Shama Sikander

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Shama Sikander
Shama Sikander in Mumbai 01.jpg
Sikander in 2018
Born
Makrana, Rajasthan, India
Alma materRoshan Taneja School of Acting
Occupation(s)Actress, Producer
Years active1998–2021
Spouse
James Milliron
​
(m. 2022)​

Shama Sikander Ali Gesawat is an Indian actress and fashion designer, known for her roles in television series, films, and web series. She gained recognition for her portrayal of Pooja Mehta in the popular television show Yeh Meri Life Hai (2003–2005). Over the years, she has appeared in several Bollywood films, short films, and web series, including Sexaholic (2016) and Maaya: Slave of Her Desires (2017).

Contents

Early life

Shama Sikander was born in Makrana, India, to Gulshan and Sikander Ali Gesawat. When she was 9, her family moved to Mumbai, Maharashtra. She has three siblings: Khalid, Rizwan, and Salma Sikander. During an interview, Sikander mentioned that her early years in Mumbai were challenging, with financial difficulties often affecting her family. She attended multiple schools in Makrana and Mumbai. In 1995, she enrolled in the Roshan Taneja School of Acting, where she completed her acting training.

Career

Sikander began her acting career with small roles in Prem Aggan (1998) and Mann (1999) before landing a supporting role in Ansh: The Deadly Part (2002). Her first major role on television was as the title character "Pooja Mehta" in the popular Sony TV drama Ye Meri Life Hai (2003–2005). [1] The performance earned her numerous nominations and awards, including the 12th Annual Lion's Gold Awards' Critics' Choice "Best Actress" (2005), Indian Television Academy Awards' "GR8! Face of the Year" (2004), and "Best Debut" (2004). Sikander subsequently anchored Popkorn Newz (2007) and Jet Set Go (2008) before returning to film with the lead role of "Jiya" in Dhoom Dadakka (2008). She subsequently appeared in the lead role of "Shunyaa" on the supernatural thriller TV series Seven (2010–2011) produced by Bollywood film studio Yash Raj Films. She was seen as "Byankar Pari", the lead antagonist in the children's program Baal Veer (2012–2014) on SAB TV.

While working to establish herself in Mumbai's Bollywood industry, Sikander travelled hours daily, from the outskirts of the city to attend auditions, [2] often accompanied by her brother, Rizwan Sikander, also an actor. [3]

Her film debut came at the age of 16 in 1998, with the Hindi-language feature film Prem Aggan , produced and directed by acclaimed film personality Feroz Khan. Despite significant hype, the film, which also featured Feroz Khan's son Fardeen Khan's debut, was both a critical and box office failure.

A year later, Sikander appeared in the Indra Kumar film Mann (1999) in a cameo as Kamini. The film received mixed reviews and fared poorly at the box office.

Ansh: The Deadly Part (2002) was Sikander's first supporting role in a Hindi-language feature film. Portraying the character Kusum opposite south Indian actor Abbas, the film produced by Rukamanee Arts was a box office success, doing reasonably well and garnering generally favourable reviews. Despite Ansh being her best-faring feature film so far, Sikander would not have another big screen release for the next six years.

Actor (2003–2021)

Sikander at the screening of the short film Sexaholic ShamaSikander-SexaholicScreening.JPG
Sikander at the screening of the short film Sexaholic

Though her feature films failed to establish Sikander as a box office success, her Television debut, portraying the title character "Pooja Metha" in the popular Sony TV drama Ye Meri Life Hai (2003–2005), made the show a household name overnight, gave her "instant fame", [4] [5] and eventually elevated her to "one of the most loved faces on Indian television." [6] Her performance earned her numerous nominations and awards, including The Indian Television Academy Awards' "GR8 Face of the Year" (2004), The Indian Television Academy Awards' "Best Debut" (2004), The 12th Annual Lion's Gold Awards' "Best Actress: Critics' Choice" (2005), and Sony TV's "Best Face" (2005). The same year she was seen in the lead role in Chand Bujh Gaya , a film on the Godhra train burning and 2002 Gujarat riots, which was initially refused certification by CBFC and FCAT and could be released only after the producers approached the Bombay High Court. [7]

Fueled by the success of Ye Meri Life Hai and her subsequent performances, Sikander made frequent guest appearances on various popular programs, including Batliwala House No. 43 (2005), CID (2006), Jodee Kamaal Ki (2007), Kaajjal (2008), and Man Mein Hai Visshwas (2009).

