Mikaal Zulfiqar
{{Short description|British-Pakistani actor and model (born 1981)}}
{{pp-pc1}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Mikaal Zulfiqar
| image = Pakistani actor and Model Mikaal Zulfiqar.png
| caption = Zulfiqar at an event in 2016
| native_name = {{nq|مکال ذالفقار}}
| native_name_lang = ur
| birth_name = Muhammad Mikaal Patras Zulfiqar
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1981|09|05}}
| birth_place = London, England
| nationality = Pakistani
| years_active = 2000–present
| children = 2
| occupation = Actor, model
| spouse = {{married|Sara Bhatti|2012|2017|reason=div.}}
}}
Mian Mikaal Patras Zulfiqar (born 5 September 1981), commonly known as Mikaal Zulfiqar ({{langx|ur|{{nq|مکال ذوالفقار}}}}), is a British-Pakistani actor and former model.{{Cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1562571/4-ive-never-dreamt-bollywood-mikaal-zulfiqar/|title=I've never dreamt of being in Bollywood: Mikaal Zulfiqar - The Express Tribune|date=2017-11-19|work=The Express Tribune|access-date=2018-05-01|language=en-US|archive-date=10 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310215844/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1562571/4-ive-never-dreamt-bollywood-mikaal-zulfiqar/|url-status=live}} He has appeared in a number of Pakistani television series.{{Cite news|url=https://blogs.tribune.com.pk/story/14184/shehr-e-zaat-a-spiritual-romance/|title=Shehr-e-Zaat: A spiritual romance|access-date=2018-02-05|language=en-US}} 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.{{Cite news|url=https://nation.com.pk/15-Jun-2018/mikaal-speaks-up-on-na-band-na-baraati|title=Mikaal speaks up on Na Band Na Baraati|date=2018-06-15|work=The Nation|access-date=2018-06-19|language=en-US|archive-date=17 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617062613/https://nation.com.pk/15-Jun-2018/mikaal-speaks-up-on-na-band-na-baraati|url-status=live}} In 2015, he won the Best Actor (Popular) Award at Hum TV Awards due to his performance in the television series Mohabat Subh Ka Sitara Hai.{{Cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1175086|title=HUM TV Awards 2015: 'Sadqay Tumhare' a clear winner|date=2015-04-10|work=DAWN.COM|access-date=2018-06-19|language=en-US|archive-date=7 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907080048/https://www.dawn.com/news/1175086|url-status=live}}
Born in London, he moved to Pakistan and initially began his career as a model in the early 2000s and caught the attention of the team of Abrar-ul-Haq, who cast him in the singer's music video for Sanu Tere Naal Pyar Ho Gya.{{Cite news|url=https://blogs.tribune.com.pk/story/55827/getting-to-know-the-handsome-and-talented-mikaal-zulfiqar/|title=Getting to know the handsome and talented Mikaal Zulfiqar|access-date=2018-06-19|language=en-US|archive-date=20 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620001135/https://blogs.tribune.com.pk/story/55827/getting-to-know-the-handsome-and-talented-mikaal-zulfiqar/|url-status=live}} He made his film debut in 2007 with the Bollywood crime thriller film Godfather, followed by starring roles in Shoot on Sight (2008), U R My Jaan (2011), and Baby (2015). He also began his film career in Pakistan with a supporting character in the 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 the 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 the notable of being 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. After spending his early years in London, he moved to Pakistan and attended the Lahore Lyceum School in Lahore. Additionally, he also began his career as a model and started modelling for commercials and videos that were relevant to acting.
