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Pakistani singer and actor Fawad Khan will join a high-profile panel of judges on the much-anticipated comeback of Pakistan Idol, according to a recent report by Variety.
The show, based on the global Idol franchise created by Simon Fuller, originally aired on Geo Entertainment from December 2013 to April 2014. Its first and only season featured judges Ali Azmat, Hadiqa Kiani, and Bushra Ansari.
Production Company Merchant Holdings Limited (MHL) Global has now acquired the rights from format distributor Fremantle to bring the iconic singing competition back to life.
According to Variety, the new judging panel includes Fawad Khan, Zeb Bangash, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, and Bilal Maqsood of Strings. The return marks a major revival for the franchise, which last aired more than a decade ago.
In a bold move, MHL Global plans to air the reboot simultaneously on five different television networks, a first for any Idol franchise worldwide.
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“The goal is to connect with diverse audiences across Pakistan’s regions and languages,” the company said.
Zoya Merchant, director at MHL Global, called the relaunch “a cultural movement.” She added, “Pakistan has incredible musical talent. This show will not only spotlight it locally but also promote it globally.”
The production will blend digital engagement with traditional TV broadcasting. Online auditions will take place through the Begin platform, and in-person casting will cover both major cities and remote areas.
Filming is set to begin later this year. Broadcast and premiere dates will be announced soon.
Fawad Khan enjoys huge popularity in both Pakistan and India. He rose to fame through hit Pakistani dramas like Humsafar and Zindagi Gulzar Hai, and films like The Legend of Maula Jutt and Khuda Kay Liye. He also starred in Bollywood hits such as Kapoor and Sons, Khoobsurat, and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.
Before becoming a household name, Khan was part of Lahore’s rock band Entity Paradigm and even sang the PSL anthem in 2019.
