Ayesha Takia

Ayesha Azmi (née Takia), born and known professionally as Ayesha Takia is an Indian former actress and model who worked predominantly in Hindi films. Takia made her debut in 2004 with the action thriller Taarzan: The Wonder Car for which she won the Filmfare Best Debut Award and IIFA Award Star Debut of the Year Female. She then subsequently appeared in several successful films including Socha Na Tha (2005), Salaam-e-Ishq (2007), Wanted (2009), and Paathshaala (2010). She is the recipient of the Bengal Film Journalists' Association awards and Screen Awards. Takia was first recognized as a model when she performed in Falguni Pathak's music video Meri Chunar Udd Udd Jaye at the age of fourteen in 2000. Since then, she had appeared in music videos, television commercials, fashion shows, and on magazine covers. Takia made her debut in South Indian cinema in the Telugu-language action heist Super (2005), for which she won the Screen Award for Best Actress (Critics). She subsequently appeared in financially unsuccessful films including Shaadi Se Pehle (2006), Cash (2007), De Taali (2008) and 8 x 10 Tasveer (2009). The 2006 drama Dor, marked a turning point in her career winning her several awards nomination including Screen Award for Best Actress (Critics), Zee Cine Award – Critics' Choice Best Actress, Bengal Film Journalists' Association - Best Actress Award and Stardust Best Supporting Actress Award. In addition to acting, Takia supports wildlife protection, and has participated in social initiatives and animal welfare causes. She has been featured as a talent anchor on the musical-reality show Sur Kshetra. She is married to Farhan Azmi, with whom she has a son.