Shamoon Abbasi (Urdu: شمعون عباسی; born 4 April 1973) is a Pakistani actor, director, producer and screenwriter, best known for portraying villain roles.
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Early life and family
Abbasi grew up as a footballer, captaining the U-17 team at school level.
His father, Zubair Abbasi, was a novelist and drama writer, as is his aunt, Seema Ghazal. His aunt's son, Syed Ali Raza Usama, is a well-known director. Zubair's younger brother, Uzair Abbasi, was a television actor.
Career
Actor
Abbasi began his acting career in 1997 with Titli, a telefilm by Yasir Akhtar, before getting recognition for his comic role in the PTV drama Kashish in 1999. The same year, he turned director with the thriller Karoron ka Aadmi. In 2022, he starred in the drama Bakhtawar.
In 2013, he played the role of Ramal, the main antagonist in the box-office success Waar. In 2023, he played the role of alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav, in the movie Dhai Chaal.
Producer
In the early 2000s, he launched one of the country's first mystery and action serials, and also played a key role in scouting and promoting emerging talent, including actors such as Neelum Munir, Mohib Mirza, and Adnan Shah Tipu. His short films Mein Rahoon Gi and Zinda were both nominated for awards, with Zinda receiving critical acclaim.
Controversies
Domestic abuse allegations (2019)
Abbasi faced controversy in 2019 following allegations of domestic abuse made by his ex-wife, actress Humaima Malick. Malick shared on social media that she had endured an abusive marriage and a subsequent toxic relationship, stating, "I was threatened, abused, and beaten to death not once but many times."
As of now, there have been no legal proceedings or formal charges against Abbasi related to these allegations.