The Global Cast Powerhouse: Where Are The 'What's Love Got To Do With It?' Actors Now?

The 2023 romantic comedy *What's Love Got to Do with It?* captivated global audiences by blending the classic British rom-com formula with a modern, cross-cultural story about arranged marriage and modern dating. Directed by Shekhar Kapur and written by Jemima Khan, the film successfully navigates the complex relationship between documentary filmmaker Zoe Stevenson and her childhood friend, Kazim Khan, resulting in a witty, emotionally charged love letter set between the vibrant landscapes of London and Lahore.

As of December 2025, fans are still talking about the film's stellar, multicultural ensemble cast, which brought a refreshing depth to the story. From the established star power of its lead actors to the acclaimed international veterans, the cast is a treasure trove of talent. This article dives deep into the profiles of the main actors—Lily James, Shazad Latif, Emma Thompson, Shabana Azmi, and Sajal Aly—detailing their compelling roles in the film and exploring their latest, most current career developments across film, television, and theatre.

The Star-Studded Cast of 'What's Love Got to Do with It?' and Their Full Biographies

The success of the film hinges on the chemistry and individual brilliance of its actors, each bringing a unique background and gravitas to their respective roles. Here is a complete look at the main cast and their professional profiles.

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1. Lily James as Zoe Stevenson (The Dating App Addict)

• Full Name: Lily Chloe Ninette Thomson
• Born: April 5, 1989 (Age 36 in 2025)
• Place of Birth: Esher, Surrey, England
• Key Roles: Lady Rose MacClare in *Downton Abbey*, Cinderella in *Cinderella* (2015), Debora in *Baby Driver*, Donna Sheridan in *Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again*, Pamela Anderson in *Pam & Tommy*.
• Awards & Recognition: Nominated for a Golden Globe and an Emmy for her transformative role as Pamela Anderson.
• Current/Recent Projects: Following the success of *What's Love Got to Do with It?*, James has continued to take on diverse roles, solidifying her status as a leading British actress. Her recent work includes various high-profile dramatic and comedic roles in both film and television, maintaining her momentum from the highly acclaimed Hulu series *Pam & Tommy*. James is consistently sought after for major studio projects and independent films.

2. Shazad Latif as Kazim Khan (The Childhood Friend)

• Full Name: Shazad Latif (Born Iqbal Amin)
• Born: July 8, 1988 (Age 37 in 2025)
• Place of Birth: London, England
• Key Roles: Tariq Masood in *Spooks*, Clem Fandango in *Toast of London*, Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde in *Penny Dreadful*, Ash Tyler/Voq in *Star Trek: Discovery*, and the lead in the thriller *Rogue Agent* (2022).
• Awards & Recognition: Known for his versatility across drama, comedy, and science fiction genres.
• Current/Recent Projects: Latif's career has seen a major boost since his lead role in the rom-com. He is attached to several exciting upcoming projects, including the film *Magpie* (2024), where he takes on another central role. His continued presence in high-profile series like *Star Trek: Discovery* and his work in independent cinema showcases his commitment to diverse storytelling, making him a major figure in British-Pakistani representation on screen.

3. Emma Thompson as Cath Stevenson (Zoe's Eccentric Mother)

• Full Name: Dame Emma Thompson
• Born: April 15, 1959 (Age 66 in 2025)
• Place of Birth: Paddington, London, England
• Key Roles: Margaret Schlegel in *Howards End*, Elinor Dashwood in *Sense and Sensibility*, Professor Trelawney in the *Harry Potter* film series, and the title role in *Nanny McPhee*.
• Awards & Recognition: A two-time Academy Award winner (Best Actress for *Howards End* and Best Adapted Screenplay for *Sense and Sensibility*), three BAFTA Awards, and two Golden Globe Awards.
• Current/Recent Projects: Thompson remains one of the most respected and active figures in the industry. Her recent work includes the critically acclaimed film *Good Luck to You, Leo Grande* (2022), which earned her a Golden Globe nomination, and the musical film *Matilda the Musical* (2022). Her role in *What's Love Got to Do with It?* as the well-meaning but boundary-pushing mother Cath is a masterclass in comedic timing, and she continues to select roles that challenge and entertain audiences worldwide.

4. Shabana Azmi as Aisha Khan (Kazim's Mother)

• Full Name: Shabana Azmi
• Born: September 18, 1950 (Age 75 in 2025)
• Place of Birth: New Delhi, India
• Key Roles: A veteran of Indian cinema, she is a leading figure of the Parallel Cinema movement of the 1970s and 80s, starring in over 160 films including *Ankur*, *Arth*, and *Mandi*.
• Awards & Recognition: Winner of five National Film Awards for Best Actress in India, a record achievement. She was also awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India.
• Current/Recent Projects: Azmi brings decades of experience to her role as Kazim's mother, Aisha, in the rom-com. Her recent international projects showcase her global reach, including her appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe series *Ms. Marvel* (2022). She continues to be a powerful voice and a sought-after actress in both Bollywood and global cinema, with several new Indian film projects in development, demonstrating her enduring legacy and commitment to her craft.

