Why is India going gaga over Pakistani star Fawad Khan?

Over the years Mumbai film industry saw many aspiring actors come from different corners of India to get a foothold in Bollywood.

Times have changed and now, not only Indians but many other nationalities throng Bollywood.

Fawad Khan, the popular face of Pakistani TV, has charmed Indian audience with his show 'Zindagi Gulzar Hai'. And with 'Khoobsurat’ the shy and reticent Pakistani actor became an overnight star in urban India, especially among women.

However, not many actors from Pakistan have been successful in Bollywood.

Veena Malik and Meera have flopped in recent times, Humaima Malik’s film with Sanjay Dutt called 'Sher' has not been released and her film with Emraan Hashmi – 'Raja Natwarlal' flopped.

Sara Loren’s 'Murder 3' did well, but she’s not been seen much in films, post that.

Zeba Bakhtiyar’s brilliant portrayal in Raj Kapoor’s 'Henna' did not manage to help her get too many big films in Bollywood and she vanished after three films.

Ali Zafar is one Pakistani actor who is doing well for himself, but then he is also being choosy about his films. His last release 'Total Siyapaa' was a disaster.

But then the latest heartthrob Fawad Khan who had an average grosser in the form of the much hyped 'Khoobsurat' seems to be one whose acting abilities and looks are being equally appreciated.

Ask Sonam and she comes up with an answer that would floor Fawad. "Our chemistry in the film and our performances have found a lot of favour with people who have seen the film. Our romance is being appreciated and surely I am looking forward to working with him again. I am missing him now that he is in Pakistan," says the actress.

Sonam's father Anil Kapoor, too, does not hold himself back when it comes to giving out statements in favour of the good-looking actor. Ask him if Fawad will find more roles in Bollywood and Anil goes on the defensive. "Why not? He will get films. In Fawaad’s case I feel he is a very fine human being. Allah has blessed him. This is the one quality that an actor should have. He is such a superb guy, a man of word and commitments. He respects his seniors, loves his wife and has a edge over everybody. What you are in real life that shows and that's why people love him. If my script demands that I have him, I would love to work with him in future," says the producer of 'Khoobsurat'.

Fawad himself is looking ahead for projects. "Yes, I am talking to a few people. Nothing is concrete as yet," he says. But he himself is floored by the welcome he received by the Indian fans. "Whatever I have experienced till now, everyone has welcomed me here. From the day I came to India till the release, everything has been exceptional," he says.

Fawad Khan has become the new heartthrob for Indian girls and women. 'Zindagi', an Indian entertainment television channel launched four months ago, broadcasts serials from Pakistan.

Khan is the center of focus here — besides having looks to die for and undeniable charm, he portrays a character of husband in the serials 'Zindagi Gulzar Hai' and 'Humsafar' that everyonoe would love to have.

Khan’s national identity is not hidden yet women are totally unconcerned with that.

Amidst all the brouhaha, trade pundits have a word of caution. "Let us always remember that barring an odd exception, heroes either from the south of India or Pakistan have never done well in Bollywood. I am not sounding the alarm bells, but let us look at history too," warns veteran trade analyst Kumar Mohan.

Agreed, but then who said that history cannot be rewritten?

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