Shama Sikander

Shama Sikander

Sikander at the DVF Vogue Dinner on 19 June 2012
Born Shama Sikander Gesawat
August 4, 1981
Makrana, Rajasthan, India
Alma mater Roshan Taneja School of Acting
Occupation Actress, film producer
Years active 1998–present

Shama Sikander Gesawat (born August 4, 1981) is an Indian actress and film producer who has appeared in numerous films, music videos and television programs in English, Hindi and various other North Indian and South Indian languages. In addition to acting, Sikander serves as the managing director of Chocolate Box Films India Pvt. Ltd. a Mumbai India based film production company. She is also considered one of the leading ladies of Indian Television. She is highly acclaimed for her pathbreaking portrayal of pooja in Yeh Meri Life Hai which has been often imitated but never bettered.

Early life

Shama Sikander Gesawat was born in Makrana, Rajasthan, India, and is the daughter of Gulshan,[1] a housewife and Sikander Gesawat who was a marble supplier and now practices ayurveda.<ref name="PIX: Sultry Shama Sikander designs sexy womenswear!"5">"PIX: Sultry Shama Sikander designs sexy womenswear!". Rediff,. June 24, 2011.</ref>[2] At the age of 10 her family moved to Mumbai, Maharashtra, where she lived together with her younger siblings, Khalid, Rizwan, and Salma (born 1991).[3] Sikander has mentioned in interviews that her early years in Mumbai were extremely difficult, even commenting that at times “there was no food in the house to feed the family”.[4]

Having moved locations frequently,[5] Sikander attended as many as nine schools in her early life in Makrana and in various parts of Greater Mumbai including Malad, Mumbra, Thane, and Andheri.[2][5] Following her completion of the 10th grade, and passing the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education examination,[2] Sikander enrolled in the Roshan Taneja School of Acting in Mumbai in 1995, graduating from the course a year later.

Career

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

Sikander's production company Chocolate Box Films Pvt. Ltd., founded in late 2012, has yet to announce its first production.

Shama Sikendar.

Actor (Early Work)

While working to establish herself in Mumbai's Bollywood industry, Sikander traveled hours, daily from the outskirts of the city to attend auditions,[5] often accompanied by her brother, Rizwan Sikander, also an actor.[6]

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.[7] After a friend suggested she screen test for the part, Sikander so impressed Feroz Khan that she landed the role, even though it had already been cast. Despite significant hype, the film, which also featured Feroz Khan's son Fardeen Khan's debut, was a both a critical and box office failure. Nevertheless, what favorable reviews the film garnered were with regard to Sikander's performance with one critic praising her screen presence and commenting “[Sikander is] friendly to the viewers' eyes.” [8]

A year later Sikander appeared in the Amir Khan starer Mann (1999 Hindi) in a cameo as 'Kamini'.[7] Directed by Indra Kumar the film received mixed reviews and did not do well at the box office. As with her debut in Prem Aggan, however, Sikander received positive reviews for her performance. Calling her “pretty and emotive”, Mohammad Ali Ikram of Planet Bollywood exclaimed “Mark my words, this simple stunner has the ability to shine as a great performer and star”.[9]

Ansh: The Deadly Part (2002) was Sikander's first lead role in a large budget Hindi language feature film. Portraying the character 'Kusum' opposite south Indian superstar Mirza Abbas Ali, the film produced by Rukamanee Arts was a box office success doing reasonably well and garnering generally favorable reviews. Seema Pant of Rediff commented “all [members of the cast] play their parts well”.[10] Despite Ansh being her best-faring feature film so far, Sikander would not have another big screen release for the next six years owing to her explosive TV success in the following year.

Actor (2003–present)

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”,[11][12] and eventually elevated her to “one of the most loved faces on Indian television.”.[13] Her performance earned her numerous nominations, her wins 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).

