You’ve probably seen the jawline before. Or maybe it was that intense, brooding stare in Noor Jahan that made you stop scrolling. Honestly, Ali Raza has become one of those faces in the Pakistani drama industry that feels like he appeared out of nowhere to suddenly be everywhere. But if you think he’s just another "pretty boy" model who stumbled onto a film set, you’re missing the actual story.
Most people assume he’s a کراچی (Karachi) native because that’s where the industry breathes. In reality, Ali is a Lahore boy through and through. Born on August 28, 1998, he grew up in a Punjabi Muslim family where fashion wasn't just a hobby—it was the family business. His dad, Zulfiqar Raza, is a designer. You can see that influence in how Ali carries himself; the guy knows how to wear a suit, sure, but he also knows the technicality of a silhouette.
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He didn't just wake up and decide to be Murad or Shahnawaz Shah. He actually studied graphic design at Forman Christian College and later got a degree from the University of the Punjab. That creative background matters. It’s why his Instagram looks like a curated gallery and not just a dump of blurry set photos.
The Ali Raza Career Arc: From Background Guard to Leading Man
Let’s talk about The Legend of Maula Jatt. If you blink, you’ll miss him. He played Jaggo’s guard. It was a tiny, tiny role in the biggest Pakistani film ever made, but it was a start. He wasn't too proud to take the "extra" work while he was still modeling in 2018.
The real shift happened with Muhabbat Gumshuda Meri. While everyone was obsessing over Khushhal Khan and Dananeer, Ali’s portrayal of Daniyal quietly proved he could handle a parallel lead without getting overshadowed. But if we’re being real, 2024 and 2025 were the years that changed his tax bracket.
- Noor Jahan: Playing Murad Ikhtiyar Shah was a massive gamble. Murad was the "favorite" youngest son of a terrifying matriarch (played by the legendary Saba Hameed). He had to play a man caught between his mother’s toxic manipulation and his love for Noor Bano (Kubra Khan). He won the Best Supporting Actor (Popular Choice) at the 2025 Kya Drama Hai Icon Awards for this. He earned it.
- Iqtidar: This is where the "Shahnawaz Shah sensation" began. His chemistry with Anmol Baloch was so electric it sparked actual dating rumors. It wasn't just the romance, though; it was the way he played a powerful, layered character that didn't feel like a caricature.
- Duniyapur: Currently, he's showing a different side as Nayab Adam. It’s gritty. It’s messy. It’s not the polished Murad we saw on ARY Digital.
Why the "YRF Rumor" is Actually True
There was a bit of a frenzy a while back about Ali Raza getting an offer from India. Usually, these stories are PR fluff. But in a candid interview with Filmfare (his first with an Indian outlet), he actually confirmed it. He received an audition call from Yash Raj Films (YRF).
Can you imagine? A YRF debut for a Pakistani newcomer in this political climate?
Ultimately, the nationality barrier and visa complexities meant the project couldn't move forward. It’s a bit of a "what if" moment that haunts his fans. He even mentioned he’d love to work with Alia Bhatt if the stars ever aligned. Honestly, the way he handles these missed opportunities with grace says more about his character than any drama script could.
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Addressing the Weird Fan Encounters
Success at this level comes with some pretty dark baggage. Ali has talked about fans literally showing up at his house in Lahore. That’s a massive privacy breach that happens way too often in the Pakistani industry.
The wildest story? He once received a letter written in actual blood.
He doesn't share these things to brag. He shares them because there’s a misconception that being a "rising star" is all glitz and flirty DMs. Speaking of DMs, he’s admitted his inbox is a chaotic place, but he stays pretty grounded. His family still keeps him in check, and he’s often seen back in Lahore, away from the Karachi "bubble," just to reset.
What’s Next for Ali Raza in 2026?
We are currently seeing the results of his "hectic" schedule from last year. He’s transitioned from being a "supporting actor" to a certified lead.
- Leader (2026): He’s taking on the role of Arsalan in this Hum TV project. It's expected to be a heavy-hitter.
- Dastak: His role as Moiz Hassan opposite Sohai Ali Abro has been praised for its diversity. It’s a different vibe from his usual romantic leads.
- Awards Season: He’s already nominated for Best Onscreen Couple with Anmol Baloch at the 3rd PISA (Pakistan International Screen Awards).
Actionable Insights for Fans and Aspiring Actors
If you're following Ali’s journey, there are a few things to keep in mind about how he’s navigating the industry:
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- Diversify your skills: Ali didn't just act; he modeled and studied design. That aesthetic sense helps him choose projects that "look" right for his brand.
- Don't skip the small roles: That bit-part in Maula Jatt wasn't "beneath" him. It got him on a professional set with the best in the business.
- Ignore the fake stats: There's a lot of misinformation online about his age (some sites say 1995, others say 2000) and his family. Trust only direct interviews where he clarifies these points—like his 2025 chat where he debunked rumors about his father's health.
Ali Raza isn't just a placeholder for the next big thing. He’s already the big thing. By shifting from the "villainous" debut in Bhool Jaa Ay Dil to the complex hero of Iqtidar, he’s proven he has the range to survive the fickle nature of TV fame. Keep an eye on Leader—it’s likely to be the project that cements his status for the rest of the decade.