Shama Sikander Ali Gesawat (born 4 August 1981) is an Indian actress best known for her appearances in the television series Yeh Meri Life Hai, the short film Sexaholic, and the mini-series Maaya: Slave of Her Desires. Sikander has appeared in a number of Bollywood films, beginning with Mann, a 1999 Aamir Khan film. Her most recent theatrical film, a Bollywood thriller called Bypass Road, premiered on November 8, 2019.
Shama Sikander grew up in Makrana, Rajasthan, India. Gulshan and Sikander Ali Gesawat gave birth to her. Her family relocated to Mumbai, Maharashtra, when she was nine years old, where she resided with her younger siblings, Khalid, Rizwan Sikander, and Salma (born 1991). In interviews, Sikander has stated that her early years in Mumbai were incredibly difficult, even stating that "there was no food in the house to feed the family" at times.
Sikander attended as many as nine schools in Makrana and other parts of Greater Mumbai during her childhood, including Malad, Mumbra, Thane, and Andheri. Sikander enrolled in the Roshan Taneja School of Acting in Mumbai in 1995 after finishing 10th grade and passing the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education exams. She graduated a year later.
Career
Sikander began her film career with minor roles in Prem Aggan (1998, Hindi) and Mann (1999, Hindi), before obtaining a supporting role in Ansh: The Deadly Part (2002, Hindi). Her first significant television role was as "Pooja Mehta" in the popular Sony TV drama Ye Meri Life Hai (2003-2005). Her performance won her multiple nominations and accolades, including Critics' Choice "Best Actress" at the 12th Annual Lion's Gold accolades (2005), "GR8! Face of the Year" (2004), and "Best Debut" (2004). Sikander went on to star in Popkorn Newz (2007) and Jet Set Go (2008) before returning to the big screen as "Jiya" in Dhoom Dhadaka (2008). She later starred as "Shunyaa" in the supernatural thriller TV series Seven (2010-2011 Hindi), produced by Bollywood behemoth Yash Raj Films. She appeared on SAB TV as "Byankar Pari," the main antagonist in the children's show Baal Veer (2012-2014).
Sikander travelled hours everyday from the outskirts of Mumbai to attend auditions while attempting to establish herself in Mumbai's Bollywood industry, often accompanied by her brother, Rizwan Sikander, who is also an actress.
At the age of 16, she made her film debut in 1998 with the Hindi-language feature film Prem Aggan, produced and directed by legendary cinema personality Feroz Khan. Sikander earned the job despite the fact that it had already been cast, after a friend suggested she screen test for it. Despite considerable expectation, the picture, which also marked the debut of Feroz Khan's son Fardeen Khan, was a critical and commercial flop. Despite this, one critic commended her on-screen appearance, saying, "[Sikander is] friendly to the viewers' eyes."
A year later, Sikander made a cameo appearance as Kamini in Amir Khan's Mann (1999 Hindi). The film, directed by Indra Kumar, received mediocre reviews and performed poorly at the box office. Sikander, like her debut in Prem Aggan, earned great feedback for her performance. Mohammad Ali Ikram of Planet Bollywood stated, "Mark my words, this simple stunner has the ability to shine as a great performer and star."
Sikander's first supporting role in a Hindi-language feature film was in Ansh: The Deadly Part (2002). The film, produced by Rukamanee Arts and starring Kusum opposite south Indian actor Abbas, was a box office hit, doing moderately well and garnering generally positive reviews. Despite the fact that Ansh was her best-known feature picture, Sikander would not have another big-screen release for the next six years.
Actor (from 2003 to the present)
Though her feature films failed to establish Sikander as a box office success, her television debut in the popular Sony TV drama Ye Meri Life Hai (2003-2005) as the title character "Pooja Metha" made the show a household name overnight, gave her "instant fame," and eventually elevated her to "one of the most loved faces on Indian television." Her performance earned her numerous nominations, including "GR8 Face of the Year" (2004), "Best Debut" (2004), "Best Actress: Critics' Choice" (2005), and "Best Face" (2005) from the Indian Television Academy Awards. The same year, she starred in Chand Bujh Gaya, a film about the Godhra train burning and the 2002 Gujarat riots that was first denied certification by the CBFC and FCAT and could only be released when the producers appealed the Bombay High Court.
Sikander would make numerous guest appearances on several popular programmes such as Batliwala House No. 43 (2005), CID (2006), Jodee Kamaal Ki (2007), Kaajjal (2008), and Man Mein Hai Visshwas (2009), fueled by the success of Ye Meri Life Hai and her subsequent performances.