Beginning in 2007, Sikander also featured as a TV program host, first on entertainment channel Zoom's Popkorn Newz for a single season and then in 2008 as the host of the STAR One travel contest program Jet Set Go. An accomplished self-taught dancer and amateur singer, Sikander appeared on numerous programs, including the celebrity dance program Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena as a celebrity contestant alongside notable Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli. She joined the singing reality program Jjhoom India as a celebrity contestant, as well as India's longest running dance program Boogie Woogie as a celebrity guest performer in 2010 and subsequently on multiple occasions as a performer and as a guest judge. Her ability to showcase well in singing, dancing, hosting, and acting caused critics to comment on her versatility as a performer. While her TV career flourished, Sikander returned to film in 2008 with a supporting role in director Shashi Ranjan's Dhoom Dhadaka alongside notable Bollywood actors Jackie Shroff, Anupam Kher, Gulshan Grover, and Satish Kaushik. The film was a box office failure.

2010 saw Sikander return to a lead role in a television series for the first time since leaving Ye Meri Life Hai in 2005. Sikander's Shunyaa featured as the central character in the supernatural thriller series Seven (2010–2011), produced by Yash Raj Films. Sikander's performance and the program were widely appreciated. Seven experienced niche viewership and was eventually brought to a close after only one season of 26 episodes.

After a short break Sikander took the role of the main antagonist, Byankar Pari, in the young-adult fantasy program Baal Veer starting in September 2012. Baal Veer is one of the channel's highest-rated programs. [8] [9] Sikander quit the show in 2014.

In March 2016, Sikander featured in the short film Sexaholic. [10]

In early 2017, Sikander was featured in the title role of Maaya in Maaya: Slave of Her Desires directed by Vikram Bhatt . The miniseries is frequently cited as among the best produced in India till date. [11] [12]

In December 2017, Sikander announced Ab Dil Ki Sunn, the maiden project of her home production in which she also plays the lead role. [13] Inspired by her own life incidents, [14] Ab Dil Ki Sunn features 7 short films based on different human aspects such as bipolar disorder, depression, and other social and emotional complexities, distributed exclusively on YouTube. Ab Dil Ki Sunn launched on YouTube in early 2018. [15]

Sikander's return to the theaters came with the November 1st, 2019 release of the mainstream Bollywood thriller Bypass Road. [16]

Designer (2010–2021)

In addition to acting, Sikander launched her fashion label Saisha in December 2010. The brand, based in Mumbai, has showcased collections both domestically and internationally. Sikander has appeared on the runway wearing her own designs at various fashion events.

Film, music and music video producer (2012-2021)

In late 2017, Sikander incorporated the Film and TV production company Shama Sikander Films Pvt. Ltd., best known for the short film series Ab Dil Ki Sunn. [17] In March 2021, Shama Sikander appeared in the music video, Hawa Karda by Koinage Records. [18]

In the media

Sikander's sex appeal has been picked up on by many sources, focusing on her fitness regimen, diet and style sense. [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] She has been featured in numerous magazine spreads, including appearing on the cover of GR8! Magazine. [24] [25] [26] Sikander was deemed October 2011's 'Hottie of the Month' by Perfect Woman Magazine. [27]

Sikander's hobbies include the violin, [28] photography, [29] and abstract painting. [30] The actress is also said to be multi-lingual, speaking six languages including Hindi, English, Urdu, Gujarati, Marathi and Marwadi. [28]


Personal life

Sikander has been open about her struggles with depression and bipolar disorder, which she discussed in a series of short films produced by her production company, Shama Sikander Films Pvt. Ltd. The films were released under the title Ab Dil Ki Sunn on YouTube.

