# Ali Kazmi

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Canadian actor of Pakistani descent

Not to be confused with [Ali Kazimi](/source/Ali_Kazimi).

Ali Kazmi Kazmi at the 2024 WonderCon Born (1981-10-31) 31 October 1981 (age 44) Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan Education Toronto Film School Alma mater The Lyceum School Occupations Actor, director, producer Years active 1995–present Spouse Alizeh Khorasanee ​ (m. 2007)​ Parent(s) Rahat Kazmi Sahira Kazmi Relatives Shyam (grandfather)

**Ali Arsalan Kazmi** ([Urdu](/source/Urdu_language): علی کاظمی; born 31 October 1981) is a [Pakistani-Canadian](/source/Pakistani_Canadians) actor, director and producer.

He appears in [English](/source/English_(language)), [Hindi](/source/Hindi), [Urdu](/source/Urdu) and [Punjabi language](/source/Punjabi_language) films and television series.

Apart from acting he has also worked as a host, director, producer and model.[1]

## Early life and career

Kazmi was born to the actor [Rahat Kazmi](/source/Rahat_Kazmi) and [Sahira Kazmi](/source/Sahira_Kazmi) (née Ansari), a well-known TV director, producer and actress[2] who's herself the daughter of the late Indian film actor [Shyam](/source/Shyam_(actor)),[3] on 31 October 1981 in [Karachi](/source/Karachi), Pakistan. He began his career as a [child actor](/source/Child_actor) in 1995 TV series *Zikr Hai Kai Saal Ka* on [PTV Home](/source/PTV_Home) and then continued playing supporting or minor roles in television which includes *[Manzil](/source/Manzil_(Pakistani_TV_series))* (2006).[4] By the age of 14, he was a model, dancer and professional actor.[5]

After completing his studies from [Karachi](/source/Karachi), he moved to [Toronto](/source/Toronto), Canada in 2008 and began acting and modeling there by appearing in TV series, commercials and plays. He also worked at China Syndrome Productions as a director and producer. One of his initial major roles was as a villain in the film *[The Dependables](/source/The_Dependables)* (2014). He also played a negative role in [Mehreen Jabbar](/source/Mehreen_Jabbar)'s *[Jackson Heights](/source/Jackson_Heights_(TV_series))* which gave him more popularity in Pakistan.[6]

In 2015, he starred in two commercially successful films, [Rohit Jugraj Chauhan](/source/Rohit_Jugraj_Chauhan)'s *[Sardaar Ji](/source/Sardaar_Ji)* (2015) and [Deepa Mehta](/source/Deepa_Mehta)'s *[Beeba Boys](/source/Beeba_Boys)* (2015) with [Sarah Allen](/source/Sarah_Allen), [Randeep Hooda](/source/Randeep_Hooda) and [Gulshan Grover](/source/Gulshan_Grover).[7] Kazmi has also appeared in the [short film](/source/Short_film) *Coffee at Laundromat* (2015) for which he has won *Best Actor in a Short Film* award at the [World Music & Independent Film Festival](/source/World_Music_%26_Independent_Film_Festival) 2016.[8][9]

He also appeared in [Liam Neeson](/source/Liam_Neeson)'s short-lived TV series *[Taken](/source/Taken_(2017_TV_series))* (2016). "I play Marzoki, a fast talking, sharp, quirky analyst", said Kazmi in an interview regarding *Taken*.[10][11] He appeared in Mehreen Jabbar's *[Dobara Phir Se](/source/Dobara_Phir_Se)* (2016) and the animated film *[The Breadwinner](/source/The_Breadwinner_(2017_film))* (2017) produced by [Angelina Jolie](/source/Angelina_Jolie).[12]

Ali was also signed to appear in [Ajay Devgan](/source/Ajay_Devgan)'s *[Shivaay](/source/Shivaay)*. But due to not getting permission to shoot in [Canada](/source/Canada) where Kazmi is based, some changes were made in the script and his role was removed.[13][14] He then played the role of Abid in *Tu Ishq Hai*.[15]

Kazmi's project [*Umro Ayyar-A New Beginning*](/source/Umro_Ayyar_-_A_New_Beginning) was expected to be released in 2022, but ultimately released in 2024, directed by [Azfar Jafri](/source/Azfar_Jafri) under the banner of VR Chili Production. Umro Ayyar is an action thriller movie based on the revival of Persian legend of 90's. The other cast of Umro Ayyar is [Usman Mukhtar](/source/Usman_Mukhtar), [Sanam Saeed](/source/Sanam_Saeed), [Faran Tahir](/source/Faran_Tahir), [Adnan Siddiqui](/source/Adnan_Siddiqui) & more.

