{{short description|Indian Actress}} {{Use Indian English|date=February 2016}} {{Multiple issues| {{BLP sources|date=November 2015}} {{Improve categories|date=September 2024}} }} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}} {{Infobox person | name = Shama Sikander | image = Shama Sikander in Mumbai 01.jpg | alt = Shama Sikander in sari | caption = Sikander in 2018 | birth_name = | birth_date = | birth_place = Makrana, Rajasthan, India | alma_mater = Roshan Taneja School of Acting | occupation = Actress, Producer | years_active = 1998–2021 | children = | spouse = {{marriage|James Milliron|2022}} | partner = }}
'''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).
==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).<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2022-08-04 |title=Yeh Meri Life Hai fame Shama Sikander turns a year older: Sneak peek into her photo gallery |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/yeh-meri-life-hai-fame-shama-sikander-turns-a-year-older-sneak-peek-into-her-photo-gallery-11000661.html |access-date=2024-05-16 |website=Firstpost |language=en-us}}</ref> 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,<ref name="Reaping the Jassi harvest">{{cite news |date=29 April 2004 |title=Reaping the Jassi harvest |url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/04/29/stories/2004042901460200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040705145448/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/04/29/stories/2004042901460200.htm |archive-date=5 July 2004 |work=The Hindu}}</ref> often accompanied by her brother, Rizwan Sikander, also an actor.<ref name="PIX: Sultry Shama Sikander designs sexy womenswear!5">{{cite news |date=24 June 2011 |title=PIX: Sultry Shama Sikander designs sexy womenswear! |url=http://www.rediff.com/getahead/slide-show/slide-show-1-glamour-interview-with-shama-sikander/20110624.htm#5 |publisher=Rediff}}</ref>
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)=== thumb|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",<ref name="Shama is living her dreams">{{cite news|title=Shama is living her dreams|date= 4 October 2008|url= https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tv-/Shama-is-living-her-dreams/articleshow/3556658.cms|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131014202027/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-10-04/tv/27906516_1_shama-sikander-reality-show-serials|url-status= live|work=The Times of India|archive-date= 14 October 2013}}</ref> and eventually elevated her to "one of the most loved faces on Indian television."<ref name="Shama Sikander moves to big screen">{{cite news|title=Shama Sikander moves to big screen|publisher=DNA India|date= 10 May 2011|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/1541617/report-shama-sikander-moves-to-big-screen}}</ref> 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), and The 12th Annual Lion's Gold Awards' "Best Actress: Critics' Choice" (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.<ref>{{cite news |title=HC tells Censor Board to give certificate to film on Guj riots |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/story/hc-tells-censor-board-to-give-certificate-to-film-on-guj-riots/259888 |accessdate=9 April 2020 |work=Outlook |agency=Press Trust of India |date=5 November 2004}}</ref>
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. 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. Sikander quit the show in 2014.
In March 2016, Sikander featured in the short film ''Sexaholic''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/shama-sikander-it-was-not-easy-to-play-nymphomaniac-in-sexaholic/|title=Shama Sikander: It was not easy to play nymphomaniac in Sexaholic|date=6 March 2016|website=indianexpress.com|accessdate=25 February 2018}}</ref>
In early 2017, Sikander was featured in the title role of Maaya in ''Maaya: Slave of Her Desires'' directed by ''Vikram Bhatt''.
In December 2017, Sikander announced ''Ab Dil Ki Sunn'', the maiden project of her home production in which she also plays the lead role.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mid-day.com/articles/shama-sikander-ab-dil-ki-sun-inspired-by-my-life/18831197|title=Shama Sikander: 'Ab Dil Ki Sun' inspired by my life|date=17 December 2017 }}</ref> Inspired by her own life incidents,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/hindi/2017/dec/16/ab-dil-ki-sun-inspired-by-my-life-shama-sikander-1729084.html|title=Ab Dil Ki Sun' inspired by my life: Shama Sikander|date=17 December 2017 }}</ref> ''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.
