Ali Saleem, known professionally as Begum Nawazish Ali, is a Pakistani television host, actor, and drag performer born on 12 February 1978 in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. He is openly bisexual and one of Pakistan's first publicly gender-fluid media personalities. He rose to national and international fame through his late-night talk show Late Night Show with Begum Nawazish Ali, in which he appeared cross-dressed as a flamboyant, aristocratic older woman named Begum Nawazish Ali — complete with jewellery, heavy makeup, and a Mona Lisa pose. The show, which aired on ARY One World and later AAG TV from 2006 to 2011, became a sensation for its provocative, boundary-pushing interviews with politicians, celebrities, and public figures. It was one of Pakistan's highest-rated talk shows during its run and was noted internationally for introducing an openly gender-fluid persona to mainstream Pakistani television. He entered Bigg Boss 4 in October 2010 as 'Begum Nawazish Ali' — appearing in his female persona and creating considerable intrigue and discussion inside the house and among viewers. He was evicted in Week 3 on Day 19, finishing 13th overall.

Hosting the landmark Pakistani late-night talk show Late Night Show with Begum Nawazish Ali (ARY One World/AAG TV, 2006–2011) — a cross-dressing persona as the aristocratic socialite 'Begum Nawazish Ali' — which became one of Pakistan's highest-rated shows; being one of the first openly gender-fluid television personalities in Pakistan; participation in Bigg Boss 4 (2010) as 'Begum Nawazish Ali' — 13th place.

Frequently Asked