## Personal life

Kazmi married his high school sweetheart Alizeh Khorasanee, whom he knew since the age of 12. They married in [Karachi](/source/Karachi) and settled in [Toronto](/source/Toronto). They have two sons.[16]

Kazmi speaks [English](/source/English_language), [Urdu](/source/Urdu), [Punjabi](/source/Punjabi_language), [Persian](/source/Persian_language), [Pashto](/source/Pashto), basic [French](/source/French_language) and [Arabic](/source/Arabic_language).[5]

## Filmography

### Film

Year Title Role Notes 2009 A Message from the East Iqbal Documentary 2010 The Strip Mall Rav 2011 You Got Served: Beat the World Dancer 2013 Cold Ali Short film 2014 The Dependables Raazaq Americanistan Mutaween #1 Short film Bang Bang Baby - - Assistant art director 2015 Sardaar Ji Bilal Chaudry Beeba Boys Guri Jawani Phir Nahi Ani Dr.Aamir Liaquat Cameo appearance 2016 Coffee at Laundromart Raj Short film Dobara Phir Se Vassay 2017 The Breadwinner Cousin, Fruit Seller, Market Voices Voice role 2018 Motorcycle Girl Zafar Altered Skin Nasir 2019 Laal Kabootar Noman Malik Baaji Rammy Superstar Shaan [17] Heer Maan Ja Haider Cameo appearance[18] 2020 Funny Boy Chelva 2022 Ishrat Made in China Shamshad / Chun Dual role[19] 2023 The Queen of My Dreams Zahid 2024 Umro Ayyar - A New Beginning Maaz [20]

### Television

Year Title Role Network 1987 Dhoop Kinare[21] Dr.Ahmar's childhood PTV Home 1995 Zikr Hai Kai Saal Ka Suhail 2006 Manzil Shabi ARY Digital 2009 The Border CBC 2011 Skins Abbud's uncle MTV Alphas Internist Syfy Combat Hospital Chaplain David Nedayal Global & ABC InSecurity Nigel BC Covert Affairs Restorer USA Network 2012 King Sunil Sharma Showcase 2013 Degrassi: The Next Generation Doctor Much 2014 Jackson Heights Sikander Urdu 1 2015 Aik Aur Aik Gyarah Man at the garage Hum TV Sehra Main Safar Ayaz 2016 Rogue Ali Zaid Audience Network Taken Marzoki NBC 2017 Baaghi Abid Urdu 1 Moray Saiyaan Altamash ARY Digital Badnaam Afraz 2018 Tu Ishq Hai Affan Hum TV 2019 Jaal Arsal 2023-2025 Murdoch Mysteries Younger Man & Clyde Dewala CBC 2024 Potluck Ladies Aamir Hollywood Suite, Yes TV

### Web series

Year Title Role Notes 2017 Designated Survivor Rami Bashir Cameo appearance in Episode 17 of Season 2[22]

### Producer

Under the banner of Big Bang Entertainment.

- 2013: *[Meri Beti](/source/Meri_Beti)* - [ARY Digital](/source/ARY_Digital)

- 2014: *Koi Nahi Apna* - Ary Digital

- 2014: *[Dusri Bivi](/source/Dusri_Bivi)* - ARY Digital

- 2014: *Bahu Begum* - ARY Digital

- 2014: *Soutan* - ARY Digital

- 2015: *[Rang Laaga](/source/Rang_Laaga)* - ARY Digital

- 2015: *Mere Jeevan Saathi* - ARY Digital

- 2015: *Begunaah* - ARY Digital

- 2016: *Be Aib* - [Urdu 1](/source/Urdu_1)

