Early Life:
- Veena Malik, born Zahida Malik on February 26, 1976, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
- She hails from a Punjabi family, with parents Malik Mohammad Aslam and Zeenat Malik.
Career Beginnings:
- Veena started her career in the entertainment industry with modeling and comedy shows.
- Her debut film was Sajjad Gul’s “Tere Pyar Mein” in 2000.
- She gained recognition with roles in Pakistani films like “Yeh Dil Aap Ka Huwa” (2002), “Koi Tujh Sa Kahan” (2005), and “Mohabbatan Sachiyan” (2007).
Film Career Highlights:
- Veena ventured into Bollywood with films like “Daal Mein Kuch Kaala Hai” (2012) and “Zindagi 50-50” (2013).
- She made a mark with her item songs “Chhanno” in “Gali Gali Mein Chor Hai” and “Fann Ban Gayi” in “Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya.”
- Her portrayal of a prostitute in “Zindagi 50-50” garnered attention for its boldness.
- Veena also appeared in the Kannada film “Dirty Picture: Silk Sakkath Maga” (2013), portraying the life of actress Silk Smitha.
Television Career:
- Veena became a household name with her appearance on the reality show “Bigg Boss Season 4” in 2010.
- She was known for her outspoken nature and became a voice for liberal Muslims.
- Veena also hosted shows like “Hum Sub Umeed Se Hain” on Geo TV, showcasing her comedic talent.
Personal Life:
- Veena married businessman Asad Bashir Khan Khattak in Dubai on December 25, 2013.
- She is a practicing Muslim and has visited the Kaaba three times, expressing her faith openly.
Philanthropic Work:
- Veena has been involved in philanthropy, working with organizations like the World Health Organization and sponsoring children at the SOS Children’s Village.
In the Media:
- She made headlines for breaking a Guinness World Record for receiving the most kisses on her birthday in one minute.
- Veena was ranked on FHM India’s “100 Sexiest Women” list in 2012, alongside international celebrities.
Controversies:
- Veena faced controversy over a nude photoshoot for FHM India, where she had “ISI” written on her arm, alluding to Pakistan’s intelligence agency.
- In 2014, she and her husband were sentenced to 26 years in prison by a Gilgit court for allegedly airing a blasphemous program on Geo TV. They planned to appeal, and the ruling was not enforceable outside Gilgit.
Veena Malik’s journey in the spotlight has been marked by her bold choices in films, her outspoken nature on television, and her philanthropic endeavors.
Despite controversies, she remains a prominent figure in Pakistani and Bollywood entertainment, known for her versatility as an actress and her unwavering personality.