Sikander's return to the theaters came with the November 1st, 2019 release of the mainstream Bollywood thriller Bypass Road.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/bypass-road-the-thriller-drama-starring-neil-nitin-mukesh-to-release-on-november-1/articleshow/70645320.cms|title='Bypass Road': The thriller-drama starring Neil Nitin Mukesh to release on November 1 - Times of India|website=The Times of India|date=12 August 2019 |language=en|access-date=2019-10-01}}</ref>
===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''. In March 2021, Shama Sikander appeared in the music video, ''Hawa Karda'' by Koinage Records.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Watch New Punjabi Song Music Video - 'Hawa Karda' Sung By Afsana Khan, Sahil Sharma {{!}} Punjabi Video Songs - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/entertainment/music/punjabi/watch-new-punjabi-song-music-video-hawa-karda-sung-by-afsana-khan-sahil-sharma/videoshow/82118814.cms|access-date=2021-04-27|website=timesofindia.indiatimes.com|language=en}}</ref>
==Personal life== Sikandar is multi-lingual and can speak six languages including Hindi, English, Urdu, Gujarati, Marathi and Marwadi.<ref name="Playing the violin is sexy: Shama">{{cite news |date=13 October 2008 |title=Playing the violin is sexy: Shama |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tv-/Playing-the-violin-is-sexy-Shama/articleshow/3586635.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131007052935/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-10-13/tv/27899353_1_shama-sikander-violin-reality-show |archive-date=7 October 2013 |work=The Times of India}}</ref> Outside of acting, she is passionate about playing the violin,<ref name="Playing the violin is sexy: Shama" /> photography,<ref name="Shama's creative instincts">{{cite news |date=16 December 2012 |title=Shama's creative instincts |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tv/Shamas-creative-instincts/articleshow/17635507.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130816151644/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-12-16/tv/35850482_1_photography-bhayankar-pari-fashion-label |archive-date=16 August 2013 |work=The Times of India}}</ref> and abstract painting.<ref name="Painting is a highly creative passion: Shama Sikander">{{cite news |date=1 August 2013 |title=Painting is a highly creative passion: Shama Sikander |url=http://www.canindia.com/2013/08/painting-is-a-highly-creative-passion-shama-sikander/.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130816151641/http://www.canindia.com/2013/08/painting-is-a-highly-creative-passion-shama-sikander/.htm |archive-date=16 August 2013 |access-date=16 August 2013 |publisher=CanIndia}}</ref>
In a series of short films released on YouTube, Sikander shared her experience of living with depression and bipolar disorder. The films entitled ''Ab Dil Ki Sunn'' were developed under her production company, Shama Sikandar Films. {{Citation needed|date=September 2025}}
Sikandar was in a relationship with American-born actor and musician Alexx O'Nell from 2011 to 2015.<ref name=":0" /> In 2016, she announced her engagement to American businessman James Milliron; the couple married in a Christian ceremony in March 2022.{{Citation needed|date=September 2025}}
==Filmography==
===Movies=== {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Year ! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable" | Notes |- | 1998 | ''Prem Aggan'' | Pooja | |- | 1999 | ''Mann'' | Kamini | |- | rowspan="2" | 2002 | ''Yeh Mohabbat Hai'' | | |- | ''Ansh: The Deadly Part'' | Kusum | |- |2003 | ''Basti'' | | |- |2005 | ''Chand Bujh Gaya'' | Saveen I. Jafri | |- | rowspan="2" | 2008 | ''Dhoom Dadakka'' | Jiya | |- | ''Contract'' | |Special appearances in "Maula Khair Kare" |- | 2016 | ''Sexaholic'' | Riya |Short film<ref>{{Cite web | title = Watch: Shama Sikander's sex addict act in short film is literally too hot to handle| work = DNA | date = 4 March 2016 | accessdate = 2016-05-26 | url = http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-watch-shama-sikandar-s-sex-addict-act-in-this-short-film-is-so-hot-it-should-be-illegal-nsfw-2185601 }}</ref> |- | 2019 | ''Bypass Road'' | Sarah | <ref>{{cite web|url=http://bollyy.com/shama-sikander-has-been-recently-signed-film-bypass-road/|title=Shama Sikander Has Been Recently Signed Film Bypass Road}}</ref> |- |}