- 2016: *[Yeh Ishq](/source/Yeh_Ishq)* - ARY Digital

- 2016: *[Waada](/source/Waada_(TV_series))* - ARY Digital

- 2016: *[Muqabil](/source/Muqabil)* - ARY Digital

- 2016: *[Be Qasoor](/source/Beqasoor_(TV_Series))* - ARY Digital

- 2016: *[Andaaz-e-Sitam](/source/Andaaz-e-Sitam)* - Urdu 1

- 2016: *Haya Ke Rang* - ARY Zindagi

- 2016: *Naimat* - ARY Digital

- 2016: *Tum Yaad Aaye* - ARY Digital

- 2016: *[Aap Ke Liye](/source/Aap_Ke_Liye)* - ARY Digital

- 2016: *Saheliyan* - ARY Digital

- 2016: *Mere Baba ki Ounchi Haveli* - ARY Zindagi

- 2016: *Teri Chah Mein* - ARY Digital

- 2016: *[Mera Yaar Miladay](/source/Mera_Yaar_Miladay)* - ARY Digital

- 2016: *[Socha Na Tha](/source/Socha_Na_Tha_(TV_series))* - ARY Digital

- 2016: *Dil Haari* - ARY Digital

- 2016: *Shehzada Saleem* - ARY Digital

- 2017: *Mubarak Ho Beti Hui Hai* - ARY Digital

- 2017: *[Zaakham](/source/Zaakham)* - ARY Digital

- 2017: *[Bilqees Urf Bitto](/source/Bilqees_Urf_Bitto)* - Urdu 1

- 2017: *Bachay Baraye Farokht* - Urdu 1

- 2017: *Teri Raza* - ARY Digital

- 2017: *[Aisi Hai Tanhai](/source/Aisi_Hai_Tanhai)* - ARY Digital

- 2018: *[Meri Guriya](/source/Meri_Guriya)* - ARY Digital

- 2018: *Nibah* - ARY Digital

- 2018: *Babban Khala Ki Betiyan* - ARY Digital

- 2018: *Badbakhti* - [ARY Zindagi](/source/ARY_Zindagi)

- 2018: *[Balaa](/source/Balaa)* - ARY Digital

- 2018: *[Khudparast](/source/Khudparast)* - ARY Digital

- 2018: *[Visaal](/source/Visaal)* - ARY Digital

- 2019: *[Cheekh](/source/Cheekh)* - ARY Digital

- 2019: *[Bandish](/source/Bandish_(2019_TV_series))* - ARY Digital

### Video games

Year Title Role Notes 2013 Splinter Cell: Blacklist Hindi Soldier 1 (voice) 2014 Far Cry 4 Kaalinag, Bomb Maker, Monk, Rebel Soldiers (voice) 2016 Far Cry Primal (voice)

### Theatre

Year Title Role Notes 2009 The Indian Wants the Bronx[10] Gupta Fringe theatre 2023 Behind the Moon Ayub Tarragon Theatre

## Awards

Year Nominee / work Award Result 2016 Ali Kazmi Best Actor in a Short Film at World Music & Independent Film Festival[9][8] Won

