Over the years, we have seen a series of talented actresses in the Hindi film industry. While some made their name in the film industry, many excelled in the television industry. However, the list of actresses who made their mark both in film and television is quite short. Today, we are going to talk about an actress who not only succeeded in Bollywood and television but also did some memorable work on the streaming platform.
We are talking about Shama Sikander, whose real name is Shama Sikander Ali Gesawat. Even at the age of 42, she can still give young actresses a run for their money with her surreal beauty and boldness. Shama was born on August 4, 1981, into a lower-middle class family in Rajasthan's Makrana. Once, in an old interview, Shama revealed that when she was 10, she heard her parents talking about the financial difficulties they were going through. The actress added that she even heard her parents admit there was no money in their house to buy food.
When Shama Sikander was nine, her family moved to Mumbai for better work opportunities. Courtesy of the struggle she had seen at the age of ten, Shama understood the importance of money right from an early age. The actress completed her schooling from different schools and pursued a graduation degree in acting from Roshan Taneja School of Acting in Mumbai. After graduating in 1995, she made her acting debut in Bollywood in 1998 with the film, Prem Aggan.
At the mere age of 17, Shama Sikander stepped into the world of glam and glitz. She instantly caught the attention of big producers and directors, courtesy of her acting skills and beauty. In 1999, renowned director, Indra Kumar cast her in Mann alongside Aamir Khan and Manisha Koirala. It was a breakthrough moment for Shama, after which she received tons of projects. In the following years, she appeared in films like Yeh Mohabbat Hai, Ansh: The Deadly Part, Basti, Dhoom Dadakka, Contract, Bypass Road, and many more.
Not just in the Hindi film industry, Shama Sikander also proved the mettle of her acting prowess in Indian television. She made a successful TV debut with the show, Yeh Meri Life Hai, in which she played the character, 'Pooja', that made a place in audiences' hearts. She went on to appear in a series of renowned television shows, including C.I.D., Kaajjal, Man Mein Hai Visshwas, Seven, Baal Veer, and many more. Shama also participated in a series of reality shows too, including Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena, Jet Set Go, Jjhoom India, and Boogie Woogie.
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Right from the start of her successful acting career, Shama Sikander never missed a chance to test herself as an actress. It was in 2016 when Vikram Bhatt decided to make a 10-episode erotic web series, Maaya: Slave of Her Desires, which premiered on YouTube. Shama Sikander played the character of 'Sonia Arora' in the web series and her bold performance in it stunned everyone. Maaya: Slave of Her Desires was even featured in the Marseille Web Fest Official Selection 2017, courtesy of his well-tailored storyline and Shama's fabulous acting performance.
Despite working in so many films, television shows, web series, and music videos, Shama Sikander decided to quit acting. Once, in an old interview with Pinkvilla, Shama shared that she was doing a lot of work in the 2000s without any break. The tight schedule and constant work took a heavy toll on her mental and physical health. The actress admitted that she felt 'burnt out' when she was working in the TV industry. There came a point in her life when she stopped meeting people and slumped into depression.
Shama Sikander also revealed that she wanted to end her life and even tried to commit suicide. Luckily, her parents stopped her and stood by her side till the end of her recovery phase. For the uninitiated, Shama's last film was Bypass Road (2019), while her last television show was Baal-Veer (2014), and the last time she was seen in a music was Hawa Karda (2021); since then, she has been inactive in terms of acting.
The stunning actress, Shama Sikander is living a peaceful life, which she documents on Instagram, where she has a strong fanbase of 3.2 million followers. Every now and then, we have seen Shama breaking into the headlines due to her amazing transformation, which is clearly visible into her recent pictures on social media. One look at her old pictures from the 2000s and it's incredible how beautifully she has transformed in all these years.
On the personal front, Shama Sikander is leading a happy married life with her husband, James Milliron, who is an American businessman. The couple got married on March 14, 2022, in a traditional Chrisitan wedding. Time and again, we have seen Shama posting lovely pictures with James on her Instagram handle. We hope, she continues to lead a happy life.
What are your thoughts on Shama Sikander's acting career and the reason why she quit it despite being at its peak? Let us know.
Also Read: Where Is Radhika Apte, AKA 'OTT Queen' And Why She No Longer Dominates The Streaming Space?
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