===Television=== {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Year ! Show ! Role ! Channel ! Notes |- | 2003–2005 | ''Yeh Meri Life Hai'' | Pooja | rowspan="3" | Sony TV | |- | 2005 | ''Batliwala House No. 43'' | Herself | Celebrity Guest |- | 2006 | ''C.I.D.'' | Minakshi | 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 | rowspan="3" | Sony TV | Cameo appearance |- | 2009 | ''Man Mein Hai Visshwas'' | Rukhsana | Single Episode Appearance |- | 2010–2011 | ''Seven'' | Shunyaa | |- | 2012–2014 | ''Baal Veer'' | Bhali Pari later changed to Bhayankar Pari | SAB TV | |}
===Television: Dance & Reality=== {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Year ! Title ! Class ! Role ! Channel |- | rowspan="2" | 2008 | ''Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena'' | Dance Reality Show | Self (Celebrity Contestant) | Colors (TV channel) |- | ''Jet Set Go'' | Travel-Contest Reality Show | Self (Host) | STAR One |- | rowspan="2" | 2010 | ''Jjhoom India'' | Singing Reality Show | Self (Celebrity Contestant) | Sahara One |- | ''Boogie Woogie'' | Dance Reality Show | Self (Celebrity Guest / Judge) *Multiple Appearances | Sony TV |}
===Web series=== {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Year !! Title !! Role !! Channel !! Notes |- | 2017 | ''Maaya: Slave of Her Desires'' | Maaya | VB on the Web | Marseille Web Fest Official Selection 2017<ref name="marseillewebfest.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.marseillewebfest.com/en/2017/selection-officielle/serie/maaya|title=Maaya|website=Marseille Web Festival|access-date=12 March 2018|archive-date=17 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180917020029/http://www.marseillewebfest.com/en/2017/selection-officielle/serie/maaya|url-status=dead}}</ref> |- |2018 |''Ab Dil Ki Sunn'' |multiple |YouTube |Producer also |- |}
===Music videos=== {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Year ! Song title ! Album !Ref. |- | 2001 | ''Mirza'' | Lala Lala Lala | |- | 2001 | ''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 |<ref>{{Cite web|title=Watch New Punjabi Song Music Video - 'Hawa Karda' Sung By Afsana Khan, Sahil Sharma {{!}} Punjabi Video Songs - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/entertainment/music/punjabi/watch-new-punjabi-song-music-video-hawa-karda-sung-by-afsana-khan-sahil-sharma/videoshow/82118814.cms|access-date=2021-04-27|website=timesofindia.indiatimes.com|language=en}}</ref> |}
==Awards and nominations== {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Year ! Award ! Presenter ! class="unsortable" | Result |- | 2004 | Best Actress in a Lead Role<ref>{{cite news|title=Telly awards 2004 Popular Awards winners|url=http://tellyawards.indiantelevision.com/y2k4/winners_pop.htm|access-date=20 August 2017|archive-date=17 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180917175611/http://tellyawards.indiantelevision.com/y2k4/winners_pop.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Telly awards 2004 Popular Awards nominees|url=http://tellyawards.indiantelevision.com/y2k4/nominee.htm|access-date=20 August 2017|archive-date=16 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016123453/http://tellyawards.indiantelevision.com/y2k4/nominee.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> | Indian Telly Awards | rowspan="2" {{Nominated}} |- | 2004 | Fresh New Face | Indian Telly Awards |- | 2004 | GR8 Face of the Year | Indian Television Academy Awards | rowspan="3" {{Won}} |- | 2004 | Best Debut | Indian Television Academy Awards |- | 2005 | Critics' Choice: Best Actress | 12th Lions Gold Awards |- |- |2019 |Most Promising Actor |Black Swan Awards, Asia One |{{won}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/shamasikander/status/1173825899361234944|title=Lastnight wasspecial}}</ref> |- |}
==References== {{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}
==External links== {{Commons category|Shama Sikander}} * {{IMDb name|1167655}} * {{Bollywood Hungama person|shama-sikander}} * {{Twitter|shamasikander}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sikander, Shama}} Category:Year of birth missing (living people) Category:21st-century Indian actresses Category:Actresses in Hindi cinema Category:Indian film actresses Category:Living people Category:Actresses from Mumbai Category:Rajasthani people Category:Actresses in Hindi television