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Jawed Sheikh
Jawed Sheikh
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Jawed Sheikh (also spelled Javaid and Javed; born 8 October 1954) is a Pakistani actor, film director and producer who works in Lollywood and Bollywood. He is best known for working in the Hindi films Om Shanti Om, My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves, Money Hai Toh Honey Hai, Namastey London, etc.

Key Information

Early life

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Jawed Sheikh was born on 8 October 1954 in Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan.[1]

Career

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Pakistan

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He made his acting debut in the Lollywood film Dhamaka, written by Pakistani writer Ibn-e-Safi released on 14 December 1974.[2]

He acted in over 100 films in Urdu, Sinhala and Punjabi. In 2007, he appeared in Mein Ek Din Laut Kay Aaoon Ga.

He has also appeared in many television serials which have aired on PTV, Hum TV, Geo Entertainment and A-Plus.

Other notable Pakistani productions he appeared in are Na Maloom Afraad (2014), Bin Roye (2015), Wrong No. (2015), Jawani Phir Nahi Ani (2015), Mehrunisa V Lub U (2017), Na Maloom Afraad 2 (2017); Saat Din Mohabbat In (2018) His latest release is the hugely successful action comedy Teefa in Trouble (2018).[3][4]

Director-producer-screenwriter

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The first film he directed was Mushkil, released in 1995. In 2002, he directed Yeh Dil Aap Ka Huwa, in which he also played a supporting role.[5] In 2008, he directed Khulay Aasman Ke Neechay, a big-budget film shot in four countries (Pakistan, India, United Arab Emirates and Australia). The production failed at the box-office, resulting in a net loss of Rs. 80 million. In 2018, Sheikh directed and acted in the film Wujood.

India

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Sheikh with Amrita Rao at Premiere of My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves (2008)

In 2005, he switched to acting in Bollywood films and appeared in films like Shikhar (2005) and Jaan-E-Mann (2006).[6] In 2007 he appeared in Namaste London, Om Shanti Om and played a supporting role in Jannat (2008). He has occasionally returned to Bollywood, appearing as Ranbir Kapoor's father in Tamasha (2015) and with his daughter Momal Sheikh in Happy Bhaag Jayegi (2016).

Personal life

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Family and relationships

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Sheikh's first marriage was with Zinat Mangi, a television and film supporting actress of that era, with whom he has a daughter, Momal Sheikh and a son Shahzad Sheikh. His second marriage was to a British singer and actress, Salma Agha. Since his second divorce,[7] he is still officially single but has been linked to several Lollywood film actresses. He is the brother of Saleem Sheikh and Safeena Sheikh, brother-in-law of Behroze Sabzwari and uncle of Shehroz Sabzwari. In news media interviews, he has a reputation of speaking frankly and candidly.[3]

Association with Dawat-e-Islami

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Sheikh has appeared in media content associated with the missionary Islamic organisation Dawat-e-Islami on multiple occasions. Around 2020, Dawat-e-Islami’s official platforms, including its online media library, released videos featuring Sheikh sharing his tasurat (impressions), in which he spoke positively about the organisation’s religious and social activities.[8] In December 2025, Sheikh later visited Dawat-e-Islami’s main centre, Faizan-e-Madinah in Karachi, where he toured various departments and expressed appreciation for the institution’s work.[9][10]

Selected filmography

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As a director and actor

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Year Films Role(s) Notes
1995 Mushkil [3]
1996 Chief Sahib [3]
1997 Yes Boss
1998 Kahin Pyar Na Ho Jaye
2002 Yeh Dil Aap Ka Huwa Jamal [3][11]
2008 Khulay Aasman Ke Neechay [11]
2018 Wajood [3][12][11]