Fueled by the success of Ye Meri Life Hai and her subsequent performances, Sikander would be seen in frequent guest appearances on various popular programs including Batliwala House No. 43 (in 2005), C.I.D. (Indian TV series) (in 2006), Jodee Kamaal Ki (in 2007), Kaajjal (in 2008), and Man Mein Hai Visshwas (in 2009).[7]

Beginning in 2007 Sikander also featured as a TV program Host – first of 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, 2008 would also see Sikander appear on numerous programs including celebrity dance program Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena as a celebrity contestant alongside notable Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli (where she drew praise from Bollywood Superstar Sushmita Sen who called her "one of the most fabulous dancers I’ve ever seen”[14]), next in the singing reality program Jjhoom India again 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 as a guest judge.[7] Her ability to showcase well in singing, dance, hosting as well as acting caused critics to comment on her versatility as a performer, identifying her as one of the few who have been able to navigate between film and television.[15]

While her TV career flourished Sikander returned to film in 2008 with Director Shashi Ranjan's Dhoom Dadakka. In the lead role of 'Jiya', alongside notable Bollywood actors Jackie Shroff, Anupam Kher, Gulshan Grover, and Satish Kaushik, Sikander's performance stood out and was appreciated with Sify's Sonia Chopra commenting “Shama Sikander [is] earnest ... molten-hot and ... superbly styled”. In contrast, the film was a box office failure and regarded by critics as average[16][17] to disappointing.[18][19][20] The failure of the film was unanimously attributed to Director Shashi Ranjan's stewardship. Critic Chopra commenting “The cast doesn’t disappoint as much as the film”,[18] with Bollywood Trade News Network's Martin D'Souza agreeing “director Shashi Ranjan has assembled a talented star cast and is not able to handle their talents”,[21] and Joginder Tuteja of Naach Gaana adding “one can’t really blame [Shama] for the mess she has been subjected to!”.[20]

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 Hindi) produced by the Bollywood juggernaut Yash Raj Films. With a production budget far in excess of any television program that came before,[22] YRF's Seven aired weekly episodes instead of daily, in contrast to its competing programing.[22] Sikander's performance and the program as a whole was widely appreciated for being “daringly different”,[23] with its own “dedicated audience”[24] eliciting a “huge response through ... platforms like internet, e-mails and social networking sites.”[25] Nevertheless perhaps due to its weekly format, lack of significant promotion, excessive production budget, and YRF's primary focus on its film division, Seven experienced only niche viewership[26][27] and was eventually brought to a close after only one season of 26 episodes.[24]

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.[28] Despite rumors of Sikander's departure from the show in April 2013,[29][30] she continues to feature in the second season of the Hindi language daily on SAB TV. Baal Veer stands as one of the channel's, and indeed the market segment's, highest rated programs.[31][32]

Designer (2010–present)

On December 3, 2010 Sikander launched her women's wear fashion label Saisha in the upscale Mumbai suburb of Bandra West,[33] with the high profile and widely covered inauguration attended by her close friends and Bollywood superstars Sushmita Sen and Jackie Shroff.[34][35] Sikander has showcased her collection numerous times since, often, but not always, appearing on the ramp in her own designs.[36] Saisha has appeared both domestically in Hyderabad Fashion Week [6] and Mumbai's Lakme Fashion Week,[37] as well as internationally, most notably in South Africa.[10]

Film, Music & Music Video Producer (2012–present)

Opting in late 2012 to divide her attention between performance and production, Sikander incorporated the Film and TV production company Chocolate Box Films Pvt. Ltd. which has yet to announce its first project.[38]

Having previously featured in a number of music videos in Punjabi and other Indian languages (most notably for acclaimed singer Abhijeet[39]) in late 2012 Sikander reportedly produced a (very sensuous) music video featuring herself alongside boyfriend actor / musician Alexx O'Nell picturising his original English language composition entitled 'Still On My Mind'.[40] The video, which marks their first on screen collaboration has not yet been released, and it is uncertain if it was produced under the newly formed Chocolate Box Films Pvt. Ltd. banner.[41] Reports also indicate that she may be producing an entire English language album authored by O'Nell.[42]

In The Media

Sikander's sex appeal has been picked up on by many sources, focussing on her fitness regimen, diet, and style sense.[27][43][44][45][46]

