Ayesha Takia

Biography:

Ayesha Takia Azmi, born on April 10, 1986, is a former Indian actress and model known for her work in Hindi films. Her debut in 2004 with the action thriller “Taarzan: The Wonder Car” earned her the Filmfare Best Debut Award and IIFA Award Star Debut of the Year Female. Subsequently, she featured in successful films like “Socha Na Tha” (2005), “Salaam-E-Ishq” (2007), “Wanted” (2009), and “Paathshaala” (2010), receiving accolades from the Bengal Film Journalists’ Association and Screen Awards.

Takia gained early recognition as a model, making her mark at the age of fourteen in Falguni Pathak’s music video “Meri Chunar Udd Udd Jaye” in 2000. She continued with music videos, television commercials, fashion shows, and magazine covers. Her South Indian cinema debut was in the Telugu action heist film “Super” (2005), earning her the Screen Award for Best Actress (Critics).

Despite some unsuccessful films like “Shaadi Se Pehle” (2006), “Cash” (2007), “De Taali” (2008), and “8 x 10 Tasveer” (2009), the 2006 drama “Dor” marked a turning point, winning her critical acclaim and several awards. Apart from acting, Takia is involved in wildlife protection, social initiatives, and animal welfare causes. She served as a talent judge on the musical-reality show “Sur Kshetra” and is married to Farhan Azmi, with whom she has a son born in 2013.

Before her acting career, Takia appeared in various commercials, starting her modeling career at thirteen. Her public debut was in Falguni Pathak’s music video “Meri Chunar Udd Udd Jaye.” Later, she featured in the music video “Shake It Daddy” alongside actor Keith Sequeira. Both videos directed by Vinay Sapru and Radhika Rao brought her attention in Bollywood.

In 2004, Takia played her first leading role in Abbas–Mustan’s film “Taarzan: The Wonder Car.” Though the film was financially unsuccessful, her glamorous appearance earned her the Filmfare Best Female Debut Award and IIFA Award for Star Debut of the Year – Female. The multi-starrer romantic comedy “Dil Maange More!!!” with Shahid Kapoor followed, contributing to her breakthrough despite the film’s box office performance.

In 2004, she starred in “Socha Na Tha,” Imtiaz Ali’s romantic comedy. Although receiving positive reviews, the film was an average grosser. Subsequently, she appeared in “Shaadi No. 1” and Sujoy Ghosh’s “Home Delivery.” The latter, her last release of 2004, received negative reviews, but Takia’s role was praised. Her Telugu debut was in the action heist film “Super” (2005), and she continued with Hindi films like “Shaadi Se Pehle” (2006), “Yun Hota Toh Kya Hota” (2006), and “Dor” (2006).

“Dor” marked a significant achievement in her career, winning her numerous awards for her performance as a young widowed Rajasthani woman. In 2007, Takia appeared in several films, including “Salaam-e-Ishq,” “Kya Love Story Hai,” and “No Smoking.” While “Salaam-e-Ishq” received mixed reviews, “No Smoking” faced heavy criticism and was a box office disaster.

In 2008, she appeared in “Sunday” and “De Taali,” both met with mixed responses. Her performance as a voiceover artist in “Sunday” received acclaim. In 2009, Takia had major releases with “8 x 10 Tasveer” and “Wanted.” While the former received a mixed reception, “Wanted” became one of the highest-grossing films of the year, establishing Takia’s commercial success. In 2010, she starred in “Paathshaala” and “Mod,” with the former receiving mixed reviews and the latter a poor response. In 2012, she hosted the musical-reality show “Sur Kshetra.”