As a film actor

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Key
Denotes film / serial, currently running in cinema / on-air
Denotes work that has not yet been released
Year Film Role Notes
1974 Dhamaka Zafar-ul-Mulk Debut film
1983 Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna
1984 Miss Colombo
1985 Mehndi Aslam
Faisla
Hong Kong Key Sholay Javed Khan
Halchal
1986 Zanjeer
Bhabi Dian Chooriaan Afzal
1989 Rangeelay Jasoos
Toofani Biljian
1990 Sarmaya Police Inspector
Ustadon Kay Ustad
1991 Kalay Chor as newsreporter
Husn da Chor
1992 Daku Raaj Deputy Superintendent Police
1993 Zamana
1996 Baazigar
1997 Qarz
2000 Mujhe Chand Chahiye Tayyab razi
Ghar Kab Aao Gay Charles Sobraj
2002 Yeh Dil Aap Ka Huwa Jamal [11]
2005 Dus Dan's boss Indian film
Shikhar Srinath Vardhan
2006 Rafta Rafta – The Speed Shilpa's father
Jaan-E-Mann Piya's father
2007 Apne Roy
Namastey London Pervez Khan
Om Shanti Om Rajesh Kapoor
Mein Ek Din Laut Kay Aaoon Ga Khan
2008 My Name is Anthony Gonsalves Inspector Khan Indian film
Jannat Abu Ibrahim
Money Hai Toh Honey Hai Prakash Arora
Yuvvraaj Yogendra Yuvvraaj Singh
2009 Road to Sangam Supporting role
2010 Hum Tum Aur Ghost Gehna's Father
Kajraare Tariq Anwar
2011 Love Mein Ghum Haroon
Bhai Log jaam Bhai
2013 Main Hoon Shahid Afridi Asif Qureshi [13]
2014 Honour Killing Supporting role Indian film
Sultanat Sikander Khan
Na Maloom Afraad Shakeel [12][13]
2015 Bin Roye Saba and Saman's father [13]
Wrong No. Haji Abba [11][13]
Karachi Se Lahore Tiwana
Jawani Phir Nahi Ani Mehboob Khan (Zoya's Father) [11]
Halla Gulla Golden Bhai (DON)
John Hamza
Z.E.R.O Mahaan Singh Indian film
Tamasha Brijmohan Sahni
2016 Sawal 700 Crore Dollar Ka Tiger [14][15]
Happy Bhag Jayegi Javed Ahmed Indian film
Saya e Khuda e Zuljalal Hamza
2017 Balu Mahi
Shaan-e-Ishq Ikram Khan
Mehrunisa V Lub U Mian Bhai [16][13]
Na Maloom Afraad 2 Shakeel
2018 7 Din Mohabbat In Dwarka Prasad [4]
Wajood [4][13]
Jackpot Jojo
Teefa in Trouble Bonzo aka Bashira [13]
The Donkey King Changu; Mangu's father
2019 Wrong No. 2 Gul Nawaz
Superstar Zulfiqar Khan
Sacch Shahzaib
2021 Khel Khel Mein Sikandar Salman
2022 Parde Mein Rehne Do Latif Rana [17]
Chakkar [18]
Quaid e Azam Zindabad
2023 Money Back Guarantee [19]
2024 Nayab Shahid - Nayab's father
2025 Qulfee Mamoo [20]
Deemak Mehmood [21]
Love Guru Khan [22]
Welcome To Punjab Raees (Chief of ISI)
Hum Sub
2026 Delhi Gate
Aag Lagay Basti Mein [23]
TBA Driven Danial Khan Unreleased
TBA Yaara Vey TBA Filming [24]
Chaa Jaa Re Jani Baloch (football coach) Filming