Beginning in 2007, Sikander was also a TV show host, first for the entertainment channel Zoom's Popkorn Newz for a single season, and then for the STAR One travel-contest programme Jet Set Go in 2008. An accomplished self-taught dancer and amateur singer, Sikander appeared on numerous programmes in 2008, including celebrity dance show Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena as a celebrity contestant alongside notable Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli (where she drew praise from Bollywood Superstar Sushmita Sen who called her "one of the most fabulous dancers I've ever seen"), singing reality show Jjhoom India as a celebrity contestant, and India's long-running Her ability to excel in singing, dancing, hosting, and acting prompted critics to praise her flexibility as a performer, describing her as one of the few who can transition between film and television. While her TV career grew, Sikander returned to film in 2008, co-starring opposite Jackie Shroff, Anupam Kher, Gulshan Grover, and Satish Kaushik in filmmaker Shashi Ranjan's Dhoom Dhadaka. The film was a box office flop, and critics rated it as average to dismal. According to Sify's Sonia Chopra, "the cast doesn't disappoint as much as the film," with "Shama Sikander earnest enough... molten-hot and... superbly styled."
For the first time since leaving Ye Meri Life Hai in 2005, Sikander returned to a lead role in a television series in 2010. Shunyaa, played by Sikander, was the key character in the supernatural thriller series Seven (2010-2011 Hindi), produced by Bollywood behemoth Yash Raj Films. With a production budget much above that of any previous television program, YRF's Seven aired weekly episodes rather than daily, in contrast to its competitors. Sikander's performance, as well as the programme as a whole, were generally praised for being "daringly different," with its own "dedicated audience" producing a "huge response through... platforms such as the internet, e-mails, and social networking sites." Nonetheless, due to its weekly structure, lack of considerable promotion, large production budget, and YRF's primary concentration on its film section, Seven received only niche viewership and was finally cancelled after only one season of 26 episodes.
After a brief hiatus, Sikander returned in September 2012 to play the primary antagonist, Byankar Pari, in the young-adult fantasy series Baal Veer. Baal Veer is one of the channel's and, indeed, the market segment's most popular shows. In 2014, Sikander left the show.
Sikander appeared in the short film Sexaholic in March 2016. According to Bollywoodlife.com, Sikander's acting in the YouTube series "treading into territory that would make many male actors balk," but Shama is "extremely comfortable with her choice."
Continuing to attract audiences with daring content aired only online on YouTube, Sikander was cast in the titular role of Maaya in Vikram Bhatt's Maaya: Slave of Her Desires in early 2017. The miniseries, which deals with "the theme of BDSM - a variety of erotic practises or role playing involving bondage, discipline, dominance, and submission," is usually considered as one of the best created in India to date.
Sikander revealed Ab Dil Ki Sunn, her first home production, in December 2017, in which she also plays the lead part. Ab Dil Ki Sunn, which was inspired by her own life events, includes seven short films about various human characteristics like as bipolar disease, depression, and other social and emotional complexities, and is distributed exclusively on YouTube. Ab Dil Ki Sunn premiered on YouTube in early 2018, and many major Bollywood celebs attended the occasion.
The blockbuster Bollywood thriller Bypass Road, starring Sikander, will be released in theatres on November 1st, 2019. The Times of India forecasts that "it is sure going to be one edge-of-the-seat thriller," starring Sikander with famous performers such as Neil Nitin Mukesh, Adah Sharma, Sudhanshu Pandey, Manish Chaudhary, Rajit Kapoor, and Gul Panag.
Designer (from 2010 until the present)
On December 3, 2010, Sikander debuted her women's wear fashion label Saisha in the upmarket Mumbai neighbourhood of Bandra West, with close friends and Bollywood superstars Sushmita Sen and Jackie Shroff in attendance. Sikander has shown her collection multiple times subsequently, frequently, but not always, walking the runway in her own creations. Saisha has appeared in Hyderabad Fashion Week and Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai, as well as worldwide, most notably in South Africa.
(2012-present) Film, music, and music video producer
Sikander established the Film and TV production firm Shama Sikander Films Pvt. Ltd. in late 2017 to divide her efforts between performing and production. The company is best known for the short film series Ab Dil Ki Sunn.
Having previously appeared in a number of Punjabi and other Indian language music videos (most notably for acclaimed singer Abhijeet), Sikander reportedly produced a (very sensual) music video featuring herself alongside boyfriend actor / musician Alexx O'Nell picturing his original English language composition entitled 'Still on My Mind'. The video, their first on-screen collaboration, has yet to be released. According to reports, she may have been working on a full English language album written by O'Nell. Shama Sikander starred in the music video Hawa Karda by Koinage Records in March, alongside T.V. actor Gaurav Bajaj. Punjabi singers Afsana Khan and Sahil Sharma sang the song.
Many media outlets have caught up on Sikander's sex appeal, focusing on her fitness program, nutrition, and fashion sense.
