In a surprising twist amid the ongoing ban on Pakistani artists in India, Pakistani-British actor Alyy Khan has garnered attention for his prominent role in Netflix India’s new drama series The Royals.
The series, released on May 9, comes just days after rising military tensions between India and Pakistan, including missile strikes on May 6 and 7, and Pakistan’s retaliatory actions on May 10. Despite the politically charged climate, The Royals features Alyy Khan in the significant role of Nawab of Dhondi, a character caught in royal conspiracies and power struggles.
Alyy Khan’s performance has stood out, earning praise from viewers and critics alike, even though the series itself has received mixed reviews. His strong screen presence and compelling portrayal have sparked conversation across social media, especially considering India's blanket ban on Pakistani content and artists under the current Modi-led government.
What makes Alyy Khan’s appearance even more remarkable is the broader context: Indian authorities have removed Pakistani names and faces from film posters, restricted Pakistani YouTube channels, and even targeted artists' social media platforms. In this atmosphere, Khan’s full-screen presence in a high-budget Indian series is being termed “nothing short of extraordinary.”
Born in Karachi and raised in London, Alyy Khan has built an international career. He previously appeared in major productions like Don 2, Luck by Chance, and Netflix’s The Archies. Last year, he shared screen space with Kajol in another Netflix project.
Interestingly, Khan is also related to the late Islamic scholar Junaid Jamshed and television host Juggun Kazim. Reflecting on working in India, Alyy once stated, “Working abroad earns Pakistani artists respect—and we need to step outside to succeed.”
