The craze of Bollywood has existed in Pakistan even before the partition. In fact, most of the veteran actors of Bollywood have their roots in Pakistan. Several bans have been imposed by both governments over cultural exchange but art never fails to reach its lovers. While the iconic movies were loved by all across borders, movies that bombed in India were surprisingly well-received in Pakistan. The Pakistani audience loved both DDLJ and Kismat Konnection (which had songs by Atif Aslam) equally. Similarly, the Indian audience has always been a fan of Pakistani artists, and recently of Pakistani dramas! Let’s have a look at some of the most famous Bollywood movies in Pakistan that have ruled the hearts of our neighbours.
Also read: 10 Best Pakistani Dramas That Will Restore Your Faith in Television
1. Sholay
One of the most iconic films of Indian cinema, Sholay, doesn’t need any introduction. Jay and Veeru, two ex-convicts help Thakur in his revenge against Gabbar Singh. This action film was equally loved across the border by our neighbours.
2. DDLJ
Shahrukh Khan has a big fan base in Pakistan and all over the world. We would all agree that DDLJ is the most iconic Bollywood movie ever. The love story of Raj and Simran has acted as the benchmark for generations of lovers.
3. Kismat Konnection
Kismat Konnection was a hit in Pakistan even though it flopped in India. Raj, an architect finds a girl named Priya, a social activist, who turns out to be his lady luck. Most people believe that the movie’s success in Pakistan was due to the fact that Atif Aslam lent his voice to most of the songs in this film.
4. My Name is Khan
“My name is Khan and I’m not a terrorist.” This movie is a powerful, heart-rending, and hopeful narration of the story of a Muslim man with Aspergers Syndrome named Rizwan Khan. Rizwan and his wife Mandira’s life turns upside down after a tragic event and Rizwan sets out alone to change the world’s perception of his community. This movie was adored in Pakistan.
5. 3 Idiots
I always believed that movie adaptations can never be better than the book until I came across this movie. It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that every Indian has watched this movie at least twice in their lifetime, the same goes for Pakistanis.
6. Dabbang
Salman Khan has a huge fan following in Pakistan. His character of the cop Chulbul Pandey in the movie Dabbang was much loved by the Pakistani audience.
7. Sultan
Sultan is a story of a middle-aged wrestler who attempts to revive his career after having left it due to a personal tragedy. It was one of the highest-grossing films in Pakistan.
8. Sanju
No other Bollywood movie has earned as much as this Sanjay Dutt biopic has earned in Pakistan to date. The record remains unbroken.
9. PK
In this Rajkumar Hirani wonder, Aamir Khan stars as an alien stranded on earth after losing his communication device to a lowly thief. PK is one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed movies of Aamir Khan, not only in India but also in Pakistan.
10. Bajrangi Bhaijaan
A speech-impaired Pakistani kid named Munni finds herself lost in India. Pawan finds her and decides to help her get back safely to her country. He reaches Pakistan somehow and is helped by a Pakistani journalist in reuniting the little girl with her family. This is one of the most famous Bollywood movies in Pakistan.
11. Mughal-e-Azam
Mughal-e-Azam is a 1960 Bollywood classic that lives rent-free in the minds of its fans. This tragic love story of Saleem and Anarkali was equally appreciated by the audience of both countries.
12. Deewar
With iconic dialogues and an engaging storyline, Deewar was a huge hit in Pakistan. “Mere paas, bungalow hai, gaadi hai….”, this iconic line is from this film. Two brothers, one a goon and the other a police officer, are pitted against each other in this movie.
13. Zanjeer
In this 1973 movie, Amitabh Bachchan starred as a suspended police officer seeking revenge for the murder of his parents. The Pakistanis love this classic action thriller movie from Bollywood.
14. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
Rahul and Anjali are best friends in college. Rahul falls for Tina, the principal’s daughter, while Anjali realizes that she loves Rahul. Triangle ensues. This movie was as popular in Pakistan as it was in India.
15. Chaudhvin ka Chand
In this classic movie, two friends, Nawab and Aslam fall for the same woman, Jameela. Jameela on the other hand has a liking for Aslam. This 1960 love-triangle romantic film was a huge hit in Pakistan.
So, these were some of the most famous Bollywood movies in Pakistan that are still fresh in the minds of our Pakistani brothers and sisters. Which of these movies do you like the best? Do let us know in the comments section.