Biography
Javed Sheikh (Sheikh Jawed Iqbal) is a Pakistani actor, director, and producer, whose successful career spans almost five decades, working in Lollywood and Bollywood. Sheikh started his career by acting in the 1974 Urdu film Dhamaka, which was written by Ibn‑e‑Safi although he faced many struggles and delays early in his career. He eventually managed to appear in over 100 films in Urdu, Sinhala, and Punjabi, becoming one of the most diverse actors in the history of Pakistani cinema.
He made his directorial debut with Mushkil, then directed a commercially successful film Yeh Dil Aap Ka Huwa, which he also acted in. He directed Khulay Aasman Ke Neechay, which was a large scale production shot in four different countries, but was commercially unsuccessful.
Sheikh also achieved considerable success in Bollywood. He appeared in films such as Shikhar, Jaan‑E‑Mann, and high-profile projects like Namastey London, Om Shanti Om (where he famously charged Rs.1 as a symbolic fee), and Money Hai Toh Honey Hai.He also appeared in Jannat, Tamasha, and Happy Bhaag Jayegi, often alongside his daughter Momal Sheikh.
In Pakistan, some of his remarkable work include Na Maloom Afraad, Bin Roye, Wrong No., Jawani Phir Nahi Ani, Mehrunisa V Lub U, and Na Maloom Afraad 2, in addition to directing and starring in Wajood (2018) and a cameo role in the blockbuster Teefa in Trouble.
On the big screen, Sheikh entertained millions of audiences in Pakistan in dramas, as well as in his recent shows Khuda Aur Muhabbat 4, Meri Zindagi Hai Tu, Kabhi Mein Kabhi Tum and Samjhota.
Off-screen, he has experienced well‑publicized personal ups and downs. He was married twice—first to Zinat Mangi (with whom he has two children, Shahzad and Momal Sheikh), and later to Salma Agha, with both marriages ending in divorce. He later described his divorce as a profound regret, particularly due to its impact on his children. In 2024, a fraud case linked to his name was dismissed by police due to jurisdiction issues; authorities clarified that his role as the company’s brand ambassador did not imply wrongdoing.
Among his many accolades, Sheikh received the Pride of Performance award in 2012 and multiple Lux Style Awards, including Best Film Actor (2015) and Best Supporting Actor (2016, 2018).
Sheikh’s enduring legacy is rooted in his adaptability across genres, languages, and national boundaries—a true icon of South Asian entertainment.
