Famous Afghan Film & Theater Personalities

Annet Mahendru is an American actress known for her roles on popular television series. She gained recognition for her portrayal of Nina Sergeevna Krilova on the FX series The Americans, earning a nomination for the Critics' Choice Television Award. In 2020, Mahendru starred as Jennifer "Huck" Mallick in the AMC series The Walking Dead: World Beyond. Her performances showcase her talent and versatility as an actress, solidifying her presence in the entertainment industry.

Fereshteh Hosseini is a talented Afghan-Iranian actress known for her notable performances in various films, including Parting (2016), Rona, Azim's Mother (2018), and The Frog (2020–2021). She garnered critical acclaim and recognition for her acting skills, winning the prestigious Best Actress award at the 16th Marrakech International Film Festival for her role in Parting. With a diverse range of roles and strong performances, Fereshteh has established herself as a respected figure in the film industry, showcasing her versatility and dedication to her craft.

Azita Ghanizada is a versatile American actress with experience in television, film, and stage productions. She gained recognition for her role in the TV series "Alphas" and her performance in the Broadway musical "The Kite Runner." Ghanizada is not only a talented actress but also a dedicated advocate for the arts, serving as the founder and President of the MENA Arts Advocacy Coalition. Her work spans multiple platforms, showcasing her passion for acting and her commitment to promoting Middle Eastern and North African arts.

Zekeria Ebrahimi is an Afghan actor known for his role as Young Amir in the 2007 film The Kite Runner. His performance in the movie garnered significant media attention due to cultural misunderstandings surrounding the film's production, which were believed to have put his life at risk in Afghanistan. Ebrahimi has been praised for his acting talent and has made a lasting impact in the industry with his memorable portrayal of the character.

Sahraa Karimi is an accomplished Afghan film director known for her significant contributions to the film industry. She made history as the first female chairperson of the Afghan Film Organization, leading the way for women in the field. With a diverse portfolio of 30 short films, 3 documentaries, and the acclaimed fiction film "Hava, Maryam, Ayesha," she has showcased her talent on both national and international platforms. Despite facing challenges, she continues to inspire as a pioneering figure in Afghan cinema.

Ahmad Khan Mahmoodzada is an Afghan former child actor known for his role as Hassan in the film The Kite Runner (2007). His portrayal of the loyal friend and servant of the character Amir garnered attention, particularly due to a controversial scene involving an attack. Following safety concerns and negative reactions in Afghanistan, he relocated to the United Arab Emirates before eventually settling in Sweden. Mahmoodzada is currently studying Swedish and aims to resume his acting career.

Leena Alam is an accomplished Afghan actress known for her work in film, television, and theater. She has starred in several acclaimed films such as Kabuli Kid, Black Kite, Loori, A Letter to the President, and Hassan, addressing important social issues like child marriage, gender inequality, and women's rights. Alam gained recognition for her role in the groundbreaking feminist television drama Shereen, which earned her a nomination for Best Actress at the Seoul International Drama Awards 2016. With a career spanning over two decades, she continues to make significant contributions to the entertainment industry.

Mamnoon Maqsoodi is a prominent Afghan actor known for his role in the film De Konday Zoy. He started his career by serving in the military before pursuing higher education at Kabul University. He worked for BBC Afghanistan in Peshawar and continued his career with the organization upon returning to Kabul after the fall of the Taliban regime. Maqsoodi's professional journey showcases a blend of acting, military service, and media work, highlighting his diverse skills and experiences in the entertainment industry.

Faqir Nabi was a prominent Afghan film actor with a career spanning over 22 years in Afghan cinema and Bollywood. He appeared in more than 40 Afghan films, with notable roles such as in Akhtar-e-Maskhara. Nabi made his debut in the Afghan movie, Siah Moye Jalali, and also featured in several Bollywood films, including Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai. He was known for his role as Kapala in the popular TV series Shaktimaan and was part of the documentary What We Left Unfinished, showcasing unfinished Afghan films.

Nikbakht Noruz is an accomplished Afghan actress known for her portrayal of Bakhtay, a six-year-old girl in the French-Iranian feature film "Buddha Collapsed out of Shame" (2007) directed by Hana Makhmalbaf. Her captivating performance in this film set in Bamyan, Afghanistan, showcased her talent and versatility as an actress. Noruz's dedication to her craft and ability to bring depth and authenticity to her characters have earned her recognition in the film industry, establishing her as a rising talent to watch.

Alka Sadat is an accomplished Afghan documentary and feature film producer, director, and cameraman, known for her impactful work highlighting social injustice and crime. She gained recognition with her award-winning film "Half-Value Life" and has since produced numerous documentaries focusing on women's issues, children's rights, and social challenges in Afghanistan. Her collaborations with organizations like the United Nations have shed light on critical issues such as child marriage, labor exploitation, and drug addiction. Through her films, Sadat continues to advocate for human rights and women's empowerment, earning accolades at international film festivals for her compelling storytelling and dedication to social causes.