As a television actor

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Year Title Role Network Notes
1976 Parchahiyan Nasir PTV
1978 Fifty Fifty
1982 Ankahi Faraz Afridi
2002 Chaandni Raatain Aamir
2006 Kuch Dil Ne Kaha Ahsan Geo Entertainment
2009 Azar Ki Ayegi Baraat Faraz Ahmad First installment of the Baraat Series
Bol Meri Machli
2010 Ishq Gumshuda Farooq Saad Hum TV
Dolly ki Ayegi Baraat Faraz Ahmad Geo Entertainment Second installment of the Baraat Series
2011 Takkay ki Ayegi Baraat Third installment of the Baraat Series
Meri Behan Maya Shahzeb Khan
Kitni Girhain Baqi Hain Hum TV Season 1
2012 Annie Ki Ayegi Baraat Faraz Ahmad Geo Entertainment Final Installment of the Baraat Series
Zindagi Gulzar Hai Junaid - Ghazala's husband, Zaroon and Sara's father Hum TV
Na Kaho Tum Mere Nahi Arsalan
Mata-e-Jaan Hai Tu Uzair Farooq - Hajra's husband, Ibad's father
2013 Khwab Tabeer PTV
Kabhi Kabhi Father of Eeshal and Eva ARY Digital
Nanhi Allaudino Geo Entertainment
2014 Rasam Sattar - Father of Amber
Dhol Bajnay Laga Shahrukh Hum TV
De Ijazat Jo Tu Sarmad's Father
2015 Tere Mere Beech
Guzaarish Aalam ARY Digital
Yeh Mera Deewanapan Hai Jehangir - Nafeesuddin and Attiya's only son A-Plus TV
2016 Kitni Girhain Baqi Hain Hum TV Season 2
Dil Ek Khilona Tha Express Entertainment
2017 Rasm E Duniya Tabraiz ARY Digital
Tishnagi Dil Ki Ausaf Geo Entertainment
2018 Ru Baru Ishq Tha Murad
Kuch Is Tarah Khalil PTV
Beti Hashmat, Azhar and Taimoor's father ARY Digital
2019 Rishtay Biktay Hain
2020 Kasak ARY Digital
Prem Gali
2021 Foreign Love Affair
Khuda Aur Mohabbat Geo Entertainment
Shehnai ARY Digital
Dobara Ibtisam - Durdana's brother-in-law Hum TV
Dil-e-Momin Shehzad - Momin's father Geo Entertainment
2022 Angna Azfar Baig ARY Digital
Afrah Tafreeh Jamshaid Bandookwala Hum TV Telefilm
Pyar Deewangi Hai Aslam - Mateen's father ARY Digital
Habs Salman Khan - Sadia's husband, Basit's father
Taqdeer Tahir
Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha Rehan - Beenish's husband, Areeb's father
2023 Samjhota Waqar - Munazzah & Nargis' husband
Dhoka Ali, Hira and Komal's father
Jaisay Aapki Marzi Hamdani
College Gate Wahaj’s Father Green Entertainment
2024 Pagal Khana Taifoor
Chaal Mun TV
Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum Iftikhar Ahmed ARY Digital
Iqtidar Safdar Shah Green Entertainment
2025 Meri Tanhai Khizer, Maleeha and Maryam's grandfather Hum TV
Raaja Rani Zafar Hamdani
Inteha ARY Digital
Mohalla Junaid Express Entertainment
Jama Taqseem Rafeeq - Qais's father Hum TV [25]
Mafaad Parast Adeel Geo Entertainment [26]

Awards and nominations

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Year Award Nominated work Category Result Ref()
2007 Lux Style Awards Kuch Dil Ne Kaha Best TV Actor (Satellite) Nominated
2011 Pal Bhar Mein Best TV Actor (Terrestrial) Won
2015 Na Maloom Afraad Best Film Actor Won
2016 Wrong No. Best Supporting Actor (Film) Won
2018 Na Maloom Afraad 2 Won
2012 Pride of Performance Award by the President of Pakistan for his contributions to the Pakistani film industry Won [27]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Jawed Sheikh (born 8 October 1954) is a Pakistani , , and prominent in , Bollywood, and British cinema. He debuted in the industry with the 1974 film Dhamaka and has since built a prolific career spanning over five decades, earning acclaim for versatile roles in comedy, drama, and action genres. Sheikh received the Award from the in 2012 for his significant contributions to the national film industry. Sheikh's early career focused on Pakistani cinema, where he directed and produced successful ventures like the 2002 blockbuster Aap Ka Hua, which revitalized interest in local filmmaking during a challenging period. Transitioning to international projects, he gained widespread recognition through Bollywood appearances, portraying memorable supporting roles such as Khan's father in (2007) and Upen Patel's father in (2007). Other notable Indian films include Shikhar (2005), Jaan-E-Maan (2006), and (2015), showcasing his ability to bridge South Asian cinematic traditions. In , Sheikh starred in modern hits like (2014) and Wrong No. (2015), earning the Lux Style Award for Best Film Actor for the former and Best Supporting Actor for the latter. His work extends to television and theater, and he has been vocal about the seamless opportunities across borders, stating he has never needed to seek roles actively in either or . Sheikh hails from a film family, with brother and children and also active in acting. He continues to be active in Pakistani cinema and television, with recent projects including the 2024 film Nayab and a nomination at the International , as well as upcoming releases like Welcome to Punjab (2025).