She has been featured in numerous magazine spreads as well as appearing on the cover of GR8! Magazine more than any other actress, three times for the English Edition: March 2010,[47] July 2006,[48] February 2005,[49] as well as at least twice for the Hindi Edition. She also appeared on the cover of Showtime Magazine in December 2011.[50] Sikander was deemed October 2011's 'Hottie of the Month' by Perfect Woman Magazine,[51] and featured in the 'Perfect Woman Spotlight' in May 2013[52] and Zing Magazine's 'Travel Diaries' in March 2013.[53]

Additionally, Sikander has appeared in print and on the ramp supporting various notable fashion labels and designers including Manish Malhotra & Shaina NC,[54] Neeta Lulla, Nisha Jamvwal, the world renowned Ritu Kumar, as well as her own brand Saisha.[36] In addition to heading the creative development of Saisha's women's wear designs, Sikander who has been referred to as a “fashion connoisseur”[36] even reportedly contributed design expertise for the creation of wardrobe for her currently-running Baal Veer television program.[55]

Listing among her activities kickboxing, power yoga and dance, Sikander has commented “fitness has always been an integral part of my daily routine … I ensure that I work out everyday [sic] for at least an hour … [I] eat right and think positive.”[43]

Sikander's hobbies, including the violin,[56] photography[57] and most recently abstract painting,[58] often feature in media coverage.

The actress is also said to be multi-lingual, speaking six languages including Hindi, English, Urdu, Gujarati, Marathi and Marwadi (of her native Rajasthan).[56]

Personal life

Relationships

Sikander's personal life and relationships are often the subject of media attention.

In 2010 Indian gossip columnist Vicky Lalwani linked Sikander to actor Mimoh Chakraborty – a claim both parties denied.[59] Shama Sikander is a good friend with Indian businessman Sahil Peerzada, [60]

In mid-2011 speculation began regarding Sikander's relationship with India-based American actor / musician Alexx O'Nell[61] The two were spotted with increasing frequency throughout 2011 and Sikander confirmed that they were indeed in a relationship in an interview which featured on the cover of Showtime Magazine's December 2011 issue, entitled “Shama Sikander Finally Breaks Her Silence On Her Relationship With Alexx O'Nell”.[50] More recently, a June 2012 interview with Sikander disclosed that the two met through friends at a sundown party .. and that she was "won over nearly immediately after he played some music for her ... [O'Nell's original] compositions ... to be featured in an album that will release soon."[62]

Filmography

Film
Year Film Role Notes
2008 Dhoom Dadakka Jiya Released
2002 Ansh: The Deadly Part Kusum Released
1999 Mann Kamini Released
1998 Prem Aggan Pooja Released
2008 The Contract Feat. Dance Perf. Song: Maula Khair Kare Released
Television: Fiction
Year Project Role Type Channel Producer Notes
2012–2014 Baal Veer Byankar Pari Lead Antagonist SAB TV Optimystix
2010-11 Seven Shunyaa Lead Protagonist Sony TV Yash Raj Films
2007 Popkorn Newz Self Host Zoom Optimystix
2003–2005 Yeh Meri Life Hai Pooja (Lead Protagonist) Sony TV Optimystix
2009 Man Mein Hai Visshwas Rukhsana Lead Sony TV Creative Eye Limited Single Episode Appearance
2008 Kaajjal Chameli Cameo Sony TV
2007 Jodee Kamaal Ki Self Celebrity Guest Star Plus Shreya Creations Ep. Raksha Bandhan Special
2006 C.I.D. (Indian TV series) Minakshi Lead Sony TV Fireworks Productions Ep. "Secret of the Code No. 571 E 1115"
2005 Batliwala House No. 43 Self Celebrity Guest Sony TV
Television: Dance & Reality
Year Title Class Role Channel
2008 Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena Dance Reality Show Self (Celebrity Contestant) Colors (TV channel)
2010 Jjhoom India Singing Reality Show Self (Celebrity Contestant) Sahara One
2010 Boogie Woogie Dance Reality Show Self (Celebrity Guest / Judge) *Multiple Appearances Sony TV
2008 Jet Set Go Travel-Contest Reality Show Self (Host) STAR One