Career
After several advertising campaigns, Zulfiqar appeared in Sanu Tere Naal Pyar Ho Gya, a song from the 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;the 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.{{cite news|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/749911/looking-back-through-mikaal-zulfiqars-lenses/|title=Looking back through Mikaal Zulfiqar's lenses – The Express Tribune|last=Sibtain|first=Momina|date=18 August 2014|work=The Express Tribune|access-date=18 September 2014|archive-date=19 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140919075550/http://tribune.com.pk/story/749911/looking-back-through-mikaal-zulfiqars-lenses/|url-status=live}} However, in an interview, he stated that he didn't dream of working in Bollywood further.{{Cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1562571/4-ive-never-dreamt-bollywood-mikaal-zulfiqar/|title=I've never dreamt of being in Bollywood: Mikaal Zulfiqar - The Express Tribune|date=2017-11-19|work=The Express Tribune|access-date=2018-03-10|language=en-US|archive-date=10 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310215844/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1562571/4-ive-never-dreamt-bollywood-mikaal-zulfiqar/|url-status=live}}
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 the Best Actor title in the Hum TV Awards held in Dubai in April, 2015, for his role in the drama serial Mohabat Subh Ka Sitara Hai.{{Cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1175086|title=HUM TV Awards 2015: 'Sadqay Tumhare' a clear winner|date=2015-04-10|work=DAWN.COM|access-date=2018-03-10|language=en-US|archive-date=7 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907080048/https://www.dawn.com/news/1175086|url-status=live}} He also acted in the 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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.beststylo.com/highest-paid-pakistani-actors/|title=Top 10 Highest Paid Pakistani Actors/Models 2017 {{!}} BestStylo.com|website=www.beststylo.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-03-18|archive-date=19 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319084650/https://www.beststylo.com/highest-paid-pakistani-actors/|url-status=live}}
In 2015, he played the role of Behroz Bakhtiyar Khan in the 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."{{Cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1170348|title=Review: 'Diyar-e-Dil' opens with a bang and is a visual treat|last=Haider|first=Sadaf|date=2015-03-18|work=DAWN.COM|access-date=2018-03-10|language=en-US|archive-date=2 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180802102930/https://www.dawn.com/news/1170348|url-status=live}} Diyar-e-Dil was also well received by viewers.
In 2017, he was highly appreciated for his performance in the spiritual television series Alif Allah Aur Insaan. The series became one of the most-watched shows of 2017.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bizasialive.com/overnights-alif-allah-aur-insan-tops-2000-slot-tuesday/|title=Overnights: 'Alif Allah Aur Insan' tops 20:00 slot on Tuesday|date=2017-09-06|work=BizAsia {{!}} Media, Entertainment, Showbiz, Events and Music|access-date=2018-03-10|language=en-GB|archive-date=10 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310201820/https://www.bizasialive.com/overnights-alif-allah-aur-insan-tops-2000-slot-tuesday/|url-status=live}}
In March 2018, he made a special appearance in the film Cake, co-starring Aamina Sheikh, Adnan Malik, and Sanam Saeed. The film was highly praised by critics.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/mar/29/cake-review-asim-abbasi-sanam-saeed-aamina-sheikh|title=Cake review – Karachi sister act ditches melodrama for real life|last=McCahill|first=Mike|date=2018-03-29|website=the Guardian|language=en|access-date=2018-04-05|archive-date=11 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711161918/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/mar/29/cake-review-asim-abbasi-sanam-saeed-aamina-sheikh|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.samaa.tv/entertainment/2018/03/this-cake-has-all-the-right-ingredients/|title=This cake has all the right ingredients - Samaa TV|website=www.samaa.tv|language=en-US|access-date=2018-04-05|archive-date=5 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180405153604/https://www.samaa.tv/entertainment/2018/03/this-cake-has-all-the-right-ingredients/|url-status=live}} His next film Na Band Na Baraati was released in June 2018.{{Cite news|url=https://www.oyeyeah.com/entertainment/teaser-mikaal-zulfiqar-starrer-na-band-na-baraati-promises-lot-fun/|title=The teaser for Mikaal Zulfiqar starrer 'Na Band Na Baraati' promises a lot of fun! - Oyeyeah|date=2018-03-10|work=Oyeyeah|access-date=2018-03-10|language=en-US|archive-date=10 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310202506/https://www.oyeyeah.com/entertainment/teaser-mikaal-zulfiqar-starrer-na-band-na-baraati-promises-lot-fun/|url-status=live}} He said in an interview that doing that film was his way to support foreign investment in local cinema.{{Cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1735933/4-im-not-salman-khan-wont-roles-mikaal-zulfiqar/|title=I'm not Salman Khan, I won't do the same roles over and over: Mikaal Zulfiqar - The Express Tribune|date=2018-06-17|work=The Express Tribune|access-date=2018-06-19|language=en-US|archive-date=20 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620002717/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1735933/4-im-not-salman-khan-wont-roles-mikaal-zulfiqar/|url-status=live}}
