Sanjeeda Sheikh is an Indian actress known for her strong presence in Hindi television and increasingly in films and web series
From being the fresh face of television in the mid-2000s to appearing in high-profile film and digital projects in the 2020s, her journey is a mix of early success, reinvention, and evolving ambitions.
This article will provide a detailed look at her life early days, career milestones, personal life, recent projects along with key statistics, FAQs and sources.
Also Read: Mannu Sandhu Bio, Family, Career, Personal Life and More
Table of Contents
Sanjeeda Sheikh’s Biography
Early Life & Background
Sanjeeda Sheikh was born on December 20, 1984 in Kuwait City, Kuwait. Her family originates from Ahmedabad, Gujarat in India. 1
Growing up in a Muslim family, she later moved to India and pursued her education and early career. According to one source she completed a Bachelor of Arts degree before transitioning fully into entertainment.
As a young woman she showed interest in performance and dance. One interview noted that she disliked the gym but loved dancing and kick-boxing as fitness routines.2
Her upbringing in Gujarat and her early days gave her the cultural grounding that later fed into her television work.
Although detailed public information about her parents and schooling is limited, what is known helps map how she arrived at television stardom.
Career Journey
Beginnings in Television (2003-2009)
Sanjeeda’s professional career began with television serials. She first captured attention with the show Kyaa Hoga Nimmo Kaa (2005) where she played the lead role of Nimmo. 3
Following that, she appeared in the popular serial Kayamath (2007-2009) as Ayesha Shergill.
Her performance as Ayesha, especially in a somewhat negative-oriented role, earned accolades and made her a household name. According to IMDb trivia, she won the dance-reality show Nach Baliye 3 in 2007 alongside then-partner Aamir Ali. 4
During this period, she also hosted and participated in reality shows and dance shows showing early on the versatility she would carry throughout her career.
— Sanjeeda Shaikh (@iamsanjeeda) September 6, 2025
Growth & Diversification (2010-2019)
In this phase, she expanded her range. She took on roles that challenged stereotypes.
For example, in 2016 she played a mother in the series Ishq Ka Rang Safed a conscious decision for her.
She said: “Earlier I had a fear to play a mother but at this stage of my career I am pretty much confident.” 5
She also spoke in interviews about the staying power of traditional family dramas in India. She told The Indian Express (via IANS): “No. Can the families be away from saas-bahu shows? No.” 6
This phase also included more reality TV, music videos, and forays into non-traditional roles. According to IMDb, she has performed in several music videos.
Transition to Films and Web Series (2020-Present)
From 2020 onwards Sanjeeda shifted more into films and streaming platforms. Key works include:
-
Taish (2020)
-
Kaali Khuhi (2020) — a Netflix horror film.
-
Fighter (2024) — a high-budget aerial action film where she portrayed Saachi, the Air Force officer’s wife.
-
Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar (2024) — a series by director Sanjay Leela Bhansali in which she plays the courtesan Waheeda.
Her evolution from television lead to film and digital platform actress demonstrates adaptability in a rapidly changing entertainment ecosystem.
Personal Life
Sanjeeda Sheikh married fellow actor Aamir Ali on March 2, 2012. The couple went through several public moments together, including their win on Nach Baliye 3 in 2007.7
They welcomed a daughter, Ayra Ali, through surrogacy (announced around August 2020). The marriage, however, did not last; they separated in 2020 and finalized their divorce in 2021.8
In interviews, Sanjeeda has spoken about challenges in her career including harassment. For instance she revealed a nightclub incident where a woman unexpectedly touched her without permission.9
On the fitness front, she has said she never followed strict dieting and instead enjoyed dancing and kick-boxing to stay fit.
Also Read: Tanya Maniktala Bio, Age, Career, Movies, Family and More
Statistics
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sanjeeda Sheikh |
| Date of Birth | December 20, 1984 |
| Place of Birth | Kuwait City, Kuwait |
| Height | Approx. 5 ft 4 in (163 cm) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Industry | Hindi television, films, web series |
| Years Active | 2003–present |
| Known For | TV shows: Kyaa Hoga Nimmo Kaa, Kayamath, Ek Hasina Thi; Films: Taish, Kaali Khuhi, Fighter |
| Marital Status | Divorced (Aamir Ali) |
| Children | 1 daughter (Ayra Ali) |
| Net Worth (Est.) | $3 million (US) |
| Notable Awards | Zee Gold Award for Best Actress in a Negative Role (2008) |
Milestones & Highlights
-
2005: Lead role in TV series Kyaa Hoga Nimmo Kaa.