In 2016, she got engaged to American businessman James Milliron, and the couple married in a Christian ceremony in March 2022.

Filmography

Movies

YearTitleRoleNotes
1998 Prem Aggan Pooja
1999 Mann Kamini
2002 Yeh Mohabbat Hai
2002 Ansh: The Deadly Part Kusum
2003 Basti
2008 Dhoom Dadakka Jiya
2008 Contract Special appearances in "Maula Khair Kare"
2016SexaholicRiyaShort film [31]
2019 Bypass Road Sarah [32]

Television

YearShowRoleChannelNotes
2003–2005 Yeh Meri Life Hai Pooja Sony TV
2005Batliwala House No. 43Herself Sony TV Celebrity Guest
2006 C.I.D. Minakshi Sony TV Ep. "Secret of the Code No. 571 E 1115"
2007Jodee Kamaal KiHerself Star Plus Ep. Raksha Bandhan Special
2007Popkorn NewzHerself 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 SAB TV

Television: Dance & Reality

YearTitleClassRoleChannel
2008 Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena Dance Reality ShowSelf (Celebrity Contestant) Colors (TV channel)
2008Jet Set GoTravel-Contest Reality ShowSelf (Host) STAR One
2010 Jjhoom India Singing Reality ShowSelf (Celebrity Contestant) Sahara One
2010 Boogie Woogie Dance Reality ShowSelf (Celebrity Guest / Judge) *Multiple Appearances Sony TV

Web series

YearTitleRoleChannelNotes
2017Maaya: Slave of Her DesiresMaayaVB on the WebMarseille Web Fest Official Selection 2017 [33]
2018Ab Dil Ki SunnmultipleYouTubeProducer also

Music videos

YearSong TitleAlbumRef.
2001MirzaLala Lala Lala
2001Chann Chaanani RaatSaaun di jhadi
2002Baje Jo Bansi Thama KaroTere Bina
2002Kabhi Mausam Hua ReshamTere Bina
2020Majnu RemixN/A
2021Hawa KardaHawa Karda [34]

Awards and nominations

YearAwardPresenterResult
2004 Best Actress in a Lead Role [35] [36] Indian Telavision Awards Nominated
2004 Fresh New Face Indian Television Awards
2004GR8 Face of the Year Indian Television Academy Awards Won
2004Best Debut Indian Television Academy Awards
2005Critics' Choice: Best Actress12th Lions Gold Awards
2005Best Face Sony TV
2017Official Selection - MaayaMarseille Web FestNominated [37]
2017Fitness DivaPerfect Achievers AwardWon
2019Most Beautiful Woman of the YearAspiring SheWon [38]
2019Style Icon of the YearInternational Quality AwardsWon [39] [40]
2019Most Promising ActorBlack Swan Awards, Asia OneWon [41]

