The Full Cast Of 'What's Love Got To Do With It?' (2022): Where Are The Stars Now?

The 2022 romantic comedy What's Love Got to Do with It? offers a fresh, cross-cultural look at modern dating and the concept of 'assisted marriage' (a modern take on arranged marriage), starring a stellar ensemble cast that bridges Hollywood glamour with British and South Asian talent. Released in early 2023 in many territories, this film, directed by the acclaimed Shekhar Kapur and written by Jemima Khan, captivated audiences with its witty dialogue and heartfelt exploration of finding love in two very different worlds: the chaos of dating apps and the tradition of family matchmaking. The film’s success rests heavily on the chemistry between its leads and the depth brought by its legendary supporting actors, making the cast a major talking point.

This article, updated for the current date of December 10, 2025, provides a deep dive into the full cast, from the award-winning veterans to the rising stars, detailing their roles and their impressive careers outside of this charming film.

The Main Ensemble: Biographies and Key Roles

The core of What's Love Got to Do with It? revolves around four central figures, each bringing a unique energy and perspective to the story of love, family, and cultural differences.

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1. Lily James as Zoe

• Role in Film: Zoe, an award-winning documentary filmmaker and self-confessed dating app addict who is struggling to find "the one" in London. She decides to make her next film about her childhood friend Kazim's journey into an assisted marriage.
• Full Name: Lily Chloe Ninette Thomson
• Born: April 5, 1989 (Age 36 as of 2025) in Esher, Surrey, England.
• Career Highlights: James rose to international fame playing Lady Rose MacClare in the television series Downton Abbey. She then starred as the titular character in Disney's live-action Cinderella (2015) and delivered memorable performances in Baby Driver (2017) and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018). Most recently, she received critical acclaim for her transformative role as Pamela Anderson in the Hulu series Pam & Tommy (2022).
• Recent Work: Following the success of the film, James has continued to be a prominent figure in cinema, focusing on a mix of independent and major studio projects.

2. Shazad Latif as Kazim 'Kaz' Khan

• Role in Film: Kazim, a successful doctor and Zoe's childhood best friend, who decides to pursue an "assisted marriage" to find a bride in Pakistan, much to Zoe's confusion and fascination.
• Full Name: Shazad Latif (Born Iqbal Amin)
• Born: July 8, 1988 (Age 37 as of 2025) in London, England.
• Career Highlights: Latif is well-known to television audiences for his roles as Tariq Masood in the BBC spy series Spooks and as Clem Fandango on the comedy series Toast of London. He gained significant recognition in the US for playing Lieutenant Ash Tyler / Voq in the sci-fi series Star Trek: Discovery.
• Recent Work: Latif's performance in this film cemented his status as a leading man in the romantic comedy genre, balancing charm with cultural sensitivity.

3. Emma Thompson as Cath

• Role in Film: Cath, Zoe’s well-meaning, eccentric, and overly involved mother who is constantly trying to set Zoe up on disastrous dates. Her character provides much of the film's comedic relief and a sharp contrast to the Khan family’s traditions.
• Full Name: Emma Thompson
• Born: April 15, 1959 (Age 66 as of 2025) in Paddington, London, England.
• Career Highlights: A cinematic legend, Emma Thompson is the only person in history to have won Academy Awards for both acting (Best Actress for Howards End in 1992) and writing (Best Adapted Screenplay for Sense and Sensibility in 1995). Her extensive filmography includes beloved roles in Love Actually, the Nanny McPhee series, and Cruella.
• Recent Work: Thompson continues to be prolific, with recent standout roles in films like Good Luck to You, Leo Grande (2022), which earned her critical praise. Her involvement lends significant gravitas to the What's Love Got to Do with It? cast.