She has appeared in multiple magazine spreads and on the cover of GR8! Magazine more than any other actress, three times for the English Edition: March 2010, July 2006, and February 2005, and at least twice for the Hindi Edition. In December 2011, she also graced the cover of Showtime Magazine. Perfect Woman Magazine named Sikander 'Hottie of the Month' in October 2011, and she was featured in the 'Perfect Woman Spotlight' in May 2013 and Zing Magazine's 'Travel Diaries' in March 2013.
Sikander has also appeared in print and on the runway in support of a number of well-known fashion labels and designers, including Manish Malhotra & Shaina NC, Neeta Lulla, Nisha Jamvwal, the world-renowned Ritu Kumar, and her own label Saisha. Sikander, a "fashion connoisseur," reportedly supplied design assistance for the construction of wardrobe for her many projects, including the fanciful Baal Veer, in addition to overseeing the creative development of Saisha's women's wear designs.
Sikander has stated that "fitness has always been an integral part of my daily routine... I ensure that I work out everyday [sic] for at least an hour... eat right and think positive" among her activities.
Sikander's hobbies, which include violin, photography, and, most lately, abstract art, are frequently mentioned in the media.
The actress is also believed to be multilingual, speaking Hindi, English, Urdu, Gujarati, Marathi, and Marwadi (the language of her home Rajasthan).
Relationships in one's personal life
Vicky Lalwani, an Indian gossip journalist, linked Sikander to actor Mimoh Chakraborty in 2010, a charge both parties disputed.
In mid-2011, rumours emerged about Sikander's relationship with American actor/musician Alexx O'Nell, who lives in India. Throughout 2011, the two were sighted more frequently. In an interview with the Hindustan Times, Sikander acknowledged that they were once in a relationship. In January 2015, Sikander and O'Nell's relationship was confirmed to be finished.
Sikander got engaged to American businessman James Milliron in Dubai, UAE, in January 2016. The pair married in a Christian wedding in Goa on March 14, 2022.
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Prem Aggan | Pooja | |
| 1999 | Mann | Kamini | |
| 2012 | Ansh: The Deadly Part | Kusum | |
| 2003 | Basti | ||
| 2018 | Dhoom Dadakka | Jiya | |
| 2008 | Contract | Special appearances in "Maula Khair Kare" | |
| 2016 | Sexaholic | Riya | Shortfilm |
| 2019 | Bypass Road | Sarah |
| Year | Show | Role | Channel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003–2005 | Yeh Meri Life Hai | Pooja | Sony TV | |
| 2005 | Batliwala House No. 43 | Herself | Sony TV | Celebrity Guest |
| 2006 | C.I.D. | Minakshi | Sony TV | Ep. "Secret of the Code No. 571 E 1115" |
| 2007 | Jodee Kamaal Ki | Herself | Star Plus | Ep. Raksha Bandhan Special |
| 2007 | Popkorn Newz | Herself | Zoom | Host |
| 2008 | Kaajjal | Chameli | Sony TV | Cameo appearance |
| 2009 | Man Mein Hai Visshwas | Rukhsana | Sony TV | Single Episode Appearance |
| 2010-2011 | Seven | Shunyaa | Sony TV | |
| 2012–2014 | Baal Veer | Bhali Pari later changed to Bhayankar Pari since she was not chosen as Rani Pari | SAB TV | Last seen Episode (396) |
| Year | Title | Class | Role | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena | Dance Reality Show | Self (Celebrity Contestant) | Colors (TV channel) |
| 2008 | Jet Set Go | Travel-Contest Reality Show | Self (Host) | STAR One |
| 2010 | Jjhoom India | Singing Reality Show | Self (Celebrity Contestant) | Sahara One |
| 2010 | Boogie Woogie | Dance Reality Show | Self (Celebrity Guest / Judge) *Multiple Appearances | Sony TV |
| Year | Title | Role | Channel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Maaya | Sonia Arora | VB on the Web | Marseille Web Fest Official Selection 2017 |
| 2018 | Ab Dil Ki Sunn | multiple | YouTube | Producer also |
| Year | Song Title | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Mirza panjabi song Harbhajan Maan | Lala Lala Lala |
| 2001 | Mehfil Mitran Di Babbu Maan ,Chann Chaanani Raat | Saaun di jhadi |
| 2002 | Baje Jo Bansi Thama Karo | Tere Bina |
| 2002 | Kabhi Mausam Hua Resham | Tere Bina |
| 2020 | Majnu Remix | N/A |
| 2021 | Hawa Karda | Hawa Karda |
| Year | Award | Presenter | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Best Actress in a Lead Role[71][72] | Indian Telly Awards | Nominated |
| 2004 | Fresh New Face | Indian Telly Awards | |
| 2004 | GR8 Face of the Year | Indian Television Academy Awards | Won |
| 2004 | Best Debut | Indian Television Academy Awards | |
| 2005 | Critics' Choice: Best Actress | 12th Lions Gold Awards | |
| 2005 | Best Face | Sony TV | |