Awards and Nominations

Year Award Presenter Result
2005 Critics' Choice: Best Actress 12th Lions Gold Awards Won
2005 Best Face Sony TV
2004 GR8 Face of the Year Indian Television Academy Awards
2004 Best Debut Indian Television Academy Awards
2005 Best Actress Indian Telly Awards Nominated
2005 Best Debut Indian Telly Awards

References

  1. ↑ "I always want my mother to feel special: Shama". The Times Of India, Swasti Chatterjee. May 11, 2013.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "PIX: Sultry Shama Sikander designs sexy womenswear!". Rediff,. June 24, 2011.
  3. ↑ "PIX: Sultry Shama Sikander designs sexy womenswear!". Rediff,. June 24, 2011.
  4. ↑ "PIX: Sultry Shama Sikander designs sexy womenswear!". Rediff,. June 24, 2011.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Reaping the Jassi harvest". The Hindu,. April 29, 2004.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "PIX: Sultry Shama Sikander designs sexy womenswear!". Rediff,. June 24, 2011.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Shama Sikander at the Internet Movie Database
  8. ↑ "Prem Aggan Review". Planet Bollywood, Mohammad Ali Ikram. October 30, 1998.
  9. ↑ "Mann Review". Planet Bollywood, Mohammad Ali Ikram. July 9, 1999.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Grateful Dread". Rediff, Seema Pant. April 12, 2002.
  11. ↑ "Shama is living her dreams". Times Of India TNN, Janki Dave. October 4, 2008.
  12. ↑ "Shama Sikander ushers in Diwali with lights and family time". SAWF News,. October 27, 2008.
  13. ↑ "Shama Sikander moves to big screen". DNA India,. May 10, 2011.
  14. ↑ "Shama Sikander - A girl to watch out for!". ThaIndian, Amrit Rashmisrisethi. September 26, 2008.
  15. ↑ "I can look glamorous". Times Of India TNN, Iti Shree Misra. Sep 30, 2008.
  16. ↑ "Dhoom Dadakka". All Indian Site,. May 23, 2008.
  17. ↑ "Dhoom Dhadaka Movie Review". Go Bollywood, Lekha Madhavan. 24 May 2008.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 "Dhoom Dadakka Review". Sify, Sonia Chopra.
  19. ↑ "movie review dhoom dadakka". Bollywood Hungama News Network, Taran Adarsh. May 23, 2008.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 "DVD REVIEW - DHOOM DADAKKA - ONE OF THE WORST FILMS OF THE YEAR". Naach Gaana, Joginder Tuteja. July 3, 2008.
  21. ↑ "Movie Review : Dhoom Dadakka". Bollywood Trade News Network, Martin D'Souza. May 23, 2008.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 Seven at the Internet Movie Database
  23. ↑ "YRF Television". Yash Raj Films,.
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 "Yash Raj Films to end TV shows". Bollywood Trade News Network,. June 29, 2010.
  25. ↑ "YRF TV driven by content, not TRPs". Zee News, IANS. January 25, 2011.
  26. ↑ "All YRF soaps to go off air from July 1". Hindustan Times, Agencies. June 30, 2010.
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 "Salsa time for Shama". Times Of India TNN,. Mar 14, 2010.
  28. ↑ "Shama Sikandar feels that her negative role in Baal Veer will help her to vent her pent up feelings". Tellychakkar, TellychakkarTeam. 30 Sep 2012.
  29. ↑ "Deepshikha in place of Shama in Baal Veer". Times of India TNN, Neha Maheshwri. Apr 26, 2013.