5. Sajal Aly as Maymouna (Kazim's Bride)

• Full Name: Sajal Aly
• Born: January 17, 1994 (Age 31 in 2025)
• Place of Birth: Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
• Key Roles: A highly successful Pakistani actress known for her work in television serials like *Yaqeen Ka Safar*, *Alif*, and the film *Mom* (2017) alongside Sridevi.
• Awards & Recognition: One of Pakistan's highest-paid actresses, known for her emotionally intense and challenging roles, receiving several Lux Style Awards nominations.
• Current/Recent Projects: Sajal Aly's role as Maymouna marks a significant step in her international career. After the film's release, Aly has been focusing on major Pakistani drama serials and is exploring further international collaborations. Her performance in *What's Love Got to Do with It?* introduced her immense talent to a wider European and North American audience, cementing her reputation as a formidable talent from South Asian entertainment.

The Cultural Impact and Topical Authority of the Ensemble

The enduring popularity of *What's Love Got to Do with It?* is not just due to its charming plot but also the masterful casting that creates a truly authentic and topical narrative. The film, set between the multicultural hub of London and the traditional heart of Lahore, required an ensemble capable of bridging these two worlds with nuance and respect. The selection of actors like Shazad Latif and Sajal Aly, alongside established global stars like Lily James and Emma Thompson, was a deliberate move to enhance the film's topical authority on themes of cross-cultural relationships, assisted marriage, and modern dating culture.

The film delves into the contrast between the Western concept of romantic love, often fueled by dating apps and casual encounters (personified by Zoe's struggle), and the Pakistani tradition of arranged marriage, which is rebranded in the film as 'assisted marriage' (Kazim's journey). The cast's diverse backgrounds lend credibility to this exploration.

Behind the Scenes: The Creative Powerhouse and Key Entities

Beyond the primary actors, the film's unique voice is shaped by a powerful creative team, which includes several key entities and figures crucial to the film's topical authority and success.

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The Visionary Director and Writer

The film was helmed by legendary Indian director Shekhar Kapur, known for critically acclaimed works like *Elizabeth* (1998) and *Mr. India* (1987). Kapur's involvement guaranteed a sensitive and visually rich treatment of the cultural elements, particularly the scenes set in Pakistan. The screenplay was written by British screenwriter and activist Jemima Khan, a close friend of the director and a figure with deep personal experience in cross-cultural relationships, having spent considerable time in Pakistan. Khan's personal investment ensured the script was authentic, warm, and avoided cultural stereotypes, creating a fresh take on the romantic comedy genre.

The Supporting Cast and Key Entities

The film is further enriched by a talented supporting cast who anchor the story's comedic and dramatic moments. These entities add layers to the central narrative:

• Oliver Chris as James, Zoe's ex-boyfriend and colleague.
• Asim Chaudhry as Mo, Kazim's brother, providing significant comedic relief.
• Jeff Mirza as Zahid Khan, Kazim's father.
• Alice Orr-Ewing as Helena, Zoe's sister.
• Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, the globally renowned Pakistani Qawwali singer, makes a memorable cameo, adding a significant layer of musical and cultural authenticity to the wedding sequence in Lahore.
• The film was produced by StudioCanal, a major European studio, and was distributed by Shout! Factory in the US, highlighting its international appeal and commercial reach.

The Enduring Appeal and Future of the Cast

The success of *What's Love Got to Do with It?* has reaffirmed the star power of its lead actors and highlighted the need for more multicultural romantic comedies in mainstream cinema. The film successfully navigated sensitive topics such as intercultural dating and the pressures of familial expectations, resonating strongly with a global audience looking for diverse stories.

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Lily James continues to select roles that challenge her, moving away from classic period dramas into modern, complex characters. Shazad Latif is positioned as a leading man capable of carrying both romantic and dramatic thrillers, bridging the gap between British and international productions. The presence of veterans like Emma Thompson and Shabana Azmi not only lent prestige but also provided a masterclass in screen acting, ensuring that the film's emotional beats landed perfectly.

For fans of the film, following the careers of these actors offers a continuous stream of high-quality entertainment. From Lily James's upcoming dramatic features to Shazad Latif’s next cinematic outings, the legacy of the *What's Love Got to Do with It?* cast is a testament to the power of diverse, well-told stories in contemporary cinema. The film’s exploration of modern relationships versus traditional values ensures its place as a key cultural entity in the 2020s rom-com landscape.