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References

  1. ↑ "Yeh Meri Life Hai fame Shama Sikander turns a year older: Sneak peek into her photo gallery". Firstpost. 4 August 2022. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  2. ↑ "Reaping the Jassi harvest". The Hindu . 29 April 2004. Archived from the original on 5 July 2004.
  3. ↑ "PIX: Sultry Shama Sikander designs sexy womenswear!". Rediff. 24 June 2011.
  4. ↑ "Shama is living her dreams". The Times of India . 4 October 2008. Archived from the original on 14 October 2013.
  5. ↑ "Shama Sikander ushers in Diwali with lights and family time". SAWF News. 27 October 2008.
  6. ↑ "Shama Sikander moves to big screen". DNA India. 10 May 2011.
  7. ↑ "HC tells Censor Board to give certificate to film on Guj riots". Outlook . Press Trust of India. 5 November 2004. Retrieved 9 April 2020.
  8. ↑ "Overnights: 'SaraswatiChandra' hits record high". Media 247, Raj Baddhan. 12 March 2013.
  9. ↑ "Balveer". television trp. 12 May 2013. Archived from the original on 26 November 2013. Retrieved 16 August 2013.
  10. ↑ "Shama Sikander: It was not easy to play nymphomaniac in Sexaholic". indianexpress.com. 6 March 2016. Retrieved 25 February 2018.
  11. ↑ "55 Best Indian Web Series Worth Watching on Netflix, Prime, Youtube 2019". Moodswag. 24 April 2018. Retrieved 1 October 2019.
  12. ↑ "5 Amazing Web Series By Vikram Bhatt To Binge Watch This Weekend - Stressbuster". Dailyhunt. Retrieved 1 October 2019.
  13. ↑ "Shama Sikander: 'Ab Dil Ki Sun' inspired by my life". 17 December 2017.
  14. ↑ "Ab Dil Ki Sun' inspired by my life: Shama Sikander". 17 December 2017.
  15. ↑ "In Pics: It was a star-studded evening at Shama Sikander's trailer launch of 'Ab Dil Ki Sunn'". 16 May 2018.
  16. ↑ "'Bypass Road': The thriller-drama starring Neil Nitin Mukesh to release on November 1 - Times of India". The Times of India. 12 August 2019. Retrieved 1 October 2019.
  17. ↑ "Shama Sikander Films Pvt. Ltd". The Open Database of the Corporate World.
  18. ↑ "Watch New Punjabi Song Music Video - 'Hawa Karda' Sung By Afsana Khan, Sahil Sharma | Punjabi Video Songs - Times of India". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
  19. ↑ "Salsa time for Shama". The Times of India . 14 March 2010. Archived from the original on 7 October 2013.
  20. ↑ "Sizzling Shama Sikander reveals her fitness secrets!". Rediff. 29 March 2010.
  21. ↑ "Shama inclined towards a fit and toned body". The Times of India . 26 July 2013. Archived from the original on 16 August 2013.
  22. ↑ "Shama is called Uma on the sets!". The Times of India . 31 December 2009. Archived from the original on 16 August 2013.
  23. ↑ "Sayantani Ghosh's b'day bash in Mumbai". The Times of India . 8 September 2011. Archived from the original on 16 August 2013.
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  25. ↑ "Cricket Special (Cover Story)". Gr8! Magazine. Vol. 4. Indian Television Academy. July 2006.
  26. ↑ "Valentines Special (Cover Story)". Gr8! Magazine. Vol. 3. Indian Television Academy. February 2005.
  27. ↑ Aanchal Gera (October 2011). "Hottie of the Month". Perfect Woman Magazine. Vol. 1, no. X. GGC Limited. pp. 20–22.
  28. 1 2 "Playing the violin is sexy: Shama". The Times of India . 13 October 2008. Archived from the original on 7 October 2013.
  29. ↑ "Shama's creative instincts". The Times of India . 16 December 2012. Archived from the original on 16 August 2013.
  30. ↑ "Painting is a highly creative passion: Shama Sikander". CanIndia. 1 August 2013. Archived from the original on 16 August 2013. Retrieved 16 August 2013.
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  32. ↑ "Shama Sikander Has Been Recently Signed Film Bypass Road".
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  35. ↑ "Telly awards 2004 Popular Awards winners". Archived from the original on 17 September 2018. Retrieved 20 August 2017.
  36. ↑ "Telly awards 2004 Popular Awards nominees". Archived from the original on 16 October 2013. Retrieved 20 August 2017.
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  38. ↑ "Shama Sikander Interview With AspiringShe Team". Archived from the original on 24 June 2019. Retrieved 24 June 2019.
  39. ↑ "Shama Sikander For international quality awards night 2019". Archived from the original on 28 May 2019. Retrieved 24 June 2019.
  40. ↑ "IQA, MARCH 2019". Archived from the original on 2 October 2022. Retrieved 24 June 2019.
  41. ↑ "Lastnight wasspecial".
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