Art Malik facts for kids

Athar ul-Haque Malik (born on November 13, 1952), known as Art Malik, is a talented actor from Pakistan and Britain. He became famous around the world in the 1980s. He starred in many British TV shows and movies.

One of his most well-known roles was Hari Kumar in the TV series The Jewel in the Crown (1984). This role even earned him a nomination for a British Academy Television Award for Best Actor.

Malik also played Zubin Khan in the BBC One medical drama Holby City (2003-2005). He was Francesc Gacet in Borgia (2011-2014) and Bunny Latif in Homeland (2014-2020). He is also famous for playing Kamran Shah in the James Bond film The Living Daylights (1987). Another memorable role was the villain Salim Abu Aziz in the action-comedy film True Lies (1994).

Early Life and Education

Art Malik was born Athar ul-Haque Malik on November 13, 1952. His birthplace was Bahawalpur, Pakistan. His father, Mazhar ul-Haque Malik, was a doctor. He worked as an eye surgeon in Britain.

When Art Malik was three years old, his family moved to London in 1956. This was because his father got a job at Moorfields Eye Hospital. From the age of eleven, Art Malik went to Bec Grammar School in Tooting.

After trying business studies, he started studying acting. He then won a scholarship to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Soon after, he began working with famous theater groups. These included the Old Vic and the Royal Shakespeare companies.

Acting Career Highlights

Breakthrough Roles in Television and Film

In 1982, Art Malik was chosen for a big role. He played Hari Kumar in the TV show The Jewel in the Crown. This show was based on Paul Scott's Raj Quartet. It became very popular.

In 1987, he joined the James Bond movie series. He played Kamran Shah in The Living Daylights. His character was an Afghan leader who helped James Bond fight invaders.

Malik also played the son of an Indian mob boss in the 1992 film City of Joy. In 1993, he read the story Haroun and the Sea of Stories for the BBC TV show Jackanory.

Playing Villains and Other Characters

In 1994, Malik played his first major villain role in a movie. He was Salim Abu Aziz in True Lies, starring opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger. Malik found this role very fun to play. After True Lies, he was offered many action movie roles. However, he chose to take on different types of films. He wanted to make sure the movies were good quality. He then appeared in the film Clockwork Mice. Malik also took the main role in the 1995 play Indian Ink in London's West End.

In 1999, Malik played Olympos. This was the court doctor to Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt. He appeared in the ABC miniseries Cleopatra.

Narrating Documentaries and Later Roles

In 2001, he narrated a TV documentary called Hajj: The Journey of a Lifetime for BBC Two. The next year, in 2002, he narrated The British Empire in Colour. This was a three-part TV mini-series.

He also played Milkha Singh's father in the 2013 Hindi film Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. This was his first time acting in a film made in India.

Malik had a main role in the historical TV series Borgia. This show ran from 2011 to 2014.

From 2014 to 2020, Malik played Bunran "Bunny" Latif. This character was a retired Pakistani general in the TV series Homeland. He appeared in both season four and season eight.

In 2017, he was in the first series of Bancroft. He also appeared in episodes of Doc Martin in 2017 and Doctor Who in 2018.

Personal Life

Art Malik is married to Gina Rowe. She was also a student at the Guildhall School. They got married in 1980. They have two daughters named Jessica and Keira.

Malik has helped raise money for important causes. He played a big part in fundraising for victims of the Gujarat earthquake in 2001. He also appeared in an advertisement for the DEC Pakistan Floods Appeal in 2010.

He lives with his wife and family. While he comes from a Muslim background, he has stated he is not a practicing Muslim.

Filmography

Film

Television

See also

In Spanish: Art Malik para niños