The Full Star-Studded Cast Of 'What's Love Got To Do With It?' (2023) And Where They Are Now

The 2023 romantic comedy What's Love Got to Do with It? captivated audiences globally with its fresh, cross-cultural take on modern dating and arranged marriage, and its success is largely due to its brilliant ensemble cast. Directed by the acclaimed Shekhar Kapur and written by Jemima Khan, the film stars a powerhouse lineup featuring British A-listers alongside celebrated Pakistani and Indian cinema legends, creating a truly unique on-screen chemistry that resonates with today's complex relationship landscape. This article, updated in December 2025, dives deep into the profiles of the main actors, their roles, and the fascinating blend of talent that brought this London-to-Lahore love story to life.

The film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September 2022 before its wide release in 2023, explores the journey of Zoe Stevenson, a documentary filmmaker, as she chronicles her childhood friend Kazim Khan's decision to pursue an assisted marriage, contrasting it sharply with her own chaotic experiences with dating apps. The performances are a masterful mix of humor, heart, and genuine cultural insight, making the cast itself a compelling topic of discussion.

Complete Cast & Character Profiles: The Stars Behind the Cross-Cultural Rom-Com

The core of What's Love Got to Do with It? lies in the dynamic between its main characters, brilliantly portrayed by a diverse and internationally recognized group of actors. Here is a detailed look at the central figures and the accomplished performers who played them.

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• Lily James as Zoe Stevenson: The lead character, a successful documentary filmmaker in her thirties who is disillusioned with modern dating and dating apps. James brings her signature charm and vulnerability to the role of Zoe, who decides to film her best friend's unconventional path to love.
• Shazad Latif as Kazim 'Kaz' Khan: Zoe's childhood best friend, a successful doctor who opts for an assisted marriage (often mistakenly referred to as an arranged marriage) to a woman from Pakistan. Latif grounds the film with his portrayal of a man navigating the pressure of tradition and the pull of his modern life in London.
• Emma Thompson as Cath Stevenson: Zoe's well-meaning, slightly overbearing, and culturally enthusiastic mother. Thompson, a two-time Academy Award winner, delivers a performance that is both hilarious and deeply touching, providing much of the film's comedic relief.
• Shabana Azmi as Aisha Khan: Kazim's mother. Azmi, an Indian cinema icon, anchors the Khan family's emotional core, representing the traditional yet loving matriarchal figure.
• Sajal Ali as Maymouna: The young Pakistani woman chosen to marry Kazim. Sajal Ali, one of Pakistan's highest-paid and most celebrated actresses, makes her major English-language film debut, portraying Maymouna with grace and quiet strength.
• Asim Chaudhry as Mo the Matchmaker: A standout comedic performance as the local South Asian matchmaker who interviews Kaz and his parents. Chaudhry is best known for his work in *People Just Do Nothing*.
• Mim Shaikh as Farooq Khan: Kazim's brother. Shaikh, a British broadcaster and actor, plays a significant supporting role within the Khan family dynamic.
• Oliver Chris as James: A supporting character who features in Zoe's chaotic dating life.
• Jeff Mirza as Zahid Khan: Kazim’s father.

The A-List Biographies: Lily James, Emma Thompson, and Shazad Latif

The star power of the cast adds significant topical authority to the film. The combination of established Hollywood veterans and rising international stars elevated the movie beyond a typical romantic comedy.

Lily James (Zoe Stevenson)

Born: April 5, 1989 (Surrey, England)
Career Highlights: Lily James is a prominent English actress who first gained international recognition as Lady Rose MacClare in the TV series *Downton Abbey*. Her breakout film role was as the titular character in Disney’s live-action *Cinderella* (2015). She is also critically acclaimed for her roles in *Baby Driver*, *Darkest Hour*, and, most recently, her transformative portrayal of Pamela Anderson in the Hulu series *Pam & Tommy*, which earned her Golden Globe and Emmy nominations. James’s involvement in *What's Love Got to Do with It?* solidified her status as a leading lady in both drama and comedy.

Shazad Latif (Kazim Khan)

Born: July 1988 (London, England)
Career Highlights: A British actor of Pakistani and English descent, Shazad Latif is well-known to global audiences for his extensive television work. He is perhaps most famous for his dual roles as Lieutenant Ash Tyler and the Klingon Voq in the sci-fi series *Star Trek: Discovery*. Prior to this, he had significant roles in *Penny Dreadful* and *Spooks*. His performance as Kazim in the film is considered a breakout lead role, showcasing his ability to balance cultural pressures with romantic longing.

