamar, is a Pakistani actress who works predominantly in Urdu films and television. She has won several accolades including Lux Style Awards and Hum Awards. Qamar is one of Pak ...
, was well-received by the critics as well as by the public, establishing Khan as a leading actor in Urdu television. '' Daily Times'' stated that Khan is "scary as the coldblooded murderer", while ''Mangobaaz'' labelled him as "a modern day masterpiece". At the annual
Lux Style Awards
The Lux Style Awards is an award ceremony held annually in Pakistan since 2002. The awards celebrate "style" in the Pakistani entertainment industry, and it is the oldest event dedicated to cinema, television, fashion, music and film industry ...
, he received another Best Television Actor nomination. He next starred as a
Naval officer
An officer is a person who holds a position of authority as a member of an armed force or uniformed service.
Broadly speaking, "officer" means a commissioned officer, a non-commissioned officer, or a warrant officer. However, absent context ...
in the patriotic military-based telefilm '' Laal'', which was aired on television on the occasion of
Pakistan Day
The Resolution Day ( ur, , translit=Yawm-e-Qarārdād), also known as the Pakistan Day ( ur, , translit=Yawm-e-Pākistān) and Republic Day, is a national holiday in Pakistan primarily commemorating the adoption of the Lahore Resolution by the Mu ...
.
Khan began 2020 with the role of a dumb but Mathematics genius in the comedy drama ''
Pyar Ke Sadqay
''Pyar Ke Sadqay'' () is a 2020 Pakistani drama television series premiered on 23 January 2020 on Hum TV. It is directed by Farooq Rind, written by Zanjabeel Asim Shah and produced by Momina Duraid under MD Productions. It has Yumna Zaidi ...
'', opposite Yumna Zaidi. The series as well as his performance was widely praised by the public and the critics. ''
The Nation
''The Nation'' is an American liberal biweekly magazine that covers political and cultural news, opinion, and analysis. It was founded on July 6, 1865, as a successor to William Lloyd Garrison's '' The Liberator'', an abolitionist newspaper tha ...
'' said that Khan has raised the "bar high" for his performance in the series. His next appearance was opposite Madiha Imam in
Mehreen Jabbar
Mehreen Jabbar (Urdu: مﮩرين جبار ) (b. 29 December 1971, is a Pakistani film and television director and producer based in New York City. She is a daughter of the Pakistani media-person Javed Jabbar.https://tribune.com.pk/story ...
's social comedy web-series '' Aik Jhooti Love Story'', as a computer hardware technician who unknowingly romances his neighbour through an online profile with a fake persona. The web-series, written by Umera Ahmed, was streamed on the Indian video on demand service, called
Zee5
ZEE5 is an Indian subscription video on-demand and over-the-top streaming service, run by Zee Entertainment Enterprises. It was launched in India on 14 February 2018 with content in 12 languages. The ZEE5 mobile app is available on Web, Androi ...
. Critical opinion on his acting prowess was overwhelming; critic Maliha Rehman of ''
Dawn
Dawn is the time that marks the beginning of twilight before sunrise. It is recognized by the appearance of indirect sunlight being scattered in Earth's atmosphere, when the centre of the Sun's disc has reached 18° below the observer's horizo ...
'' wrote, "Bilal has been proving his acting brilliance for some time now, completely personifying every character that he plays. In ''Aik Jhooti Love Story'', he transforms completely into Sohail, bringing an earthy, very real sweetness to his role. In December 2020, he was selected by the UK magazine ''
Eastern Eye
The ''Eastern Eye'' is a British weekly newspaper. It was created in 1989 and was first published by ''The Guardian'', before becoming a standalone newspaper.
History
Sarwar Ahmed
Sarwar Ahmed ( bn, সরয়ার আহমেদ; bor ...
'' as one of the "Top 50 Asian celebrities", peaking at number 28, along with four other Pakistani celebrities, and was labelled as the "fastest rising acting star in Pakistan" by the magazine. Khan concluded the year with the #MeToo movement-based thriller series '' Dunk'', where he played the hot-headed love interest of
Sana Javed
Sana Javed (born 25 March 1993) is a Pakistani actress who appears in Urdu television. She made her acting debut with a minor role in the acclaimed television series ''Shehr-e-Zaat'' (2012). Javed is best known for portraying Sanam Khan in Geo ...
's character, alongside her, Noman Ijaz, and
Yasra Rizvi
Yasra Rizvi is a Pakistani actress and writer. She played the female lead in a number of television productions, including ''Mann Ke Moti'' (2012), ''Woh Dobara'' (2014), '' Thora Sa Aasman'' (2016) and ''Ustani Jee'' (2018). In her acting career, ...
. Khan described his character as "a very realistic one. Haider is an honest guy who stands with the truth and fights for what is right." Based on a real-life story of a family in
Sargodha
Sargodha ( Punjabi and ur, ) is a city and capital of Sargodha Division, located in Punjab province, Pakistan. It is Pakistan's 12th largest city by population and one of the fastest-growing cities of the country. Sargodha is also known as ...
, ''Dunk'' generated controversy when its producer,
Fahad Mustafa
Fahad Salahuddin ( ur, فہد صلاح الدین) commonly known as Fahad Mustafa ( ur, فہد مصطفٰی, label=none), is a Pakistani film and television actor and producer who is best known for hosting ''Jeeto Pakistan'', a game show that ...
, stated against the sexual harassment cases, citing that many of the men are falsely accused. Muna Moini of ''Something Haute'' found the series to be "a multi-layered drama full of powerful performances." In 2021, ''Eastern Eye'' featured him in its list of "30 under 30 Global Asian Stars", along with four other Pakistani celebrities. As of February 2021, he has confirmed to play the lead in his second film, titled as '' Khel Khel Mein'', opposite Sajal Aly, which will be directed by Nabeel Qureshi.