Fatima Sana Shaikh stands as one of India’s most talented actresses, known for her powerful performances and versatile acting skills. She has captivated audiences through her remarkable portrayals in both mainstream Bollywood films and digital platforms, earning recognition for her dedication and artistic vision. From her debut as a child artist in Chachi 420 to her current status as a leading actress, Fatima Sana Shaikh has consistently demonstrated exceptional talent throughout her career in the Hindi film industry.
Fatima Sana Shaikh is a 33-year-old Indian actress with an estimated net worth of $2-12 million as of 2025. Born on January 11, 1992, in Mumbai, Fatima Sana Shaikh rose to fame through her breakthrough role as wrestler Geeta Phogat in the blockbuster film Dangal (2016). She is currently single and actively working on multiple film projects including recent releases Metro… In Dino and Aap Jaisa Koi.
Quick Facts About Fatima Sana Shaikh
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Fatima Sana Shaikh |
| Date of Birth | January 11, 1992 (Mumbai, Maharashtra, India) |
| Age | 33 years old |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Actress, Photographer, Dancer |
| Net Worth | $2-12 million (2025) |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Children | None |
| Height | 5’6″ (168 cm) |
| Weight | 51 kg (112 lbs) |
| Famous For | Geeta Phogat in Dangal (2016) |
| Religion | Atheist |
Fatima Sana Shaikh Early Life and Education
Fatima Sana Shaikh was born into a culturally diverse family in Mumbai on January 11, 1992. Her upbringing reflected India’s secular values, with her father Vipin Sharma being a Hindu Brahmin from Jammu and her mother Raj Tabassum being a Muslim from Srinagar, Kashmir.
| Family Background | Details |
|---|---|
| Father | Vipin Sharma (Hindu Brahmin from Jammu) |
| Mother | Raj Tabassum (Muslim from Srinagar, Kashmir) |
| Siblings | One elder brother named Shaanib |
| Birthplace | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Childhood Location | Andheri East, near Kamalistan Studio |
| Religious Identity | Atheist (despite mixed religious background) |
Education History
| Institution | Level | Location | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Xavier High School | Primary & Secondary Education | Mumbai | Completed |
| Mithibai College | Higher Education | Mumbai | Completed |
Fatima Sana Shaikh Personal Life and Family
Fatima Sana Shaikh’s personal life reflects her grounded upbringing and strong family values. Growing up near Kamalistan Studio in Andheri East, Mumbai, exposed her to the film industry from a young age, as her parents frequently visited film sets and encouraged her acting aspirations.
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Current Relationship Status | Single (confirmed in 2025 interviews) |
| Previous Relationships | Rumored relationships with co-stars (unconfirmed) |
| Marriage Plans | Jokes about “good boys being hard to find” |
| Health Condition | Epilepsy (diagnosed during Dangal filming) |
| Advocacy Work | Epilepsy awareness campaigns |
| Family Bond | Very close to parents and brother |
Health and Wellness Journey
Fatima Sana Shaikh has been open about her battle with epilepsy, diagnosed during the filming of Dangal. Her courage in discussing this neurological condition has helped raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding epilepsy in India.
| Health Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Condition | Epilepsy |
| Diagnosis Time | During Dangal training (2015-2016) |
| Initial Response | Denial for five years |
| Seizure Frequency | 1-2 times per week (when unmedicated) |
| Current Status | Managed with medication and lifestyle changes |
| Advocacy | Epilepsy Awareness Challenge 2022 participant |
Fatima Sana Shaikh Career and Achievements
Fatima Sana Shaikh’s career spans over two decades, beginning as a child artist and evolving into one of Bollywood’s most respected performers. Her journey showcases remarkable versatility and dedication to her craft.