4. Shabana Azmi as Aisha Khan

• Role in Film: Aisha Khan, Kazim’s traditional but loving mother, who is the driving force behind the "assisted marriage" process. She represents the cultural heart of the Khan family.
• Full Name: Shabana Azmi
• Born: September 18, 1950 (Age 75 as of 2025) in New Delhi, India.
• Career Highlights: Azmi is one of India’s most respected and decorated actresses, a five-time winner of the National Film Award for Best Actress. She is a veteran of parallel cinema, known for iconic roles in films like Ankur, Arth, and Masoom.
• Recent Work: Azmi remains highly active in both Indian and international cinema, with recent notable appearances in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023) and the upcoming film Lahore 1947 (2025).

The Heart of the Story: Supporting Cast and Key Entities

The film’s rich tapestry is completed by a talented supporting cast, many of whom are renowned comedians and actors from the British and Pakistani entertainment industries. Their characters are crucial in highlighting the cultural nuances of the film's central theme.

Sajal Aly as Zoya/Ashi

Sajal Aly, a major Pakistani television and film star, plays Zoya (sometimes referred to as Ashi in early reports), the young woman Kazim is set to marry through the assisted marriage process. Aly’s performance as the seemingly perfect, demure bride-to-be is pivotal, as her character is not as simple as she first appears. Aly is celebrated for her work in Pakistani dramas like Yaqeen Ka Safar and her Bollywood debut in Mom (2017).

Asim Chaudhry as Mo the Matchmaker

Comedian and actor Asim Chaudhry steals scenes as Mo, the local South Asian matchmaker (or 'rishta aunty' equivalent). Chaudhry is best known for creating and starring in the popular BBC mockumentary series People Just Do Nothing, where he played Chabuddy G. His comedic timing as Mo provides a hilarious and insightful look into the matchmaking process.

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Jeff Mirza as Zahid Khan

Jeff Mirza plays Zahid Khan, Kazim's father, who supports his son’s decision to follow a more traditional path to love. Mirza is a veteran British-Pakistani comedian and actor, known for his stand-up and roles in various British comedies and dramas, including his work alongside Asim Chaudhry.

Oliver Chris as James

Oliver Chris plays James, one of the men Cath (Emma Thompson) tries to set Zoe up with. Chris is a familiar face in British theatre and television, known for roles in the TV series Green Wing and the stage production One Man, Two Guvnors. His character represents the familiar, often futile, path of Western dating that Zoe is trying to navigate.

The Topical Authority: Exploring Assisted Marriage vs. Modern Dating

The true genius of What's Love Got to Do with It? lies in its ability to use its cast to explore the complex, real-world contrast between two approaches to romance: the unpredictable world of dating apps and the structured system of assisted marriage. The film uses the documentary framework—Zoe’s project—to allow a non-judgmental comparison of these methods.

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The Dating App Fatigue

Lily James's Zoe embodies the modern struggle: endless swiping, ghosting, and "situationships." Her character's journey resonates with a global audience experiencing dating app fatigue. The film cleverly uses Emma Thompson’s Cath to highlight the generational gap in understanding modern romance, providing a comedic yet poignant commentary on how difficult finding a genuine connection has become.

The Nuance of Assisted Marriage

The film avoids clichés by presenting Kazim's assisted marriage not as forced, but as a pragmatic choice rooted in cultural values and family support. The process, facilitated by Mo, involves family interviews, careful vetting, and Zoom calls, contrasting sharply with Zoe's casual dating life. The dynamic between Shazad Latif's Kazim and Shabana Azmi's Aisha Khan showcases the love and respect within the family structure, even in matters of the heart.

The film’s success at the box office and its positive critical reception, especially following its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2022, proves that audiences are eager for smart, inclusive romantic comedies. The cast's diverse backgrounds and the authenticity brought by writer Jemima Khan (who drew on her own experiences) ensured the film was a fresh and unique entry into the genre.

Ultimately, the What's Love Got to Do with It? cast, under the direction of Shekhar Kapur, delivered a film that is more than just a romantic comedy; it is a cultural conversation starter. It asks a simple, timeless question—what role does love, family, and compatibility play in a successful partnership—and answers it with a cast that is as diverse and talented as the world it portrays.