-
2007-2009: Kayamath as Ayesha Shergill — role of vamp that made her popular.
-
2007: Won Nach Baliye 3 with partner Aamir Ali.
-
2016: Returned to daily soaps in Ishq Ka Rang Safed playing a mother. Interview said she had no inhibition about playing that role.
-
2020: Transitioned to films and streaming with Taish and Kaali Khuhi.
-
2024: Appeared in Fighter and Heeramandi, taking major film/web-series roles.
Her ability to shift from TV to film/web platforms shows her adaptability and willingness to reinvent.
Style, Fitness & Public Persona
Sanjeeda Sheikh’s public statements on fitness reinforce that she does not believe in extreme dieting.
She has said: “I don’t believe in starving myself to be slim, I believe in the concept of being fit.”
Her style evolution has also drawn attention. For example, her social media posts and public appearances sometimes spark discussion about her outfits and bold looks.10
She has shared that dance remains a stress-buster for her, and she tends to pick workouts that she enjoys rather than forcing gym routines.
Impact & Legacy
Sanjeeda’s journey mirrors the changing face of Indian television and its crossover into digital and film spaces. Her early success in “saas-bahu” dramas underscores her resonance with mass-viewership audiences.
As she once noted, “Indian families can’t stay away from saas-bahu shows… none of the families are complete without them.”
Her shift into streaming and films indicates how television actors are no longer confined to the small screen. With roles in significant projects like Fighter and Heeramandi, she is positioning herself among actors with cross-platform reach.
Additionally, her openness about personal challenges (for example harassment) adds a layer of real-world relevance to her public persona. It reveals a willingness to speak out and engage critically with industry issues beyond just performing roles.
Challenges & Reinvention
Like many actors from the television world, Sanjeeda faced the challenge of being typecast. In interviews she discussed her initial hesitation to play a mother, but then embraced it as her career matured.
Transitioning from TV to films and web series also involves navigating different kinds of audiences, roles, and expectations. Her success in doing so albeit still ongoing shows her readiness to adapt and grow.
Her personal life, including her divorce and raising her daughter as a single mother, adds complexity and relatability to her public image. It also signals the changing dynamics of modern celebrity lives in India.
Upcoming & Recent Work
-
In 2024 she appears in Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar as the courtesan Waheeda.
-
The film Fighter (2024) featured her in a significant supporting role.
-
She remains active on social media and in modeling/fashion circuits, suggesting further projects ahead though detailed announcements may be pending.
View this post on Instagram
FAQs
Q: When and where was Sanjeeda Sheikh born?
A: She was born on December 20, 1984 in Kuwait City, Kuwait.
Q: What is her height?
A: Her height is approximately 5 ft 4 in (163 cm).
Q: Which role made her famous on television?
A: Her role as Ayesha Shergill in the serial Kayamath is one of her landmark performances.
Q: Has she worked in films and web series?
A: Yes. She took roles in films such as Taish (2020) and Kaali Khuhi (2020). In 2024 she appeared in Fighter and the web series Heeramandi.
Q: Is she married? Does she have children?
A: She married actor Aamir Ali in 2012. They divorced in 2021. She has a daughter, Ayra Ali, born via surrogacy.
Q: What is her fitness regime or diet?
A: She prefers dance and kick-boxing rather than heavy gym workouts. She does not follow strict dieting and believes in balanced eating and fitness rather than starvation.
Q: What is her estimated net worth?
A: Some estimates place her net worth around US $3 million.
Q: What are some upcoming or recent projects?
A: Recent notable works are Fighter (2024) and Heeramandi (2024). Upcoming projects may be announced in due course.
Conclusion
Sanjeeda Sheikh’s career so far reflects a journey of evolution. From her early days as a television lead in family-drama serials to stepping into varied roles in contemporary films and web series, she has shown a willingness to grow, adapt and take risks.
At the same time, her personal life and public statements reflect a mature, no-nonsense voice that extends beyond glamor.
For fans of Hindi television who want to follow the trajectory of a performer transitioning into the broader entertainment world, Sanjeeda’s story offers real insights.
Her continued presence in major projects suggests that her best years may still lie ahead.
Also Read: Kallirroi Tziafeta Bio, Career, Family, Movies, and Unknown Facts