Complete Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Director | Genre | Platform/Box Office | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Aap Jaisa Koi | Madhu | Vivek Soni | Romance/Drama | Netflix | Released July 11, 2025 |
| 2025 | Metro… In Dino | Shruti | Anurag Basu | Romance/Drama | Theatrical | Released July 4, 2025 |
| 2025 | Gustaakh Ishq | TBA | TBA | Romance | Upcoming | In production |
| 2023 | Sam Bahadur | Indira Gandhi | Meghna Gulzar | Biography | ₹120 crores | Portrayal of former PM |
| 2023 | Dhak Dhak | Sky | Tarun Dudeja | Adventure | Netflix | Filmfare Critics nomination |
| 2022 | Thar | Chetna | Raj Singh Chaudhary | Western/Thriller | Netflix | Filmfare OTT nomination |
| 2022 | Modern Love Mumbai | Lalzari | Shonali Bose | Romance/Drama | Amazon Prime | Anthology series |
| 2021 | Ajeeb Daastaans | Lipakshi | Shashank Khaitan | Drama | Netflix | Anthology film |
| 2020 | Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari | Tulsi Rane | Abhishek Sharma | Comedy | Zee5 | COVID-19 release |
| 2020 | Ludo | Pinky | Anurag Basu | Dark Comedy | Netflix | Critically acclaimed |
| 2018 | Thugs of Hindostan | Zafira Baig | Vijay Krishna Acharya | Period Action | ₹151 crores | Jackie Chan Award winner |
| 2016 | Dangal | Geeta Phogat | Nitesh Tiwari | Sports Biography | ₹2000+ crores | Career breakthrough |
| 2013 | Akaash Vani | Sumbul | Luv Ranjan | Romance | Theatrical | Early career role |
| 2012 | Bittoo Boss | Supporting Role | Supavitra Babul | Comedy | Theatrical | Small role |
| 2008 | Tahaan | Zoya | Santosh Sivan | Drama | International | German Star of India Award |
| 2001 | One 2 Ka 4 | Child Artist | Shashilal K. Nair | Action | Theatrical | Child role |
| 1999 | Bade Dilwala | Baby Sana | Ramesh Modi | Drama | Theatrical | Child artist |
| 1997 | Ishq | Child Artist | Indra Kumar | Romance/Comedy | Hit | Brief appearance |
| 1997 | Chachi 420 | Bharti | Kamal Haasan | Comedy | Hit | Acting debut |
Television and Web Series
| Year | Title | Role | Channel/Platform | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Best of Luck Nikki | Richa Shivoy | Disney Channel India | Sitcom |
| 2009 | Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo | Suman | Zee TV | Drama |
Fatima Sana Shaikh Net Worth and Lifestyle
Fatima Sana Shaikh’s estimated net worth ranges from $2-12 million as of 2025, making her one of the financially successful actresses in contemporary Bollywood. Her wealth comes from film salaries, brand endorsements, and digital platform projects.
Net Worth Breakdown
| Financial Details | Amount/Information |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth (2025) | $2-12 million (₹15-90 crores) |
| Annual Income | ₹2-3 crores (estimated) |
| Primary Income Sources | Films, Web Series, Brand Endorsements |
| Highest Grossing Film | Dangal (₹2000+ crores worldwide) |
| Brand Endorsements | KitKat, Fossil, Tata Harrier, Dabur Almond |
| Social Media Earnings | $251K-344K annually (estimated) |
Fatima Sana Shaikh Car Collection
| Vehicle Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Primary Vehicle | Hyundai Creta |
| Car Collection Size | Modest collection (focus on practicality) |
| Favorite Brands | Hyundai, Tata Motors |
| First Car Purchase | Hyundai Creta (proud moment for family) |
| Usage Pattern | Daily commuting in Mumbai |
Fatima Sana Shaikh House and Properties
| Property Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Primary Residence | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| Childhood Home | Andheri East (near Kamalistan Studio) |
| Property Type | Apartment/Flat |
| Family Residence | Lives with parents and brother |
| Investment Properties | Information not publicly available |
Fatima Sana Shaikh Hobbies and Interests
Beyond her acting career, Fatima Sana Shaikh pursues various creative and physical activities that contribute to her well-rounded personality and professional skills.
