Pakistani-British actor Alyy Khan has taken center stage in Netflix India’s new drama series The Royals, defying the ongoing ban on Pakistani artists imposed by Indian authorities. His performance, released to audiences on May 9, has captured the spotlight, particularly as political tensions between India and Pakistan escalate.
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Set against the backdrop of recent cross-border military hostilities—including missile strikes on May 6 and 7 followed by Pakistan’s retaliation on May 10—The Royals features Khan in the powerful role of Dhondi Sahab, the Nawab of Dhondi. His character is entangled in a web of royal conspiracies, betrayal, and dynastic drama, bringing gravitas and emotional depth to the screen.
Khan’s presence in a major Indian production is being hailed as unprecedented, especially in a political climate where Pakistani actors and content have been systematically removed from Indian cinema, television, and digital platforms. From deleting Pakistani names on film posters to banning YouTube channels and restricting artists’ social media access, India has maintained a stringent stance since the rise of the Modi government.
Despite these restrictions, Khan’s performance has earned acclaim from both viewers and critics. Social media platforms are buzzing with praise for his portrayal, with many calling it “a bold and refreshing” choice by Netflix India.
Born in Karachi and raised in London, Alyy Khan has an impressive international portfolio. He has previously starred in Bollywood hits like Don 2 and Luck by Chance, and more recently, shared screen space with Kajol in Netflix’s The Trial. His diverse body of work bridges both Western and South Asian film industries.
Interestingly, Khan is related to notable Pakistani personalities, including the late Islamic scholar Junaid Jamshed and television host Juggun Kazim. Reflecting on his cross-border career, he once remarked, “Working abroad earns Pakistani artists respect — and we need to step outside to succeed.”
In The Royals, Khan plays the father of Nora Fatehi’s character, anchoring the drama with a royal authority that stands out amid a cast of newer faces. His inclusion in such a project, despite nationalistic barriers, is being seen as a symbolic breakthrough in the otherwise fractured cultural ties between the two neighboring nations.
