Meet Shafina Shah, a Pakistani actress who made her mark in Bollywood film Animal

UK-based Pakistani actress Shafina Patel Shah revealed her journey of landing a role in the Indian film "Animal," directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga.

The film, which also gained popularity in Pakistan, featured Shafina as Bobby Deol's, who played the antagonist in Animal, second wife.

Shafina recounted how she received a message asking her to audition for the film while she was in Peshawar.

"Last year, I got a message saying there's a Bollywood film with a role; would you do it?" she shared with Geo Digital.

"I replied, I have no objection, and I'll do the role." 

After sending in her audition, Shafina waited a week before being informed that she had been finalised for the part.

The actress initially auditioned for the role of Bobby Deol's third wife, which ultimately went to Indian actress Mansi Taxak. Instead, she was cast as the second wife.

The film's Persian song, "Jamal Jamalo," became a hit in both India and Pakistan. However, Shafina shared a shocking incident that occurred during the song's filming. 

"When we were shooting 'Jamal Jamalo,' there was a scene where Bobby Deol's character gouges out his informant's eyes. A lot of fake blood was used, and a junior cast member fainted on set." 

According to Shafina, the actress thankfully recovered, but the experience left the team stunned.

Film Animal faced criticism for its graphic violence, but Shafina defended the film, highlighting its cinematic value.

Shafina's Bollywood credentials also include working alongside Shahrukh Khan in an advertisement. 

Recalling the experience, she said, "When I met Shah Rukh Khan, my heart started beating faster. He asked how I was, and I replied, 'I'm fine.' But honestly, my heartbeats were racing."

Shafina also shared her experience working with Tiger Shroff in a shelved film, where she played the role of a RAW agent.

"Tiger is a wonderful person, very polite, but meeting him didn't evoke the same awe as meeting Shahrukh."

A multifaceted personality, Shafina was also crowned Miss World Pakistan in 2023 and is dedicated to helping children born with cleft palate and lips.