  30. ↑ "After Karishma, now Shama quits Baal Veer". Times of India TNN, Neha Maheshwri. Apr 14, 2013.
  31. ↑ "Overnights: ‘SaraswatiChandra’ hits record high". Media 247, Raj Baddhan. March 12, 2013.
  32. ↑ "Balveer". television trp,. May 12, 2013.
  33. ↑ "Saisha by Shama Sikander". Bandra Info,. May 17, 2013.
  34. ↑ "Celeb spotting in tinsel town: Launch of Shama Sikandar's new label Saisha". MSN,. December 3, 2010.
  35. ↑ "Sushmita Sen opens friend Shama Sikander’s designer store SAISHA". GlamGold,. December 5, 2010.
  36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 36.2 "Shama Sikandar showcased her Cocktail & Party Collection". BollySpice, BollySpice Editors. January 22, 2011.
  37. ↑ "Shama gears up for her LFW debut". Times Of India TNN, Debarati S Sen. Aug 19, 2011.
  38. ↑ "Chocolate Box Films Pvt Ltd". The Open Database Of The Corporate World.
  39. ↑ Mujhe Kanhaiya Kaha Karo [Full Song] Tere Bina. T-Series, Abhijeet Bhattacharjya. May 22, 2011.
  40. ↑ "You can't stop the world from judging you: TV actress Shama Sikander". Zee News,. December 27, 2012.
  41. ↑ "Marriage will happen when the right time comes: Shama". Times Of India TNN, Stuti Agarwal. Apr 10, 2013.
  42. ↑ "Shama Sikander, Alexx Onell to feature in a music video". Times Of India TNN, Neha Maheshwri. Dec 21, 2012.
  43. ↑ 43.0 43.1 "Sizzling Shama Sikander reveals her fitness secrets!". Rediff,. March 29, 2010.
  44. ↑ "Shama inclined towards a fit and toned body". TNN, Amrita Mulchandani. Jul 26, 2013.
  45. ↑ "Shama is called Uma on the sets!". TNN,. Dec 31, 2009.
  46. ↑ "Sayantani Ghosh's b'day bash in Mumbai". TNN,. Sep 8, 2011.
  47. ↑ "Return Of a Hottie... (Cover Story)". Gr8! Magazine 7 (Indian Television Academy). March 2010.
  48. ↑ "Cricket Special (Cover Story)". Gr8! Magazine 4 (Indian Television Academy). July 2006.
  49. ↑ "Valentines Special (Cover Story)". Gr8! Magazine 3 (Indian Television Academy). February 2005.
  50. ↑ 50.0 50.1 Raedita Tandan (December 2011). "Shama Sikander Finally Breaks Her Silence On Her Relationship With Alexx O'Nell (Cover Story)". Showtime Magazine (Magna Publications). pp. 20–26.
  51. ↑ Aanchal Gera (October 2011). "Hottie of the Month". Perfect Woman Magazine 1 (X) (GGC Limited). pp. 20–22.
  52. ↑ Aanchal Gera (May 2013). "Perfect Woman Spotlight". Perfect Woman Magazine 3 (5) (GGC Limited).
  53. ↑ Ayushi Sinha (March 2013). "Shama Sikander Travel Diaries". Zing Magazine (Cyberax Media). pp. 43–46.
  54. ↑ "Shaina NC and Manish Malhotra's charity fashion show". DNA, Prashant Jadhav. Jun 20, 2011.
  55. ↑ "Shama helps designer of her show on costumes". TNN,. Oct 13, 2012.
  56. ↑ 56.0 56.1 "Playing the violin is sexy: Shama". TNN,. Oct 13, 2008.
  57. ↑ "Shama's creative instincts". TNN, Swasti Chatterjee. Dec 16, 2012.
  58. ↑ "Painting is a highly creative passion: Shama Sikander". CanIndia,. August 1, 2013.
  59. ↑ "Mithun's son is in love". MUMBAI MIRROR, VICKEY LALWANI. May 17, 2010.
  60. ↑ "EXPENDABLE INFRA PVT. LTD". TNN, Indrani Basu. May 22, 2012.
  61. ↑ "Shweta and Alex are still in great terms". Tellychakkar, TellychakkarTeam. 9 Nov 2011.
  62. ↑ "For the game of love". Asian Age, Nisha Jamvwal. June 6, 2012.

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