Early life

Birth and family background

Jawed Sheikh was born Sheikh Jawed Iqbal on October 8, 1954, in Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan. He is the son of Sheikh Rehmatullah, with limited public details available about his mother's background. Sheikh grew up in a middle-class family in Rawalpindi, a city known for its historical and cultural significance in Punjab, which provided a formative environment during his early years. Sheikh has two siblings: a younger brother, , who later became an and in the Pakistani entertainment industry, and a sister named Safeena Sheikh. The family's ties to emerged prominently through Saleem's career, offering Sheikh indirect exposure to and media from a young age within his household. This sibling connection highlighted the emerging presence of the Sheikh family in Pakistan's scene during Sheikh's upbringing.

Education and early influences

Jawed Sheikh completed his early schooling in , the city of his birth in . Growing up in a family with no direct connections to the entertainment industry, he received encouragement for his creative interests despite the lack of familial precedent in the field. From a young age, Sheikh exhibited a keen fascination with , regularly taking part in school plays and community theater activities that fueled his enthusiasm for acting and directing. These early experiences, combined with his exposure to radio performances in the early 1970s and extensive involvement in theater, honed his performative skills and solidified his commitment to the entertainment world.

Career

Beginnings in Pakistani cinema

Jawed Sheikh made his acting debut in the Pakistani film industry with the Urdu-language movie Dhamaka in 1974, portraying the lead role of Imran, a character inspired by the spy novels of Ibne Safi. Directed by S.T. Zaidi and co-starring Shabnam, the film marked his introduction as a leading man in Lollywood but failed to achieve commercial success at the box office. This initial setback highlighted the competitive nature of the industry during the 1970s, where new actors often struggled to establish themselves amid a mix of action-oriented and romantic narratives dominating Urdu cinema. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Sheikh appeared in numerous productions, building his reputation through versatile roles in over 100 films. His early work frequently involved romantic leads and dramatic characters, reflecting the era's emphasis on formulaic storytelling influenced by Indian cinema and local cultural themes. Despite personal financial hardships, including selling his car and relying on rides to film sets, Sheikh persisted, gradually gaining traction with supporting and lead parts in films that showcased his charismatic screen presence and dialogue delivery. A notable early success came with the Punjabi film Baarish, where Sheikh's performance as a central character earned him the Nigar Award for , signaling his rising prominence in the industry. This achievement came at a time when faced broader challenges, such as the rise of video cassette recorders in the , which eroded theater attendance and shifted audience preferences toward imported content. Sheikh's adaptability in navigating these obstacles, from debut flops to award-winning roles, underscored his commitment to Pakistani cinema during its transitional phase.

Directing and producing ventures

Jawed Sheikh transitioned into directing with his debut film in 1995, a project he co-wrote with that explored themes of personal struggle amid societal pressures. Produced under constrained budgets reflective of Lollywood's declining state, the film encountered distribution hurdles and ultimately underperformed commercially, yet its bold narrative choices—emphasizing character-driven drama over formulaic tropes—signaled a shift toward more ambitious filmmaking in . Building on this, Sheikh directed successive hits like Chief Saab (1996) and Yes Boss (1997), where he navigated production challenges such as securing financing and talent in a fragmented industry by leveraging his acting reputation to assemble casts and crews. These films demonstrated his creative decisions to infuse social commentary with entertainment, prioritizing authentic dialogues and location shooting to revitalize audience interest in local stories. In 2002, he helmed Yeh Dil Aap Ka Huwa, a romantic ensemble that earned eight Nigar Awards for its ensemble performances and technical achievements, underscoring Sheikh's skill in balancing commercial viability with emotional resonance during production. As a , Sheikh contributed to select Pakistani projects, including co-authoring and scripting elements for later directorial efforts, where his involvement focused on crafting relatable, culturally rooted narratives that challenged outdated conventions. These multifaceted roles as director, producer, and writer positioned him as a key figure in the revival of the 1990s, fostering creative momentum that encouraged subsequent filmmakers to experiment amid economic and infrastructural obstacles.

