Ayesha Takia’s Bio, Age, Family, Movies, Career, Net Worth & More

Early Life and Background

Born and raised in Mumbai, Ayesha Takia grew up in a culturally mixed household.

Her father, Nishit Takia, is of Gujarati origin, and her mother, Faridah Takia, has Anglo-Indian (British and Marathi) roots.

She also has a younger sister, Natasha. Ayesha studied at St. Anthony’s Girls High School in Chembur, a detail fans often note because she entered showbiz young and did not go the typical college route. ¹

This multicultural, Mumbai-centric upbringing shaped her comfort in front of the camera and in public spaces.

It also made it natural for her to work in Hindi cinema while speaking and understanding multiple languages at home.

What the hell kind of women are these! I’m shocked and horrified. Can’t still believe my eyes https://t.co/GgWKRaC07C

— Ayesha Takia Azmi♡ (@Ayeshatakia) August 28, 2020

Quick Stats

From Ads and Music Videos to Movies

Before films, Ayesha featured in popular ad campaigns and music videos. Many viewers first noticed her in the “Complan Boy/Complan Girl” TV commercial opposite Shahid Kapoor.

She then appeared in music videos that became staples of early-2000s pop culture, including Falguni Pathak’s “Meri Chunar Udd Udd Jaye” and the remix “Shake It Daddy” (based on “Nahin Nahin Abhi Nahin”).

These appearances, directed by Vinay Sapru and Radhika Rao, helped her get noticed by filmmakers.

Film Debut and Early Roles (2004–2005)

Ayesha’s film debut came with Taarzan: The Wonder Car (2004), directed by Abbas-Mustan.

While the film itself had a modest box office performance, her presence was immediately noted, and the role earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut an important stamp of approval in mainstream Hindi cinema.

The same year, she appeared in Dil Maange More!!, a youthful romantic comedy featuring Shahid Kapoor. In 2005, she worked in Socha Na Tha (Imtiaz Ali’s directorial debut, opposite Abhay Deol), the multi-starrer Shaadi No. 1, and Home Delivery.

This period was busy and formative: Ayesha was experimenting with genres from rom-coms to ensemble comedies, and she was learning the rhythms of Bollywood shoots and promotions.

The Telugu Foray: Super (2005)

Ayesha made her South Indian cinema debut with Super, a Telugu-language heist action thriller starring Nagarjuna and directed by Puri Jagannadh.

The film performed well and brought her a Filmfare Awards South nomination for Best Actress (Telugu) a significant acknowledgement so early in her career and a reminder that her appeal crossed linguistic markets.

The Performance That Changed the Conversation: Dor (2006)

While Ayesha was already known for her bubbly screen persona, Dor (2006), directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, made many viewers and critics reassess her craft.

In this sensitive drama about friendship, forgiveness, and freedom, she delivered a nuanced performance that earned her the Screen Award for Best Actress (Critics).

Even today, Dor is frequently mentioned whenever lists of Hindi cinema’s best character-driven stories of the 2000s are compiled.

Also Read: Sanjay Kapoor’s Bio, Career, Movies, Family, Net Worth & More

Commercial High: Wanted (2009)

Ayesha co-starred in Wanted (2009), a major commercial hit and one of the year’s highest-grossing Hindi films.

The film’s success underscored her versatility she could headline an indie-spirit gem like Dor and also fit comfortably into a full-throttle commercial entertainer.

For many casual moviegoers, Wanted remains their most immediate recall of Ayesha on the big screen.

Other Notable Credits

Across the 2000s, Ayesha’s filmography also included titles such as De Taali, No Smoking, 8 x 10 Tasveer, and Paathshaala.

Some of these films underperformed, but they added to her range, pairing her with different co-stars and directors and keeping her visible in a crowded industry.

Television and Hosting: Sur Kshetra (2012)

In 2012, Ayesha appeared on television as the presenter of Sur Kshetra, a cross-border singing reality show featuring teams from India and Pakistan, judged by legendary artists like Asha Bhosle, Abida Parveen, and Runa Laila.

Hosting gave her a different kind of on-camera work more spontaneous, more anchored in people skills and introduced her to viewers who primarily watch TV rather than frequent cinemas.

