Ayesha Takia is a well-known former Indian film actress and model who gained immense popularity in the early 2000s for her charming looks, expressive eyes, and memorable performances in Bollywood and regional cinema.
Best remembered for her roles in movies like Taarzan: The Wonder Car and Wanted, Ayesha Takia carved a special place for herself in the Indian film industry before stepping away from the limelight after marriage.
Early Life and Background
Ayesha Takia was born on 10 April 1986 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. She grew up in a culturally diverse family, which played a significant role in shaping her personality and worldview. Her father, Nishit Takia, is a Gujarati Hindu, while her mother, Farida Takia, is a Muslim. Ayesha follows Islam after marriage.
She spent her childhood and teenage years in Mumbai, where she was exposed to the entertainment industry at a young age. From an early age, Ayesha showed interest in modeling, dancing, and acting, which later became the foundation of her successful career.
Education
Ayesha Takia completed her schooling at St. Anthony’s Girls High School, Chembur, Mumbai. Although she was academically inclined, her passion for modeling and acting led her to pursue a career in entertainment rather than higher education. She started working as a model during her teenage years, which quickly opened doors to music videos and films.
Entry into Modeling and Music Videos
Before entering Bollywood, Ayesha Takia gained nationwide recognition through modeling and music videos. She became a household name after appearing in the popular music video “Meri Chunar Udd Udd Jaye” by Falguni Pathak. Her innocent looks and graceful performance won millions of hearts.
She also featured in the famous “I’m Too Sexy” remix music video, which further boosted her popularity and established her as a rising star in the Indian entertainment industry.
Bollywood Debut and Breakthrough
Ayesha Takia made her Bollywood debut in 2004 with the film “Taarzan: The Wonder Car”, directed by Abbas-Mustan. She starred opposite Vatsal Sheth, and the movie turned out to be a commercial success. Her performance was widely appreciated, earning her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut.
This breakthrough role established Ayesha as one of the most promising actresses of her generation.
Film Career and Major Movies
After her successful debut, Ayesha Takia went on to appear in several Bollywood, Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada films. Some of her most notable movies include:
- Taarzan: The Wonder Car (2004)
- Dil Maange More (2004)
- Dor (2006) – Critically acclaimed performance
- Wanted (2009) – Opposite Salman Khan
- No Smoking (2007)
- Mod (2011)
Among these, Wanted proved to be a major turning point, as the film was a massive box office hit and revived Salman Khan’s career. Ayesha’s role, though limited, gained her widespread recognition.
In the film Dor, she played a serious and emotionally intense character, showcasing her versatility as an actress and earning praise from critics.
Regional Cinema Work
Apart from Bollywood, Ayesha Takia also worked in South Indian cinema, especially Telugu and Tamil films. Her performances were well-received, and she built a strong fan base beyond Hindi-speaking audiences.
Marriage and Personal Life
Ayesha Takia married Farhan Azmi on 1 March 2009. Farhan Azmi is a restaurateur and politician, and the son of Abu Azmi, a prominent political leader in Maharashtra.
After marriage, Ayesha chose to step away from mainstream cinema to focus on her family life. The couple welcomed their son, Mikail Azmi, in 2017.
Ayesha Takia converted to Islam after marriage and now leads a relatively private life, occasionally sharing moments with her family on social media.
Life After Bollywood
Since leaving films, Ayesha Takia has largely stayed away from acting. However, she remains active on social media platforms, where she interacts with fans and shares insights into her personal life, motherhood, and lifestyle.
She has also been involved in her husband’s business ventures and social causes, maintaining a low-profile yet influential presence.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
As of recent estimates, Ayesha Takia’s net worth is around $3–5 million (approx.). Her income sources include:
- Film earnings
- Brand endorsements
- Modeling assignments
- Family business investments
She enjoys a comfortable lifestyle and owns luxury cars and properties in Mumbai.
Controversies
Ayesha Takia has occasionally been in the news for controversies, including:
- Social media backlash over cosmetic procedures
- Political controversies linked to her husband’s family
Despite these, she has managed to stay dignified and largely away from media drama.
Physical Appearance
- Height: 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm)
- Weight: Approx. 60 kg
- Eye Color: Hazel
- Hair Color: Brown
Her distinctive eyes and expressive face have always been among her most admired features.
Awards and Achievements
- Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut – Taarzan: The Wonder Car (2004)
- Several nominations for her performances in Bollywood films
Lesser-Known Facts About Ayesha Takia
- She started modeling at the age of 15
- She is trained in classical dance
- Ayesha is an animal lover
- She prefers a private life away from media attention
- She gained fame first through music videos, not films
FAQs About Ayesha Takia
Q1: What is Ayesha Takia’s age?
Ayesha Takia was born on 10 April 1986, making her 39 years old as of 2025.
Q2: Who is Ayesha Takia’s husband?
Her husband is Farhan Azmi, a politician and restaurateur.
Q3: Why did Ayesha Takia quit acting?
She left acting after marriage to focus on family life.
Q4: What is Ayesha Takia’s most famous movie?
Taarzan: The Wonder Car and Wanted are her most popular films.
Q5: Is Ayesha Takia active on social media?
Yes, she is active on Instagram and occasionally interacts with fans.
Conclusion
Ayesha Takia’s journey from a teenage model to a celebrated Bollywood actress is truly inspiring. Though her career was relatively short, she left a lasting impression with her performances, beauty, and grace. Today, she is admired not just for her films but also for her decision to prioritize family and personal happiness over fame. Ayesha Takia remains a beloved name in Indian cinema, and her legacy continues to live on through her memorable roles.
