Ahad Raza Mir is a talented Pakistani-Canadian actor, known for his impactful performances in Urdu-language television and films. Over the years, he has won several prestigious awards, including four Hum Awards and a Lux Style Award. Born into a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry, Mir has made his own mark in Pakistan and internationally.
Early Life and Family Background
Ahad Raza Mir was born on September 29, 1993, in Karachi, Pakistan. He comes from a prominent family of filmmakers and actors. His father, Asif Raza Mir, is a well-known actor and producer, while his grandfather, Raza Mir, was the cinematographer for Pakistan’s first-ever film, Teri Yaad (1948). Mir’s mother, Samra Raza Mir, was a member of Pakistan’s first female band, Symphony, and his younger brother, Adnan Raza Mir, started his acting career in 2023 with the drama Fairy Tale.
Mir attended a Performing Arts High School and later graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Before returning to Pakistan, he acted in various theater productions across Canada.
Early Career and Stage Roles
Ahad Raza Mir began his acting career in 2010 at the age of 17 with a small role in the drama Khamosiyan alongside prominent actors Sania Saeed and Faisal Rehman. However, his career truly began to blossom in the theater. In Canada, Mir was involved in several musicals and plays, where he not only acted but also directed and wrote. His experience in theater laid a strong foundation for his future in television and film.
Breakthrough with Yaqeen Ka Safar (2017)
Mir’s big break came in 2017 when he starred in the romantic drama Yaqeen Ka Safar, where he portrayed the role of Dr. Asfand Yaar, a grief-stricken brother. This role earned him widespread critical acclaim, making him a household name in Pakistan. He also won the Lux Style Award for Best Actor and three Hum Awards, including Best Actor. His performance in Yaqeen Ka Safar became a defining moment in his career, showcasing his talent and range as an actor.
During the same year, Mir also appeared in a supporting role in the social drama Sammi alongside Mawra Hocane. Despite coming from a family deeply entrenched in the entertainment industry, Mir has had to address accusations of nepotism. He emphasized his desire to be taken seriously as an actor and to contribute positively to Pakistan’s film and TV industry.
Success in Films: Parwaaz Hai Junoon (2018)
In 2018, Ahad made his film debut with the military drama Parwaaz Hai Junoon, directed by Haseeb Hassan. The film was a commercial success, and Mir’s portrayal of Flight Lieutenant Saad earned him further recognition. Initially, Osman Khalid Butt was cast for the role but had to leave due to other commitments, giving Mir the opportunity to take on the part.
Later that year, Mir reunited with Sajal Aly and Mawra Hocane for the highly anticipated period drama Aangan. Despite its hype, the show did not meet audience expectations and was considered a disappointment.
International Recognition: Hamlet and Beyond
In 2019, Mir reached new heights by becoming one of the first South Asian actors to play Hamlet professionally in Canada. The Shakespeare Company’s production of Hamlet in collaboration with Vertigo Theatre was a significant achievement for Mir. His performance was well-received, earning him the prestigious Betty Mitchell Award for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Drama.
That same year, Mir starred as Saad Faraz, an army officer in the ISPR-produced ensemble drama Ehd-e-Wafa. He also played Amaanullah Khan in the suspense thriller Yeh Dil Mera, both of which earned him nominations for the Lux Style Award for Best TV Actor (Critics).
Web-Series and International Projects
Mir made his web debut with the Indo-Pak web series Dhoop Ki Deewar (2021), where he starred alongside Sajal Aly. The show, which explored the complex relationship between India and Pakistan, was released on ZEE5 and received positive reviews.
In 2022, Ahad Raza Mir ventured into international projects. He starred in the Netflix series Resident Evil, playing Arjun Batra. This marked his Hollywood debut and brought him international fame. Additionally, he appeared in the British series World on Fire, playing Rajib Pal. These roles showcased Mir’s ability to transcend borders and take on diverse characters.
Recent and Upcoming Projects
In 2022, Mir returned to Pakistani television with the Ramadan comedy series Hum Tum, playing Adam Sultan alongside Ramsha Khan. The series was widely praised for its humor and unique storyline.
Looking ahead, Mir is set to appear in Pakistan’s first-ever Netflix original series, Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samait Lo, further solidifying his presence in both local and international entertainment.
Other Ventures: Music and Production
Apart from acting, Ahad Raza Mir is also passionate about music. He has been involved in musical theater and can play several instruments, including guitar, drums, and keyboards. In 2018, he made his debut in Coke Studio with a rendition of Ko Ko Korina alongside Momina Mustehsan. However, their version of the classic song was widely criticized and became one of the most disliked videos on YouTube in Pakistan.
In addition to music, Mir ventured into production in 2018. He announced his role as a producer for an upcoming movie about the Kalash people, titled Kalasha, starring Aijaz Aslam.
Personal Life
Ahad Raza Mir married his Yaqeen Ka Safar co-star Sajal Aly in a private ceremony in Abu Dhabi in March 2020. However, the couple separated in 2022. Despite the personal challenges, Mir has continued to focus on his career.
Media Image and Brand Ambassador
Ahad Raza Mir is one of Pakistan’s most popular and highest-paid actors. In 2017, he was ranked eighth on the list of most-searched celebrities in Pakistan on Google. He has appeared in various “Top” and “Hot” lists over the years, including Hello Pakistan’s HOT100 and Eastern Eye’s “Top 50 Global Asian Celebrities.”
Mir has served as an ambassador for several major brands, including Nestlé, Mountain Dew, Coca-Cola, and Lays. He was also appointed as the Ambassador of Pakistan Pavilion at Expo 2020 in Dubai.
Conclusion
Ahad Raza Mir has steadily risen to prominence in both Pakistani and international entertainment, thanks to his versatile acting skills and dedication. From his early beginnings in television to his successful international projects, Mir continues to be a trailblazer, representing Pakistan on the global stage.