In 2019, he was seen in Pakistani war film Sherdil opposite Armeena Khan.{{Cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1607808/4-armeena-khan-mikaal-zulfiqar-star-pakistan-air-force-film-sherdil/|title=Armeena Khan and Mikaal Zulfiqar to star in Pakistan Air Force film 'Sherdil' - The Express Tribune|date=2018-01-13|work=The Express Tribune|access-date=2018-03-09|language=en-US|archive-date=10 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310183522/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1607808/4-armeena-khan-mikaal-zulfiqar-star-pakistan-air-force-film-sherdil/|url-status=live}} The film and Zulfiqar's performance received mostly unfavourable reviews from critics.{{Cite web|url=https://images.dawn.com/news/1182120|title=Sherdil uses patriotism as bait and hopes a love for Pakistan will keep you hooked|last=Hasan|first=Mehreen|date=2019-03-21|website=Images|language=en|access-date=4 April 2019|archive-date=4 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404171750/https://images.dawn.com/news/1182120|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1934159/4-sherdil-crashes-takes-off/|title=Review: 'Sherdil' crashes before it takes off|date=2019-03-21|website=The Express Tribune|language=en-US|access-date=4 April 2019|archive-date=4 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404173456/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1934159/4-sherdil-crashes-takes-off/|url-status=live}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Entertainment/484447-Sherdil-raked-5-crores-first-five-days|title=Sherdil rakes in RS5 crores in first five days|website=Dunya News|access-date=4 April 2019|archive-date=30 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330230056/http://dunyanews.tv/en/Entertainment/484447-Sherdil-raked-5-crores-first-five-days|url-status=live}}
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.{{Cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/462739/hottie-of-the-week-mikaal-zulfiqar/|title=Hottie of the week: Mikaal Zulfiqar|date=2012-11-12|website=The Express Tribune|language=en|url-status=live|access-date=2020-04-24|archive-date=2 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170602142834/https://tribune.com.pk/story/462739/hottie-of-the-week-mikaal-zulfiqar/}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1369505/mikaal-zulfiqar-gets-divorced-six-years-marriage/|title=Mikaal Zulfiqar gets divorced after six years of marriage|date=2017-03-30|website=The Express Tribune|language=en|url-status=live|access-date=2020-04-24|archive-date=5 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170505112138/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1369505/mikaal-zulfiqar-gets-divorced-six-years-marriage/}}
Public image
Mikaal is listed among the "top 10 most beautiful men of Pakistan".{{Cite web|url=http://timesofpakistan.pk/entertainment/2015-03-12/10-most-beautiful-pakistani-actors-2015/95213/|title=Top 10 Most Beautiful Pakistani Actors 2015 {{!}} Times of Pakistan|website=timesofpakistan.pk|language=en-US|access-date=2018-03-18|archive-date=19 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319005658/http://timesofpakistan.pk/entertainment/2015-03-12/10-most-beautiful-pakistani-actors-2015/95213/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.scoopwhoop.com/inothernews/pakistani-men/#.q0bwu4j75|title=These 22 Men From Pakistan Are A Perfect Cocktail of Good Looks & Talent|last=ScoopWhoop|date=2015-04-18|work=ScoopWhoop|access-date=2018-03-18|language=En|archive-date=19 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319005611/https://www.scoopwhoop.com/inothernews/pakistani-men/#.q0bwu4j75|url-status=live}} In 2017, he was one of the highest-paid television actors in the country.{{Cite web|url=https://www.beststylo.com/highest-paid-pakistani-actors/|title=Top 10 Highest Paid Pakistani Actors/Models 2017 {{!}} BestStylo.com|website=www.beststylo.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-03-18|archive-date=19 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319084650/https://www.beststylo.com/highest-paid-pakistani-actors/|url-status=live}} 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.
