Formal Introduction and Background
I have graduated with Honours from the National College of Arts in the year 1998-1999. My mother is the vice chancellor of a University and my father is a retired chairman of the Fine Arts Department of Punjab University. I started my professional journey as a sketch artist in a Hotel Lobby in 1998.
I started my professional singing career in the year 2003 with my first album Huqa Pani. My parents at that time were both professors and so we were in an economic crunch; they had taken loans to build a house for us, so I started early to help them pay off the loan and also pursue my dream of becoming a singer.
"The ambition of giving our Pakistani Cinema one of the best films of all time..."— Sworn Statement, Lahore High Court
Career Milestones and International Recognition
Before my song Channo, I also worked as a model and actor in some TV plays. Channo was released in 2003 and was one of the biggest hits of all time. As a singer, I have travelled and performed hundreds of concerts all over the world. As an actor, I have performed in various TV plays and feature films.
I have starred in seven Bollywood films as a Lead Actor, which is the highest for any Pakistani actor. These films were Tere Bin Laden in the year 2010, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan in year 2011, London, Paris, New York, Chashme Badoor, Total Siyapaa, Kill Dil, and Dear Zindagi.
I am a recipient of many national and international awards including best new comer for Stardust Award, best male pop artist, and most stylish actor. I was voted in the entire Asia as Sexiest Asian Man 2013.
Production of "Teefa in Trouble"
My first Pakistani film was Teefa in Trouble, which released on 20th July 2018. This film was produced and financed by myself with the ambition of giving our Pakistani Cinema one of the best films of all time and taking our industry to international standards. This was the most expensive film ever to have been produced in Pakistan with a budget of 16.25 crores.