Famous Afghan Film & Theater Personalities

Afghan-American actress Annet Mahendru is best known for her role in the FX period drama series The Americans. Born in Afghanistan, she moved to USA as a young woman and studied improv at The Groundlings. She began acting by taking up small roles in TV shows. Since her debut, she has acted in many films and TV shows.

Afghan Pashtun musician, singer, and composer Awalmir specialized in ghazals and performed for the first time at age 18. He later sang on Afghan radio and was also bestowed with the honorific title of Ustad. His best-known songs include Da Zamong Zeba Watan, or Our Beautiful Homeland.

Afghan Tajik author, poet, artist, and playwright Youssof Kohzad is known for his works such as When God Created Beauty. Educated in art in Italy, he later traveled to places such as Russia and India, to showcase his works. He later moved to India as a refugee and then settled in the US.

Afghan-origin author, scriptwriter, and director Chabname Zariab moved to France as a child. She is best known for her works such as the novel The Afghan Pianist and the short film To the Sound of Bells. Her other notable works are the short films The Camel Boy and Hizia.