Expansion to Indian and international films

Jawed Sheikh expanded his career into Indian cinema in the mid-2000s, marking a significant transition from his established base in Pakistani films. His Bollywood debut came in 2005 with the action thriller Shikhar, directed by , where he played a supporting role alongside . This entry into the film industry was facilitated by his reputation as a versatile actor in , allowing him to secure opportunities in despite geopolitical sensitivities between and . Following his debut, Sheikh appeared in several notable Bollywood productions, often portraying authoritative father figures or mentors that highlighted his commanding screen presence. In the 2006 romantic comedy , he essayed the role of Piya's father, contributing to the film's ensemble cast featuring and . His performance as Pervez Khan, the strict yet loving father in the 2007 family drama , opposite and , earned praise for authentically capturing cultural nuances of Pakistani immigrant life in the UK. That same year, in Farah Khan's blockbuster , Sheikh played Rajesh Kapoor, Khan's father, a role he accepted for a symbolic fee of one to support the project and foster goodwill between the two industries. Sheikh's Bollywood journey continued with diverse roles in films like (2007) as Roy, a boxing promoter, and (2008), where he supported the narrative of underground betting. Later appearances included the romantic drama (2015) and the comedy (2016), showcasing his adaptability to lighter genres. These roles not only diversified his portfolio but also contributed to Indo-Pak cinematic collaborations by featuring cross-border themes and Pakistani expatriate characters. Navigating cross-border work presented challenges, including political backlash and visa hurdles amid India-Pakistan tensions. In 2015, Sheikh faced threats from Shiv Sena activists protesting Pakistani artists in India, yet he proceeded with shoots after obtaining official work visas and permits, emphasizing the legitimacy of his invitations from Indian filmmakers. He has advocated for stronger artistic exchanges, stating that every Pakistani actor aspires to work in Bollywood due to its scale and opportunities, while highlighting the need for mutual respect to sustain collaborations. Despite occasional bans on Pakistani talent following diplomatic strains, Sheikh's persistence helped bridge cultural divides through on-screen portrayals that promoted understanding.

Television and recent projects

Jawed Sheikh has maintained a strong presence in Pakistani television through diverse roles in family dramas and social serials, often portraying authoritative or paternal figures that highlight societal dynamics. In the 2024 ARY Digital series Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum, he played Iftikhar, a conservative navigating generational conflicts in a narrative centered on love and ambition. Earlier that year, Sheikh appeared as Hamdani in the Hum TV drama Jaisay Apki Marzi, depicting a complex father-son relationship amid themes of forgiveness and redemption. His role in the 2023 Geo TV production Meri Zindagi Hai Tu further showcased his versatility, embodying a supportive yet flawed elder in a story of marital struggles and personal growth. Sheikh's television contributions extend to spiritual and romantic narratives, including his performance in (2022) on , where he portrayed a character grappling with faith and forbidden love in a modern retelling of a classic tale. He appeared in the 2025 series Inteha on , alongside , exploring intense emotional boundaries in interpersonal relationships, which premiered in May 2025. Another 2025 project, Mohalla on Express TV, features him in a community-driven storyline and has been airing as of November 2025, continuing his trend of ensemble casts in slice-of-life dramas. Transitioning to recent cinematic endeavors, Sheikh reprised his comedic persona as Shakeel in (2014), a box-office hit that satirized everyday mishaps, and returned for the 2017 sequel , where the characters embark on a chaotic heist amid financial woes. Post-2020, he starred as Nayab's father, Shahid Sahab, in the 2024 sports drama Nayab, a that champions women's aspirations in against traditional norms, marking a significant step for Pakistani cinema in addressing gender roles. In 2023, Sheikh took on the role of Mehmood in the announced comedy Deemak, focusing on termite-like societal pests in a humorous lens, with a planned 2025 release. Upcoming releases include Welcome to Punjab and Hum Sub in 2025, blending his directorial roots with acting in cross-cultural narratives. Reflecting industry shifts, Sheikh's projects have embraced , with series like Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum streaming on ARY Digital's platform and , reaching global audiences and adapting to on-demand viewing trends.

