Left: Humaima Malik
Left: Humaima Malik's first look in the film 'Raja Natwarlal'. Right: Humaima Malik spotted wearing Zara lace skirt with mango top, DVF clutch and Steve Madden heels at Raja Natwarlal’s wrap up party.

Looks like Mehwish Hayat’s jhatkas in a ghagra choli, isn’t all we’re waiting for this year.

Pakistan’s top model and actress, Humaima Malik has become the talk of the town with her upcoming Bollywood debut, Raja Natwarlal.

With her striking looks and slender figure draped in a shimmering red sari, Humaima seems to have nailed the Bollywood heroine charm. But that alone is not what’s got the crowd swooning.

The svelte star is playing ‘Ziya’, the love interest of a devious conman, ‘Raja’, played by Bollywood’s ‘serial kisser’, Emraan Hashmi – and according to Times of India, the film is not ending Hashmi’s streak of trademark lip locks. In fact, the duo’s sizzling onscreen chemistry is the most-hyped feature of this production.

“He’s a fun guy, with a great sense of humour and definitely a fantastic co-star,” Humaima tells Dawn in an email interview.

Emraan Hashmi and Humaima Malik attend Raja Natwarlal’s wrap up party.
Emraan Hashmi and Humaima Malik attend Raja Natwarlal’s wrap up party.

Malik also shares her excitement for her latest endeavour.

“It’s always been great, and I am feeling privileged to be a part of the cinema of both. I am enjoying most of it,” she says.

With many other projects in the pipeline, Humaima explains her swoop into India, “Artists should always find ways to grow and not restrict themselves within [a country’s] boundaries.”

Is that a hint that we’ll see more of her in B-town?

Responding to a question on the turning point of her career, Humaima says that every year has had something to offer, but Bol is what changed her life.

“What Bol has done for me is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life. It was a turning point in my career.”

Humaima Malik wins an international accolade

“This journey has been filled with happiness, fun, hard work, emotional rides and dedication. All was done with passion and required patience and time, and I am optimistic that Inshallah, one day it will pay off.”

With the film’s release scheduled for August 29, we’ll soon find out whether Humaima, who garnered rave reviews for her performance in Bol, is really ‘Bollywood material’.

I am the highest paid actress in Pakistan, claims Humaima Malik

Until then – with the film’s first trailer releasing tomorrow – we’re all geared-up for a glimpse of the talented lady in action.

Opinion

Editorial

Iran stalemate
Updated 02 May, 2026

Iran stalemate

THE US and Iran are currently somewhere between war and peace. While a tenuous ceasefire — extended largely due to...
Tax shortfall
02 May, 2026

Tax shortfall

THE Rs684bn shortfall in tax collection during the first 10 months of the fiscal year is a continuation of a...
Teaching inclusion
02 May, 2026

Teaching inclusion

DISCRIMINATORY and exclusionary content in Punjab’s textbooks has been flagged in Inclusive Education for a United...
Water vision
01 May, 2026

Water vision

WATER insecurity in Pakistan has been building up for decades as per capita water availability has declined from...
Vaccine policy
01 May, 2026

Vaccine policy

PAKISTAN has finally approved its first National Vaccine Policy; a step the health ministry has rightly described as...
Labour rights
Updated 01 May, 2026

Labour rights

THE annual observance of May Day should move beyond statements about the state’s commitment to the rights of...