| Hobby/Interest | Skill Level | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Photography | Professional | Worked at photography studio for 2 years before acting |
| Dancing | Trained | One of her primary hobbies since childhood |
| Sketching/Drawing | Intermediate | Artistic expression and creative outlet |
| Reading | Avid Reader | Enjoys books on spirituality and psychology |
| Wrestling Training | Professional | Extensive training for Dangal role |
| Physical Fitness | Regular | Maintains active lifestyle despite epilepsy |
Fatima Sana Shaikh Favorites and Preferences
| Category | Preference | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Favorite Food | Chicken | Non-vegetarian preference |
| Favorite Actors | Shah Rukh Khan | Bollywood inspiration |
| Favorite Actresses | Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, Preity Zinta | Role models in industry |
| Favorite Film | American Psycho | International cinema preference |
| Favorite Books | “Only Love Is Real”, “Many Lives Many Masters” by Brian Weiss | Spiritual and philosophical interests |
| Dietary Preference | Vegetarian (as of 2022) | PETA India’s Most Beautiful Vegetarian 2022 |
Fatima Sana Shaikh Awards and Recognition
| Year | Award/Recognition | Category | Film/Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Filmfare Critics Award | Best Actress | Dhak Dhak | Nomination |
| 2022 | Filmfare OTT Awards | Best Actress in Web Original Film | Thar | Nomination |
| 2022 | PETA India | Most Beautiful Vegetarian | Lifestyle Choice | Winner (with John Abraham) |
| 2020 | The Times Most Desirable Women | Rank 48 | Public Recognition | Listed |
| 2017 | Jackie Chan Action Movie Awards | Best Action Actress | Dangal | Winner |
| 2009 | German Star of India Award | Best Film | Tahaan | Winner (Film Award) |
Lesser Known Facts About Fatima Sana Shaikh
Beyond the well-known achievements, here are fascinating lesser-known facts about Fatima Sana Shaikh that reveal interesting aspects of her personality, background, and life experiences.
Early Career Struggles and Near Career Change: Fatima Sana Shaikh was jobless for three years before landing her breakthrough role in Dangal. In early 2015, she almost gave up her acting dreams to pursue cinematography full-time, having already gained professional experience working at a photography studio in Mumbai for two years. This photography background not only provided her with technical skills but also helped her understand visual storytelling from behind the camera.
Childhood Mischief and Strict Parenting: As a child, Fatima was notably mischievous, often climbing water tanks and sneaking fruits like guavas from neighbors, frequently getting caught by her strict father. Her father’s disciplinary approach, which she initially resented, is now something she credits for keeping her grounded and humble despite her success. Her family’s modest lifestyle in Mumbai, despite living near film studios, taught her the value of hard work and perseverance.
Wrestling Transformation and Physical Dedication: For her role as Geeta Phogat in Dangal, Fatima underwent an intensive physical transformation that went far beyond typical film preparation. She lived with co-stars Zaira Wasim and Sanya Malhotra in Aamir Khan’s old apartment for six months, during which they practiced wrestling for hours daily under coach Kripa Shankar Patel Bishnoi. The training was so rigorous that she suffered injuries during filming, but her dedication never wavered.
Hidden Acting Legacy: Few people know that Fatima appeared in multiple successful films as a child artist, including working with major stars like Kamal Haasan in Chachi 420, without fully understanding their stardom at the time. She enjoyed simple perks like hotel stays during shoots, treating them as fun adventures rather than professional opportunities. This innocent approach to the industry helped her maintain a genuine perspective on fame and success.
Cultural Heritage and Religious Identity: Despite coming from a culturally diverse family with a Hindu father and Muslim mother, Fatima identifies as an atheist. This personal choice reflects her independent thinking and rational approach to life. Her family’s secular values and acceptance of her choice demonstrate their progressive mindset, which has influenced her ability to portray diverse characters authentically.
Professional Recognition Beyond Acting: Before achieving fame as an actress, Fatima’s photography work was professional enough that she considered making it her primary career. Her technical understanding of cameras and visual composition has influenced her acting choices, particularly in how she approaches scenes and understands director’s vision. This dual skill set makes her particularly valuable for projects requiring authentic visual storytelling.
Unknown Facts About Fatima Sana Shaikh
Here are fascinating unknown facts about Fatima Sana Shaikh that most fans don’t know, including her hidden talents, secret preferences, and surprising personal experiences.
The Epilepsy Diagnosis Story: Fatima’s epilepsy was discovered in the most dramatic way possible – she had a seizure during her wrestling training for Dangal and woke up in a hospital. Initially, she was in complete denial about the condition for five years, refusing medication because she feared having episodes in front of people. The stigma associated with epilepsy in India made her avoid events and screenings, with seizures occurring 1-2 times per week when unmedicated.
Family’s Film Studio Connection: Growing up literally next to Kamalistan Studio in Andheri East wasn’t coincidental – her parents were film enthusiasts who regularly visited sets, often taking young Fatima along. Her mother was particularly eager for her children to enter acting, traveling across Mumbai by train to take Fatima to auditions. This early exposure to the filmmaking process gave her an insider’s understanding of the industry from childhood.
