Salma Agha explains why she chose India over Pakistan

Veteran actress and singer Salma Agha has opened up about her decision to live and work in India, clarifying that her move was not a choice between two nationalities because she was never a Pakistani citizen. The actress, who enjoyed considerable success in Pakistan’s film industry during the 1980s and early 1990s, recently discussed her background and connection with both countries.

Salma Agha appeared on Jahanzeb Awan’s podcast, where she was asked why she chose India over Pakistan. Responding to the question, she explained that her family had migrated to the United Kingdom and had British passports. According to the actress, she never held Pakistani nationality despite spending an important period of her professional life working in Pakistan.

Salma said her connection with India also goes back to her family roots. She revealed that both her mother and grandmother were originally from Amritsar, India. She explained that she only worked in Pakistan and had many memorable experiences there, describing that period of her life as a beautiful one.

The actress also spoke warmly about the people she met during her time in Pakistan. She said she had friends there and developed great appreciation for the country’s technicians, artists and television productions. She further noted that Pakistani dramas continue to be loved and watched in India, highlighting the strong cultural connection between audiences on both sides.

For Salma, artistic expression cannot be restricted by national borders. She emphasized that art has no boundaries and suggested that her professional journey across Pakistan, India and the UK reflects that belief.

Discussing her current status, Salma clarified that she does not hold Indian nationality either. She said she has an Indian card along with her British passport, which allows her to live in India. She expressed gratitude for the affection and respect she has received there, saying India welcomed her warmly.

Salma Agha became a prominent name in the Pakistani film industry after making her leading-actress debut with Nikaah. She went on to appear in several notable films, including Patti Patni Aur Tawaif, Qasam Paida Karne Wale Ki and Oonche Log. Her career also extended beyond acting, as she established herself as a singer.

Over the years, Salma has remained connected to both the Pakistani and Indian entertainment industries. Her personal life has also attracted public attention, particularly her reported marriage to actor Javed Sheikh. She later had a daughter, Zara Khan, with her former husband Rehmat Khan.

Today, Salma divides her time between India and Dubai, while her daughter Zara has followed an artistic path in Bollywood. Despite living away from Pakistan, Salma continues to speak fondly about the years she spent working there and the relationships she developed within the industry.

Her latest comments offer further insight into her identity and explain why her decision to settle in India was influenced more by her family roots, legal status and personal circumstances than by any rejection of Pakistan.