Maliha Zulfacar is an accomplished Afghan university professor and diplomat. She served as the ambassador of Afghanistan to Germany from 2006 to 2010, where she represented her country in diplomatic matters and promoted bilateral relations. Throughout her career, Zulfacar has been dedicated to fostering education and cultural understanding. As a university professor, she has contributed significantly to academia, sharing her knowledge and expertise with students. Zulfacar's professional life reflects her commitment to serving her country and advancing international cooperation.

Anjuman Shaheen is a prominent Pakistani film actress and singer known for her successful career as a Punjabi film heroine during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. With roots in Bahawalpur and upbringing in Multan before moving to Lahore, she made a lasting impact on the Pakistani film industry. Anjuman's talent and charisma captivated audiences, earning her a reputation as one of the most accomplished and beloved actresses of her time. Her contributions to Pakistani cinema continue to be celebrated and remembered by fans and critics alike.

Roya Sadat is an accomplished Afghan film producer and director who made history as the first woman director in post-Taliban Afghan cinema. She is known for creating feature films and documentaries that shed light on the injustices and restrictions faced by women in Afghanistan. Through her production company, Roya Film House, she has produced numerous films and TV series, earning international acclaim and awards. Sadat also played a pivotal role in establishing the International Women's Film Festival in Afghanistan and has served as a jury member for film awards.

Ustad Awalmir was an influential Afghan composer, musician, singer, and poet who primarily worked in the Pashto language. He began his musical journey as a teenager, learning from various teachers and eventually performing on radio broadcasts. With over 250 songs to his name, he made a significant impact on Afghan music. His breakthrough into radio performances was aided by local poet Malang Jan. Awalmir's contributions to Afghan music earned him the title of Ustad from the Ministry of Culture and Information.

Youssof Kohzad was a multi-talented Afghan artist with a diverse professional background. He excelled in various creative fields including writing, painting, playwriting, poetry, acting, and art consulting. Throughout his career, he showcased his artistic skills and contributed significantly to the cultural landscape. His work spanned across different mediums, reflecting his versatility and passion for the arts. Kohzad's talent and dedication to his craft earned him recognition both in Afghanistan and the United States, where he resided for the latter part of his career.

Chabname Zariab is a talented Afghan professional known for her work as a writer, screenwriter, and director. Currently based in Paris, France, she has made significant contributions to the world of storytelling and filmmaking. With a diverse skill set, Zariab has created compelling narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide. Her dedication and creativity have solidified her reputation as a respected figure in the industry, and her work continues to inspire and engage viewers with its unique perspective and emotional depth.

Wali Razaqi is a versatile figure in the entertainment industry, known for his roles as a producer, actor, and motivational speaker. Starting his career at a young age, he made a significant decision to pursue filmmaking over college and football. Throughout his career, he has produced and acted in numerous feature films, including award-winning projects like "September Tapes" and "Your Name Here." Additionally, he has created and executive produced TV series such as "4th and Long" and "The Michael Vick Project." Currently, he is expanding his repertoire by venturing into directing with the feature documentary "Almost Champions" and engaging in public speaking engagements.

Marina Golbahari is an Afghan actress known for her role as the title character in the 2003 film Osama. She gained international recognition for portraying a girl forced to disguise herself as a boy to support her family during the Taliban regime. Golbahari's performance in the film showcased her talent and versatility as an actress, earning her critical acclaim and establishing her as a prominent figure in the Afghan film industry. Her portrayal of the resilient protagonist resonated with audiences worldwide and cemented her reputation as a skilled performer.

Sonia Nassery Cole is a prominent figure in the field of human rights activism, filmmaking, and authorship, known for her impactful work. Born in Afghanistan and now a naturalized American citizen, she has dedicated her career to advocating for human rights and social justice causes. Through her films and writings, she sheds light on important issues and promotes awareness and understanding. Sonia's professional life exemplifies her commitment to using her platform to make a positive impact on society and create lasting change.

Shahrbanoo Sadat is an Afghan filmmaker known for her unique storytelling and visual style. She gained international recognition for her work, which often focuses on the complexities of life in Afghanistan. Sadat's films have received critical acclaim and have been featured at prestigious film festivals around the world. She is passionate about shedding light on Afghan culture and society through her art, and her dedication to portraying the human experience in a compelling and authentic way has earned her a respected place in the film industry.

Anisa Wahab was a talented Afghan actress and singer who began her theatre career as a child, later co-founding Theatre Exile in Pakistan. She performed internationally and worked on projects for the BBC, showcasing her skills on stage, television, and in films. Wahab was involved in promoting child rights programs and collaborated with New York's Bond Street Theatre in the groundbreaking play "Beyond the Mirror." She also participated in United Nations sponsored productions to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS in Afghanistan and served as a spokesperson for UNICEF.