When we talk about Bollywood, we cannot move forward without naming the actors and actresses from Jammu and Kashmir who have made a big name in the industry.
With little opportunities but a lot of talent among the residents of J&K, many youths have tried their luck in the film industry. While everyone cannot succeed in everything, many of the youths from Jammu and those from Kashmir have been able to make a mark in Bollywood and other film industries across the country.
As J&K is blessed with natural beauty, the youth catch many eyeballs and are able to get an opportunity in the film industry.
Here are five such stars who have made a big name in the industry. We have only included the real stars and not the ones who pay marketing teams to trend their names on social media.
Kunal Khemu
Born in Srinagar to a Kashmiri Pandit family, Kunal Khemu is a known face in the film industry. He is married to actor Soha Ali Khan who is the sister of popular actor Saif Ali Khan. Khemu started acting in film industry as a child actor. He has acted in popular movies like Sir (1993), Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, and Zakhm. He later acted in some of the very popular movies like Kalyug, Golmaal 3 among others.
Hina Khan
Everyone knows the popular actor Hina Khan from Kashmir who started her career with TV serial Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai before entering Bollywood. She debuted with movie Lines and later starred in Hacked and Unlock. She is married to her long time boyfriend Rocky Jaiswal. There are many movies in which Hina Khan is set to act in coming months and years.
Mohit Raina
Another popular name without whom the list of stars from J&K cannot be completed is Mohit Raina. He was also born into a Kashmiri Pandit family and became popular with his role as lord Shiva in Devon Ke Dev–Mahadev. He also acted in Uri: The Surgical Strike, which became a blockbuster Bollywood movie. He has also acted in web series Kaafir, Bhaukal, and Mumbai Diaries 26/11.
Sandeepa Dhar
When we talk about glamour from Kashmir, Sandeepa Dhar is the first name that strikes the minds. Dhar was also born in Srinagar and belongs to a Kashmiri Pandit family. She debuted in Isi Life Mein (2010), earning nominations for her performance. She later appeared in Dabangg 2, and Heropanti and many other movies.
Sadia Khateeb
Sadia Khateeb is another name from J&K who has made a name in Bollywood. Being from Bhaderwah she made her cinematic debut in Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Shikara earning a Filmfare Best Female Debut nomination. She also acted in Akshay Kumar starrer Raksha Bandhan (2022) and the web series The Diplomat.
It is important to mention here that many other actors and actresses from the region have made a mark in Bollywood but it is not possible to include everyone. Interestingly, there are many actors who are seen trending on social media but only because of the marketing tactics and little acting skills.