Shafina Shah, a British-Pakistani model and actress, claimed the title of Miss Pakistan World in 2023. Born in the UK, Shafina’s father, Raj Patel, was an actor and director in the Indian film industry while her mother, Atiya Shah, hails from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kohat and has also been active in acting.

In 2023, Shafina gained acclaim for her role in the Bollywood film Animal, where she portrayed the character of Bobby Deol’s second wife. Her performance received international recognition, marking a significant achievement in her career.

In an exclusive interview with Aaj News, Shafina shared that she had returned to Pakistan in February 2023 and was in Peshawar when she received a call from her British agency. The agency informed her about an opportunity to play Indian actor Bobby Deol’s wife in a Bollywood film, which included intimate scenes. Initially hesitant about participating in bold scenes, she expressed her interest in the role.

However, during her arrival on set, she discovered that her character had been changed to that of the second wife, which did not involve any bold scenes. “I was very happy with this change,” she said.

Shafina expressed her “immense joy” at filming scenes alongside Ranbir Kapoor in Animal. “I had no idea that Ranbir would be on set, but when I saw him and recorded scenes with him, I was very excited,” she stated.

The actress revealed that when she signed the film, her mother was in the hospital. Despite this, her mother, who is also an artist, encouraged her greatly during that time. “I fulfilled her dream by pursuing this opportunity,”“Shafina added, highlighting the support she received from her mother throughout her journey.

Shafina Shah: From childhood dreamer to Miss Pakistan World 2023

Shafina has had a passion for modeling since childhood, starting her journey at the age of 12. After years of hard work, she achieved the title of Miss Pakistan World 2023, becoming an inspiration for Pakistani women around the globe. Throughout this journey, she received unwavering support from her family, especially her mother and grandmother, who always encouraged her to pursue her dreams.

While participating in the pageant held in Lahore, Shafina showcased her skills and personality, which ultimately led to her winning the prestigious title.

Shafina recalls, “When I came to Pakistan, someone suggested that I should participate in Miss Pakistan. Since I am from Kohat and frequently travel to Pakistan, I felt no hesitation in entering the competition.”

She expressed her deep emotional bond with Pakistan, stating, “Whenever I return from Pakistan, I feel like my heart is here.” The actress specifically mentioned Karachi, saying that the city’s atmosphere and old buildings make her feel as though she is in London.

Regarding Pakistani films and dramas, Shafina praised Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan’s drama Humsafar, noting that it made her a fan of Mahira, whom she follows closely. She also enjoyed the film Maula Jatt, which she believes has significantly elevated the status of Lollywood.

In addition to her artistic pursuits, Shafina is actively involved in social work. She serves as an ambassador for Overseas Plastic Surgery Appeal and is working on several projects aimed at improving education and health for Pakistani children, particularly in her parents’ ancestral areas.

She is determined to further her career in Pakistan and on the international stage. Shafina is set to appear in an Indian Punjabi film scheduled for release on Netflix next year. Regarding her potential involvement in Pakistani dramas, she stated that she would certainly consider any interesting roles that come her way.

Shafina believes that “art knows no borders” and expresses her desire to work in any film or television industry around the world.