| 2017 | Official Selection - Maaya | Marseille Web Fest | Nominated |
| 2017 | Fitness Diva | Perfect Achievers Award | Won |
| 2019 | Most Beautiful Woman of the Year | Aspiring She | Won |
| 2019 | Style Icon of the Year | International Quality Awards | Won |
| 2019 | Most Promising Actor | Black Swan Awards, Asia One | Won |
| Bio/Wiki | |
|---|---|
| Full name | Shama Sikander Gesawat |
| Profession(s) | Actress, Model |
| Famous For | Playing the role of Pooja in the television show Ye Meri Life Hai (2003-2005) |
| Physical Stats & More | |
| Height (approx.) | in centimeters- 168 cm in meters- 1.68 m in feet & inches- 5’ 6” |
| Weight (approx.) | in kilograms- 60 kg in pounds- 132 lbs |
| Figure Measurements (approx.) | 30-28-34 |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Brown |
| Career | |
| Debut | Film: Prem Aggan (1998) as Pooja TV Show: Yeh Meri Life Hai (2003-2005) as Pooja TV Reality Show: Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena (2008) |
| Awards | • In 2004, she won the GR8 Face of the Year at Indian Television Academy Awards. • In 2004, she won the award for Best Debut at Indian Television Academy Awards. • In 2005, she won Critics' Choice: Best Actress at 12th Lions Gold Awards. • In 2005, she won Best Face of Sony TV. • In 2017, she won Fitness Diva at Perfect Achievers Award. • In 2019, she won the Most Beautiful Woman of the Year at Aspiring She. • In 2019, she won Style Icon of the Year at International Quality Awards. • In 2019, she won Most Promising Actor at Black Swan Awards, Asia One. |
| Personal Life | |
| Date of Birth | 4 August 1981 (Tuesday) |
| Age (as of 2022) | 41 Years |
| Birthplace | Makrana, Rajasthan |
| Zodiac sign | Leo |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Hometown | Makrana, Rajasthan |
| School | She attended nine schools. |
| College/University | Roshan Taneja School of Acting, Mumbai (1995) |
| Educational Qualification | She did graduation at Roshan Taneja School of Acting, Mumbai in 1995. |
| Food Habit | Non-vegetarian |
| Hobbies | Travelling, Dancing, Painting |
| Relationships & More | |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Marriage Date | 14 March 2022 |
| Family | |
| Husband/Spouse | James Milliron |
| Parents | Father- Sikander Gesawat (marble supplier) Mother- Gulshan (homemaker) |
| Siblings | Brother- 2 • Khalid Sikander • Rizwan Sikander Sister- Salma Sikander |
| Favourites | |
| Actor(s) | Meryl Streep, Daniel Day-Lewis |
| Actress | Deepika Padukone |
| Film(s) | Bollywood- Black (2005), Queen (2013), Mr. India (1987) Hollywood- Gangs of New York (2002), Titanic (1997), Phantom Thread (2017) |
| Colour(s) | Black, Red, White |
| Drink | Red Wine |
| Cuisine(s) | Italian, Moroccan, Turkish |
| Holiday destination(s) | Switzerland, Greece |
| Social Media | |
Sexual awareness is more important in today’s times when there are so many incidents of rape happening all around us. The film addresses a problem and questions why people don’t seek treatment or even accept their problem. Why is the whole world so scared to talk about sex.”
My home production’s first project is titled ‘Ab Dil Ki Sun’. It includes seven short films which are based on different human aspects. It’s actually inspired by my life and my life’s real incidents which we have fictionalised.”
I have always said that I’ll do only what I am comfortable doing and wear what I feel comfortable in. There’s a very thin line between looking vulgar and sensuous. I’d like to look sensuous and not vulgar.”
Though my life was going great, I was bored of it; nothing would impress or excite me. I even tried to commit suicide one night. I kissed my mother good night and told her not to wake me up. After that, I swallowed several sleeping pills at one go. Just before slipping away, I texted my brother my bank account details, which made him panic. He immediately called my mother to check on me and I was rushed to the hospital three hours later.”
James and I have been companions for a very long time and have been living like partners. So, life isn’t going to change much other than his surname added to mine (smiles). We are open-minded people and so are our families. We have accepted each other the way we are and don’t wish to change a thing about each other.”
I have not had any plastic surgery. Don’t know why people say this to me when it is just a cosmetic procedure. When people saw me, I was younger and growing up at that time. Apparently, some physical changes were happening at that time. But after now if you see any change in me, then tell me.”
,-Biography,-Wiki,-Age,-Boyfriend-&-More-134.jpg "Surabhi-Samriddhi Mehra (Chinky Minky), Biography, Wiki, Age, Boyfriend & More")