Filmography

Directed and produced films

Jawed Sheikh's directorial debut came with the 1995 Urdu film , which he also produced, centering on a young boy's abduction by a human trafficking gang, as he matures into a vengeful adult addressing social injustices like child labor in the Gulf states. The film garnered moderate acclaim for its thematic depth, achieving an IMDb user rating of 5.8/10 from 65 reviews, and marked Sheikh's initial foray into socially conscious storytelling in Pakistani cinema. In 1996, Sheikh directed Chief Sahib, a drama depicting socioeconomic tensions when a strict new commissioner upends a peaceful working-class community, starring Zeba Bakhtiar and Neeli. Produced under his banner, it explored themes of authority and resilience, though it received mixed responses with an IMDb rating of 5.0/10 based on 48 user ratings. Sheikh's 2002 romantic drama Yeh Dil Aap Ka Huwa, produced by Akbar Khan, follows the cross-cultural love story of a Swiss-based Pakistani man (Moammar Rana) yearning for his roots and a traditional woman (Sana), blending expatriate nostalgia with familial conflicts. The film was relatively well-received for its emotional narrative and musical score, earning a 6.7/10 IMDb rating from 140 users, and highlighted Sheikh's ability to helm heartfelt romances. Returning after a long break, Sheikh co-wrote, directed, and produced the 2018 revenge thriller Wajood under Jawed Sheikh Films, starring as a pilot seeking justice for his family's murder in rural . Despite intentions to deliver a message-driven plot, it faced criticism for uneven pacing and execution, resulting in a low IMDb score of 3.2/10 from 150 ratings and commercial underperformance with a reported net loss. These selective directorial and production efforts, spanning social dramas to thrillers, underscore Sheikh's limited but impactful role in , reinforcing his reputation as a versatile filmmaker committed to narrative-driven cinema with underlying , even if box-office success varied.

Acting credits in films

Jawed Sheikh has appeared in over 100 films throughout his career, spanning , Punjabi, and later , showcasing his versatility as an actor. His roles have ranged from romantic leads and action heroes in early Pakistani films to comedic supporting characters and authoritative in both Lollywood and Bollywood productions. This breadth highlights his adaptability across genres, often portraying multifaceted archetypes that blend humor, drama, and familial authority. In his early career within Pakistani cinema during the 1970s and 1980s, Sheikh established himself as a leading man in . He made his acting debut in the 1974 suspense thriller Dhamaka, playing the lead role of Imran, a James Bond-inspired secret agent opposite . Other notable early films include Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna (1983) as a romantic and Mehndi (1985), where he portrayed Aslam in a dramatic . These roles often cast him as charismatic heroes navigating intrigue and romance, contributing to his popularity in over 50 films from this era. Sheikh's foray into Bollywood began in 2005, marking a significant expansion of his acting portfolio. In Om Shanti Om (2007), he played Rajesh Kapoor, the stern yet caring father of the protagonist Om (Shah Rukh Khan), delivering a memorable supporting performance that underscored his archetype of the traditional patriarch. He followed with Namastey London (2007) as Parvez Khan, the protective father enforcing cultural norms on his daughter, and Jannat (2008) as Abu Ibrahim, a wise mentor figure in a crime drama. Additional Bollywood credits include Shikhar (2005) as a business tycoon and Tamasha (2015) in a comedic ensemble, where his portrayals frequently emphasized paternal guidance and subtle humor. Returning to Pakistani cinema in the , Sheikh embraced contemporary comedies, often in ensemble casts. In (2014), he portrayed Shakeel Ansari, a bumbling yet endearing con artist, reprising the role in the sequel (2017) amid chaotic misadventures. Other highlights include (2015) as a humorous family elder and (2015) in a dramatic supporting capacity. In 2025, Sheikh appeared in the horror drama Deemak in a supporting role. These later roles solidified his status as a comedic , blending wit with relatable traits, while occasionally overlapping with his directorial work in films like (2002).