The Six-Round Dangal Audition: Landing her breakthrough role required passing through six intensive audition rounds, including physical training sessions and workshops with both director Nitesh Tiwari and Aamir Khan. She spent months studying wrestling videos to understand wrestler movements, walk, and body language, demonstrating her methodical approach to character preparation that has become her trademark.
Photography Career Background: Before returning to acting, Fatima worked professionally at a photography studio for approximately two years, developing skills that she still uses today. Her Instagram posts often showcase her photography expertise, and she handles her own camera work for personal projects. This technical background helps her collaborate more effectively with cinematographers and understand visual storytelling from multiple perspectives.
The Name Confusion Issue: People frequently confuse Fatima Sana Shaikh with another actress named Sana Sheikh due to their similar names. This confusion has led to filmography mix-ups on various websites and databases, requiring constant clarification from her team. Even some early career credits were incorrectly attributed to the other actress, creating a persistent identity challenge in the industry.
PETA Recognition and Dietary Change: In 2022, Fatima was crowned PETA India’s Most Beautiful Vegetarian alongside John Abraham, marking a significant lifestyle change from her earlier preference for chicken. This dietary transformation reflects her growing awareness of animal welfare issues and environmental concerns, demonstrating her evolution as both a person and public figure.
Fatima Sana Shaikh Online Presence and Social Links
Official Social Media Accounts
| Platform | Username/Handle | Followers/Status | Link/URL | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| @fatimasanashaikh | 3M followers | instagram.com/fatimasanashaikh | ✓ Verified | |
| Twitter/X | @fatimasanashaik | 1,601 followers | x.com/fatimasanashaik | Active since 2016 |
| Fatima Sana Shaikh | Fan pages available | Multiple fan-created pages | No official verified page |
Professional Profiles
| Platform Type | Platform Name | Profile Status | Link/URL | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IMDb | Actor Database | Active/Complete | imdb.com/name/nm0760778 | Complete Filmography |
| Wikipedia | Biography Page | Regularly Updated | en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatima_Sana_Shaikh | Comprehensive Biography |
| Netflix | Actor Profile | Active | Multiple projects featured | Streaming Content |
Social Media Activity and Engagement
| Engagement Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Instagram Posts | 1,514 posts (as of 2025) |
| Instagram Following | 1,713 accounts followed |
| Content Type | Behind-the-scenes, photography, professional updates |
| Bio Quote | “Another footstep on the cloud!” |
| Social Media Earnings | $251.6K – $344.7K annually (estimated) |
Frequently Asked Questions About Fatima Sana Shaikh
What is Fatima Sana Shaikh’s net worth?
Fatima Sana Shaikh’s estimated net worth ranges from $2-12 million as of 2025, primarily from her successful film career, brand endorsements, and digital platform projects.
How old is Fatima Sana Shaikh?
Fatima Sana Shaikh is 33 years old, born on January 11, 1992, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
Is Fatima Sana Shaikh married?
No, Fatima Sana Shaikh is currently single. She has jokingly mentioned in recent interviews that “good boys are hard to find.”
What is Fatima Sana Shaikh’s most famous movie?
Fatima Sana Shaikh is best known for her breakthrough role as wrestler Geeta Phogat in the blockbuster film Dangal (2016), which earned over ₹2000 crores worldwide.
What health condition does Fatima Sana Shaikh have?
Fatima Sana Shaikh has epilepsy, which was diagnosed during the filming of Dangal. She has become an advocate for epilepsy awareness to reduce stigma around the condition.
What are Fatima Sana Shaikh’s latest movies?
Her latest releases in 2025 include “Metro… In Dino” (July 4, 2025) and “Aap Jaisa Koi” (July 11, 2025) on Netflix.
How tall is Fatima Sana Shaikh?
Fatima Sana Shaikh is 5’6″ (168 cm) tall and weighs approximately 51 kg (112 lbs).
What are Fatima Sana Shaikh’s hobbies?
Fatima Sana Shaikh enjoys photography (professional level), dancing, sketching, reading, and maintains an active fitness routine. She worked professionally as a photographer before returning to acting.
What is Fatima Sana Shaikh’s educational background?
She completed her schooling at St. Xavier High School in Mumbai and later attended Mithibai College, Mumbai for higher education.
Has Fatima Sana Shaikh won any awards?
Yes, she won the Jackie Chan Action Movie Award for Best Action Actress for Dangal in 2017 and has received multiple Filmfare nominations, including for Dhak Dhak and Thar.
