Pakistani star Imran Ashraf makes Bollywood debut in Indian Punjabi comedy

This year, we’re seeing a wave of crossover stories. From Hania Aamir (reportedly) working in a Diljit Dosanjh film, to Mawra Hocane appearing in Indian musician Akhil Sachdeva’s music video Tu Chaand Hai, and more. The latest addition to the list is acclaimed Pakistani TV actor and talk show host Imran Ashraf, who stars in an Indian Punjabi film titled Ehna Nu Rehna Sehna Nahi Aaunda.

The makers recently released a poster showing Ashraf in a bandana, T-shirt, and rugged look. In fact, two versions of the same poster were unveiled. At first glance, they seem identical, but the eagle-eyed will ‘spot the difference’: one features Ashraf prominently, while in the other, he’s pushed to the side. It’s clear that the former is targeted at the Pakistani market, and the latter is meant for international audiences.

While this may not sit well with some of Ashraf’s fans, they have every reason to celebrate — their favourite star is going global.

Ehna Nu Rehna Sehna Nahi Aaunda is described as a social comedy, a genre Indian Punjabi cinema has long excelled in. Its tagline — “Pakke vs International Students” — hints at a fun showdown between desi hostellers and their overseas counterparts in a foreign land.

Starring alongside Ashraf are Jassie Gill — the Punjabi singer-actor last seen in the Salman Khan-starrer Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan; Sapna Pabbi — a British model of Indian descent, known for her role in the Netflix film Drive; and popular Pakistani comedian Nasir Chinyoti.

Though Chinyoti is no stranger to Indian Punjabi films, Ehna Nu Rehna Sehna Nahi Aaunda marks Ashraf’s first international venture. It also happens to be his second big-screen outing, following his film debut in Dum Mastam (2022).

Written and directed by Rupan Bal, Ehna Nu Rehna Sehna Nahi Aaunda is slated for a worldwide release on May 16.