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Emma Thompson (Cath Stevenson)

Born: April 15, 1959 (London, England)
Career Highlights: Emma Thompson is one of the most decorated actresses in the industry, holding the rare distinction of winning Academy Awards for both acting (*Howards End*) and screenwriting (*Sense and Sensibility*). Her illustrious career spans four decades, with iconic roles in *Love Actually*, *Nanny McPhee*, and *Harry Potter*. Her recent work includes an acclaimed performance in *Good Luck to You, Leo Grande*, for which she received a Golden Globe nomination. Her presence in the *What's Love Got to Do with It?* cast added gravitas and a familiar, comforting comedic touch.

The Global Talent: Shabana Azmi and Sajal Ali

The film’s cross-cultural narrative, set between London and Lahore, necessitated a cast that could genuinely represent both worlds. The inclusion of two titans of South Asian cinema provided this crucial authenticity and emotional depth.

Shabana Azmi (Aisha Khan)

Born: September 18, 1950 (New Delhi, India)
Career Highlights: Shabana Azmi is a legendary Indian actress of film, television, and theatre, often regarded as one of the finest actresses in the history of Hindi cinema. Her career, spanning over 50 years and 160 films, includes five National Film Awards. Her notable works range from her debut in *Ankur* (1974) to recent projects like *Ghoomer* and the upcoming series *Dabba Cartel*. Her portrayal of Aisha Khan, Kazim’s mother, is a nuanced performance that explores the complexities of tradition and parental love in a modern, Western setting.

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Sajal Ali (Maymouna)

Born: January 17, 1994 (Lahore, Pakistan)
Career Highlights: Sajal Ali is a highly acclaimed Pakistani actress and model, recognized as one of Pakistan's highest-paid actresses. She is famous for her work in numerous Pakistani dramas, including the breakout family drama *Mehmoodabad Ki Malkain* (2011). She also starred in the Bollywood film *Mom* alongside Sridevi. Her role as Maymouna in *What's Love Got to Do with It?* is a pivotal moment in her career, introducing her powerful acting to a broader international audience and serving as a vital cultural bridge in the film's narrative.

Behind the Scenes: The Creative Forces and Unique Production Details

Beyond the acting talent, the film’s success is a testament to the vision of its key creative team, who infused the project with a blend of Hollywood polish and genuine cultural understanding. This unique blend contributes significantly to the film’s topical authority on modern love.

A Vision from Shekhar Kapur and Jemima Khan

The film was directed by the BAFTA-winning Indian filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, known for cinematic epics like *Elizabeth* and *Elizabeth: The Golden Age*. His direction brought a rich, visual tapestry to the cross-cultural setting. The screenplay was penned by Jemima Khan, a British journalist, producer, and activist, who drew on her own life experiences and observations living between the UK and Pakistan to craft the story. Her personal connection to the themes of assisted marriage and cultural blending gave the narrative its authentic and humorous edge. The film was produced by Working Title Films and StudioCanal, major entities in British cinema production.

The Dynamic Duo: Lily James and Shazad Latif's Chemistry

A key factor in the film's appeal was the palpable, yet platonic, chemistry between the leads, Lily James and Shazad Latif. Their relationship is the emotional anchor, portraying a deep, lifelong friendship that complicates the traditional paths to romance they are both pursuing. Interviews with the cast highlighted the collaborative and fun atmosphere on set, which allowed their natural rapport to shine through, making the eventual emotional twists of the plot feel earned and genuine.

The Supporting Comedic Relief

The film smartly utilized British comedic talent to provide lighthearted moments. Asim Chaudhry’s role as Mo the Matchmaker was a particular highlight, offering a fresh, modern take on the traditional role of a go-between in South Asian marriage customs. His scenes with the Khan family provided some of the movie's most quotable and humorous moments, contrasting sharply with the more serious themes of love and commitment.

In summary, the cast of What's Love Got to Do with It? is a masterclass in ensemble filmmaking. By pairing the international star power of Lily James and Emma Thompson with the iconic presence of Shabana Azmi and the rising global talent of Shazad Latif and Sajal Ali, the film successfully delivered a modern, insightful, and universally relatable romantic comedy that continues to be celebrated for its heart and cultural commentary. The film remains a relevant marker for how cross-cultural stories can be told on a global stage, driven by a truly world-class cast.