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Dawn_interview_1-0)** Ahmad, Fouzia Nasir (21 June 2015). ["First person: To newer 'heights'"](https://www.dawn.com/news/1184950). *[Dawn](/source/Dawn_(newspaper))*. Retrieved 17 July 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** [The portrait of a lady](https://aurora.dawn.com/news/1141859)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** [Actor Shyam (1920-1951) who died very young](http://apnaorg.com/articles/ishtiaq-20/)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** Ahmed, Ishtiaq (3 November 2013). ["An evening with actor Shyam's family"](https://dailytimes.com.pk/107072). *[Daily Times](/source/Daily_Times_(Pakistan))*. Retrieved 18 July 2016.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:0_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:0_5-1) ["Rising Star: Canadian Artiste Ali Kazmi Soars and Shines"](https://web.archive.org/web/20251220200855/https://sszeemedia.com/2015/12/24/rising-star-canadian-artiste-ali-kazmi-soars-and-shines/). *SSZEE MEDIA*. 24 December 2015. Archived from [the original](https://sszeemedia.com/2015/12/24/rising-star-canadian-artiste-ali-kazmi-soars-and-shines/) on 20 December 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Zehra, Syeda (19 June 2015). Rahman, Mir Javed; Hussain, Muhammad Rahat (eds.). ["Ali Kazmi – A Powerhouse of Talent"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150626033951/http://www.magtheweekly.com/13-19june2015/interview.asp). *Mag The Weekly*. Archived from [the original](http://www.magtheweekly.com/13-19june2015/interview.asp) on 26 June 2015. Retrieved 17 July 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Ali Kazmi only gets meaner in Deepa Mehta's Beeba Boys"](https://www.dawn.com/news/1193799). *Dawn*. 11 July 2015. Retrieved 17 July 2016.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-win_8-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-win_8-1) Shiraz Alwani, Sumaira (7 April 2016). ["Pakistani Actor Ali Kazmi to Star In 'Taken Movie' TV Prequel"](http://www.brandsynario.com/pakistani-actor-ali-kazmi-to-star-in-taken-movie-tv-prequel/). *Brandsynario*. Retrieved 19 July 2016.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-nomination_9-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-nomination_9-1) ["2016 Partial Nominee List"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160711130046/http://www.wmiff.net/2016-submissions.html). World Music & Independent Film Festival. Archived from [the original](http://www.wmiff.net/2016-submissions.html) on 11 July 2016. Retrieved 17 July 2016.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Express_Tribune_10-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Express_Tribune_10-1) Saeed, Mehek (7 May 2016). ["Actor Ali Kazmi shooting with 'Game of Thrones' director"](http://tribune.com.pk/story/1098929/a). *[The Express Tribune](/source/The_Express_Tribune)*. Retrieved 17 July 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Liam Neeson's Taken gets a TV prequel, and it stars Ali Kazmi"](https://images.dawn.com/news/1175114). *Dawn Images*. 6 April 2016. Retrieved 17 July 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Sarym, Ahmed (15 April 2016). ["All that Ali Kazmi is up to this year!"](https://web.archive.org/web/20171208003434/https://www.hipinpakistan.com/news/1149517). *HIP*. Archived from [the original](http://www.hipinpakistan.com/news/1149517) on 8 December 2017. Retrieved 18 July 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** Sarym, Ahmed (4 August 2016). ["Ali Kazmi no longer a part of Ajay Devgan's Shivaay?"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160810044439/http://www.hipinpakistan.com/news/1150397). *HIP*. Archived from [the original](http://www.hipinpakistan.com/news/1150397) on 10 August 2016. Retrieved 8 August 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Images Staff (7 August 2016). ["Ali Kazmi will no longer be appearing in Ajay Devgan's directorial debut flick"](https://images.dawn.com/news/1175983). Retrieved 7 August 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Ali Kazmi and Saba Qamar pair up for drama serial Baaghi"](https://www.thenews.com.pk/magazine/instep-today/196701-). *The News*. Retrieved 11 September 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-masalamommas_16-0)** Bukhari, Sanober (19 November 2015). ["Up Close with Actor, Dad, Ali Kazmi"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160723054403/http://masalamommas.com/2015/11/19/up-close-with-actor-dad-ali-kazmi/). *masalamommas*. Archived from [the original](http://masalamommas.com/2015/11/19/up-close-with-actor-dad-ali-kazmi/) on 23 July 2016. Retrieved 17 July 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** Majeed, Ozair (1 April 2019). ["HIP Exclusive: Ali Kazmi Kickstarts Shooting for Superstar!"](https://www.hipinpakistan.com/news/1157304). *HIP*. Retrieved 6 June 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["Makers of 'Heer Maan Ja' release its first trailer"](https://dailytimes.com.pk/429643/makers-of-heer-maan-ja-release-its-first-trailer/). *Daily Times*. 13 July 2019. Retrieved 6 June 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** ["Ishrat Made in China's first teaser is finally here"](https://images.dawn.com/news/1189059). *Images by [Dawn](/source/Dawn_(newspaper))*. 18 December 2021. Retrieved 17 January 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** ["Umro Ayyar: Usman Mukhtar revives the Persian legend of magic, adventure"](https://www.geo.tv/latest/382619). *[Geo News](/source/Geo_News)*. 17 November 2021. Retrieved 17 January 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** Rehman, Maliha (26 August 2019). ["Ali Kazmi hasn't even scratched the surface of his stardom yet"](https://images.dawn.com/news/1183554). *Images*. Retrieved 4 May 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** Rehman, Maliha (26 August 2019). ["Ali Kazmi hasn't even scratched the surface of his stardom yet"](https://images.dawn.com/news/1183554). *Images*. Retrieved 26 October 2023.

## External links

- [Ali Kazmi](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3514851/) at [IMDb](/source/IMDb_(identifier))

- [Ali Kazmi](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/ali_kazmi) at [Rotten Tomatoes](/source/Rotten_Tomatoes)

- [Ali Kazmi](https://www.instagram.com/thealikazmi/) on [Instagram](/source/Instagram_(identifier))

Authority control databases International VIAF WorldCat National United States

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Ali Kazmi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ali_Kazmi) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ali_Kazmi?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.