Filmography
=Film=
= Television =
| class="wikitable"
! Year !! Title !! Role |
| 2009
| Saiqa | Tahir |
| rowspan="2"|2010–11
| Dil Hai Chota Sa |Amaar |
| Kaisay Kahoon
| Zidaan |
| 2011
| Adarsh |
| rowspan="2"|2011–2012
| Shamraiz |
| Jal Pari
|Jamshed |
| rowspan="7"|2012
| 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 |
| rowspan="3"|2013–2014
| Hammad |
| Mujhe Khuda Pe Yaqeen Hai
| Shaiq |
| Mohabat Subh Ka Sitara Hai
| Nabeel |
| rowspan="2"|2013
| Kyun Hai Tu | Ali |
| Ek Kasak Reh Gayi
| Shehriyar |
| rowspan="3"|2014
| Izteraab | Jazib |
| Laa
| Daniyal Malik |
| Tum Mere Hi Rehna
| Numail |
| rowspan="3"| 2015
| Behroz Khan |
| Bay Dar O Deewar Ghar
| |
| Mere Armaan
|Ali |
| rowspan="3"|2015–2016
| Sangat | Adnan |
| Maan
| Imaan |
| Tum Mere Kya Ho
| Ahmar |
| rowspan="3"|2016
| Shariq |
| Mein Sitara
| Farhad Sethi |
| Mann Pyasa
| Arib |
| 2016–2017
| Aurangzeb |
| 2017–2018
| Alif Allah Aur Insaan{{cite web|last1=Khan|first1=Saira|title=Mikaal Zulfiqar gears up for a new play called Alif Allah|url=http://www.hipinpakistan.com/news/1151624|website=HIP|access-date=11 March 2017|language=en|date=12 January 2017|archive-date=16 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216034227/http://www.hipinpakistan.com/news/1151624|url-status=live}} | Shahzeb |
| rowspan="3"| 2018
| Shavaiz |
| Aakhri Station
| Faris |
| Khasara
| Mutasim |
| rowspan="2"|2019–2020
|Rayyan |
| Ruswai
| Salman |
| 2020-2021
|Qarar{{Cite news|url=https://www.samaa.tv/entertainment/2020/07/rabab-hashim-to-star-alongside-muneeb-butt-in-qarrar/|title=Rabab Hashim to star alongside Muneeb Butt in 'Qarrar'|access-date=March 2, 2021|work=WWW.Samaa.TV|language=en-GB}} |Junaid |
| 2021
|Khwaab Nagar Ki Shehzadi | Sayim |
| rowspan="4"|2022
|Ishq Pagal Karay |Raheel |
| Yeh Ishq Samajh Na Aaye
|Hassan |
| Fraud
|Shaan |
| Chauraha
|Junaid |
| rowspan="2"|2023
|Amir |
| Jaisay Aapki Marzi
|Sheheryar |
Awards and nominations
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Year
! Nominated work ! Award ! Role ! Result |
|---|
| 2012
| Salman Ansar | {{Nominated}} |
| 2015
| rowspan="2"| Hum Award for Best Actor | Nabeel | rowspan="2" {{won}} |
| 2016 |
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{IMDb name|2671989}}
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Zulfiqar, Mikaal}}
Category:Pakistani male television actors
Category:Pakistani male models
Category:Male actors from Karachi
Category:Pakistani male film actors
Category:British actors of Pakistani descent
Category:English male film actors