Television appearances

Jawed Sheikh began his television career in the early with appearances on Television (PTV), where he contributed to several iconic drama serials that shaped the landscape of Pakistani . His roles during this period often featured nuanced, witty characters in casts, emphasizing and family dynamics, which contrasted with the more action-oriented or comedic leads he took in films. Over the decades, Sheikh transitioned to private channels like , , and , portraying authoritative paternal figures in family-centric narratives that highlighted emotional depth and relational conflicts, allowing for extended character development across multiple episodes. One of his seminal television roles was in the 1982 PTV serial , a that aired during and garnered widespread acclaim for its sharp dialogues and portrayal of urban middle-class life. In , Sheikh played a supporting role alongside , delivering performances that captured the era's social intricacies and contributed to the serial's enduring popularity as a benchmark for Pakistani television storytelling. This early work marked a shift from his film beginnings, showcasing his versatility in serialized formats that prioritized dialogue-driven plots over visual spectacle. In the , Sheikh expanded his television footprint with prominent supporting roles in popular serials on private networks. He portrayed Faraz Ahmad in (2010, Geo Kahani), a comedic spanning 17 episodes that satirized customs and class differences in Pakistani society, earning praise for his portrayal of a relatable, humorous elder. Similarly, in Khuda Aur Mohabbat (2011, ), Sheikh appeared in a key supporting capacity across multiple episodes, embodying a figure of moral guidance in the spiritual-romantic narrative that explored themes of and faith, further solidifying his reputation for gravitas in ensemble-driven stories. Sheikh's recent television contributions have focused on lead supporting roles as patriarchs in high-rated family dramas, differentiating from his film work by delving into prolonged emotional arcs. In Dobara (2021–2022, ), he played Ibtisam, the brother-in-law of the and a potential suitor, in a 36-episode series addressing second marriages and widowhood, which resonated with audiences for its realistic depiction of aging and relationships. His role as Areeb's father in Mujhe Pyar Hua Tha (2022–2023, ), a romantic drama with 37 episodes, highlighted intergenerational conflicts and parental influence, contributing to the serial's strong viewership as one of ARY's top-rated shows that year. The 2024 ARY Digital serial Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum represented a significant popularity spike for Sheikh, where he portrayed Iftikhar Ahmed, a retired honest officer and devoted father to the male leads, in a romantic family saga that broke viewership records with over 30 episodes and trended globally for its relatable portrayal of economic struggles and familial bonds. In 2025, he starred as a lead in the Express TV series Mohalla, an ongoing family drama. This role, emphasizing protective yet flawed paternal authority, amplified his television legacy and led to widespread fan acclaim, though specific awards for his TV performances remain centered on lifetime honors like the Golden Plate Award at the 2024 Hum Awards for overall contributions to Pakistani television. Sheikh's television oeuvre, spanning PTV classics to modern private channel hits, underscores his adaptability from witty supporting ensemble player to authoritative family anchor, fostering deeper audience connections through episodic character evolution unavailable in film formats.

Awards and nominations

Pakistani industry awards

Jawed Sheikh has been honored multiple times by the , one of the most prestigious accolades in Pakistani cinema, for his outstanding performances as a lead actor. He received the Nigar Award for for his role in the film Baarish at the 1989 ceremony. In 1990, he won the same award for Ustadon Ka Ustaad, further solidifying his status in . Sheikh's accolades from the continued in subsequent years, earning him the Best Actor honor for Ghareboan Ka Badshah in 1988, Kalay Chore in 1991, Zamana in 1993, and in 1995, bringing his total to six wins in the category. These awards highlight his versatility and impact during the peak of his career in Pakistani films. In 2012, Sheikh received the Award from the for his contributions to the national film industry. In more recent years, Sheikh received recognition from other platforms, including the for for Na Maloom Afraad (2014) at the 14th Lux Style Awards in 2015, the for Best Supporting Actor for Wrong No. (2015) at the 15th Lux Style Awards in 2016, and the Lux Style Award for Best Supporting Actor for his comedic performance in (2017), awarded in 2018. These honors underscore his enduring appeal in contemporary Pakistani cinema.