Personal Life

Ayesha married restaurateur Farhan Azmi in March 2009. Farhan is the son of politician Abu Azmi. The couple welcomed a son in 2013.

Through the years, Ayesha has posted about family life and personal causes on social media, and she remains a popular figure online even without regular film releases.

She has also used her platform to speak on issues she cares about. In 2014, she publicly disagreed with comments made by her father-in-law regarding sexual violence, making clear her own stance and values.

The instance underscored her willingness to voice independent opinions in public something not all public figures do easily.

Advocacy and Vegan Living

Ayesha’s advocacy for animals and vegan living is an important part of her public identity. She has supported PETA India’s campaigns and spoken about moving from vegetarian to fully vegan after learning about conditions within the egg and dairy industries.

She has also highlighted how her family embraced veganism. In 2018, she was associated with a 100% vegan restaurant concept named “Plant,” reflecting a personal commitment to cruelty-free food and lifestyle.²

Stepping Away from Films

After Mod (2011) and her TV hosting stint, Ayesha gradually stepped back from acting to focus on family and personal projects. While fans often hope for a comeback, she hasn’t announced a return to full-time acting.

This choice, however, hasn’t diminished the affection with which audiences remember her. If anything, it has kept her legacy tidy: a compact body of work that still gets rewatched, especially Dor and Wanted.

Filmography Highlights

• Taarzan: The Wonder Car (2004) – Debut; Filmfare Best Female Debut.

• Dil Maange More!! (2004).

• Socha Na Tha (2005).

• Shaadi No. 1 (2005).

• Super (Telugu, 2005) – Filmfare South Best Actress (Telugu) nomination.

• Dor (2006) – Screen Award (Critics) for Best Actress.

• De Taali (2008).

• Wanted (2009) – Biggest commercial success.

• 8 x 10 Tasveer (2009).

• Paathshaala (2010).

• Mod (2011).

Awards and Recognition

• Filmfare Award – Best Female Debut (Taarzan: The Wonder Car, 2005).

• IIFA Award – Star Debut of the Year (Female) (Taarzan: The Wonder Car).

• Screen Award – Best Actress (Critics) (Dor, 2006).

• Filmfare Awards South – Best Actress (Telugu) Nomination (Super, 2006).

Legacy and Influence

Ayesha Takia’s legacy sits at a comfortable intersection of mainstream popularity and critical affection.

For a generation that grew up on early-2000s Hindi music videos and ad jingles, she is forever the face you recognized on TV before you recognized her on film posters. In cinema, her career offers three easy entry points:

1. Debut Impact – A confident start with a big-banner film and instant award recognition.

2. Performance Cred – A sensitive, acclaimed turn in Dor that still appears on “must-watch” lists.

3. Mass Appeal – A crowd-pleasing hit like Wanted, which keeps her relevant on streaming and satellite reruns.

Beyond the filmography, her embrace of vegan living and animal rights adds a contemporary dimension to her public persona. For fans who value kindness and conscious choices from their idols, Ayesha stands out for walking the talk.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

1) When was Ayesha Takia born?

10 April 1986.

2) Where is she from?

She was born and raised in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

3) What was her first acting role in films?

Taarzan: The Wonder Car (2004) was her debut feature, and it won her the Filmfare Best Female Debut award.

4) Which music videos made her popular before films?

Falguni Pathak’s “Meri Chunar Udd Udd Jaye” and the remix “Shake It Daddy.”

5) What are her most acclaimed or popular films?

Dor (critically acclaimed), Wanted (commercial hit), along with early roles in Socha Na Tha and Taarzan: The Wonder Car.

6) Did Ayesha work in South Indian cinema?

Yes, she debuted in Telugu cinema with Super (2005), which earned her a Filmfare South Best Actress nomination.

Conclusion

Ayesha Takia’s story is a reminder that careers in the arts don’t have to be long to be meaningful.

A strong debut, a signature performance, a big commercial success, and a graceful exit to focus on life outside the spotlight there’s a satisfying completeness to it.

Fans still return to Dor for its heart, to Wanted for its energy, and to those early music videos for a burst of nostalgia. And they still follow Ayesha for the same reason they noticed her in the first place: she feels real.