International and Bollywood recognitions

Jawed Sheikh garnered notable recognition in Bollywood for his action choreography expertise, sharing the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Award for Best Action in 2008 with Ejaz Sheikh for their work on the film . This accolade, presented at the 9th IIFA Awards in , highlighted his directorial contributions to the film's intense sequences depicting a real-life Mumbai police encounter. His early Bollywood role as the supportive Ismail Bhai in (2001) further elevated his international profile, as the film received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film at the . This epic sports drama, set during British colonial rule, showcased Sheikh's ability to portray nuanced ensemble characters in a project that bridged cultural narratives and achieved global acclaim. In 2015, Sheikh was honored at the Pakistan Achievement Awards UK and Europe in for his contributions to cinema, recognizing his pioneering cross-border work in both Pakistani and Indian films. This event underscored his influence in fostering South Asian cinematic ties. Three years later, at the Bollywood Festival Norway 2018, he received an award for his overall contribution to , celebrating his decades-long versatility across Lollywood and Bollywood.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Jawed Sheikh was born into a family with ties to the entertainment industry, as his father, Sheikh Rehmatullah, had connections in the field. Sheikh has been married twice. His first marriage was to actress Zeenat Mangi, with whom he shares two children: son and daughter , both of whom have pursued careers in . The couple divorced in the 1990s, a decision Sheikh has publicly expressed deep regret over, describing it as his greatest personal mistake despite the family remaining emotionally connected post-separation. His second marriage was to singer-actress , which also ended in divorce and produced no children. Sheikh's younger brother, , is also an established actor, contributing to the family's prominence in Pakistani cinema and television. Saleem's son, Shehroz Sheikh, is likewise an actor. The siblings and their children have collaborated on several projects, including the 2018 film Wajood, co-produced by Momal and Shahzad under Sheikh's production banner, Javed Sheikh Films. These joint ventures have highlighted the family's interconnected roles in the industry, often drawing comparisons to Bollywood's dynasty for their multi-generational involvement. However, such dynamics have fueled perceptions of , with critics noting that Shahzad and Momal's entry into acting benefited from their father's established name, though the family has emphasized earning opportunities through merit rather than favoritism. As of November 2025, Sheikh remains officially single following his second divorce, though he has been romantically linked to various actresses in the past without confirmed relationships. Despite past marital challenges, his family maintains close bonds; for instance, Shahzad has played a key role in reuniting his parents under one roof.

Public image and legacy

Jawed Sheikh is widely regarded as a versatile artist who has bridged the cinemas of and through his extensive work in both and Bollywood, fostering cultural exchange despite political tensions. His roles in high-profile Indian films such as (2007) and (2006) alongside Pakistani projects have positioned him as a symbol of cross-border collaboration, where he has emphasized entertainment's role in transcending politics. In directing Wajood (2018), Sheikh cast actors from both nations, including from , highlighting his commitment to unity in the industry. He has described as his "second home," crediting the warmth of Indian filmmakers for his seamless integration without needing to seek opportunities. Sheikh's legacy in Pakistani cinema centers on his pivotal role in the modern revival of during the early 2000s, when the industry faced decline. By producing and starring in Yeh Dil Aap Ka Hua (2002), a costly venture budgeted at 5 rupees, he established his own distribution network to ensure its release across 17 theaters, turning it into a blockbuster that grossed 12.5 rupees and set a precedent for quality filmmaking. This success helped catalyze a new wave of productions in with fresh talent, solidifying Sheikh's reputation as a steadfast supporter who remained loyal to even as many peers sought opportunities abroad. His influence extends to younger generations, particularly through mentoring and inspiring actors like his children Shahzad and , and nephew Shehroz Sheikh, who have navigated the industry under the weight of his established legacy while carving their own paths. As a senior figure, Sheikh has advocated for Pakistani talent in Bollywood, noting that their success there sparked insecurities but ultimately elevated the global profile of South Asian cinema, ensuring his contributions endure in shaping a more interconnected regional film landscape.

References

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