Ayesha Takia was born in Mumbai on April 10th 1986. Her father's name is Nishit, a Gujarati and her mother's name is Faridah, who is half Maharashtrian and half Caucasian British. Ayesha had never let her lack of speaking Hindi fluently come in her way. A go-getter, she is no stranger to the silver screen and has faced cameras even at the tender age of 4. Her continuity was what got her noticed and the makers of 'Socha Na Tha' approached her in 2004 to play the lead role opposite Dharmendra's nephew Abhay Deol which she accepted. She also signed up for another film 'Tarzaan The Wonder Car' which proved to be her debut in Bollywood, as the release of 'Socha Na Tha' was delayed. With 'Tarzaan The Wonder Car' Ayesha quickly made her mark in Bollywood and not only was noticed but also received an Award - The Best Filmfare Debut. Thereafter her films have done poorly at the Box Office, although she scored highly with teenaged audience in India and abroad, especially with her performance in 'Dil Maange More' and 'Shaadi No. 1'. She also appeared in a 2006 Telegu movie named 'Robbery', which was later dubbed into Hindi and released as 'Super'. And then came Dor in which she played the role without any glamor - the film that brought a lot of praise and much needed recognition for her. Here she has proved that she can enact both good and glamorous on one hand and the more ordinary next door type girl roles with ease. Now Ayesha is one of the most gorgeous and beautiful actresses much sought after by movie makers and a force to be reckoned with, especially for other leading ladies of Bollywood.
She is a Mumbaite and comes from a mixed family. Her father is Gujarati, and her mother is half British and half Maharashtrian Muslim.
She listens to loads of hip-hop, techno, trance, soft rock, rock, and also loves Ghazals, Sufi, and Hindi film music. Her favorite Pakistani artists are Ghulam Ali and Abeeda Parveen.
Loves to listen to stories of the character she is playing in upcoming films, holidays, coffee, dancing, music, reading, traveling, & her favorite thing to do is sitting at cafs over conversation with people she likes.
Is a member of PETA.She is a person who is very much attached to animals. Encourages people to stop using leather and other products which are tested on animals and to be kind to animals.
Her favorite actors from childhood are Johnny Depp , Aamir Khan , Amitabh Bachchan , and Shah Rukh Khan. Her favorite actresses are Priyanka Chopra , Rani Mukerji , and her all-time favorite is Sridevi. Ayesha finds there are many good directors, but she has always liked Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
When she is not acting she reads books, goes for long drives, and meets her friends in the industry.
Won the Filmfare Best Debut Award 2004 for Taarzan.
In 2006, she was amongst the Top Ten on the listing of Indias 50 Most Desirable Women Alive, a poll conducted by Zoom, an Indian TV channel.
Her fathers name is Nishit, her mothers name is Faridah, and her younger sisters name is Natasha.
Grew up in Chembur which is the suburb of Mumbai located in India.
Before entering films, she appeared in two music videos: Falguni Pathaks Meri Chunar Udd Udd Jaye, when she was fifteen. She then appeared in the video, Shake It Daddy by Dee Jay Aqeel, when she was sixteen, which brought her to the attention of the movie industry, and a few film offers followed.
Owns a BMW 7 Series Sedan and Honda City.
Her favorite film Yash Chopra film is Lamhe since it has Sridevi in it. Another favorite is Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge . She said that the role of Kajol in the movie is her dream role.
Had to learn Urdu to act, but she only had to learn diction because she came from a family where she speaks more of English at home.
Shares a cat with her sister named Morrisson.
Says her role model is her mother.
Went to St. Anthonys school, but never went to college because she started to work when she turned sixteen.
Fasted the entire month of Ramadan out of love for boyfriend Farhan Azmi.
Her dad interacts with her producers because he handles her dates. She only interacts with her directors and says her mom handles her life.
Did her first ad when she was 4 and since then she wanted to be an actress.
Says if she werent an actress she would be a would be a travel show hostess, as she loves to travel and would still be in front of the camera.
Is scared of heights and everything that has risks involved.
Favorite brands: Mango, Zara, Diesel, Fcuk, Guess and G star.
Favorite perfumes: 212 Sexy by Carolina Herrera , Armani Code by Giorgio Armani , Cherie by Christian Dior , and True Star by Tommy Hilfiger.
Her favorite places to shop are Italy, Malaysia, Singapore, London and Amsterdam.
Neither smokes nor drinks.
Her bad habit is chewing nails right to the skin.
Says she has never cooked, but can make good tea and coffee. She says she is a big chai addict.
Says her beauty secret is smiling.
Does two hours of aerobics everyday.
Does lots of yoga and meditation.
Saved from meeting with a fatal accident while shooting in Calgary, Canada for 8 x 10 Tasveer . The scene required her to drive a car with Akshay Kumar sitting beside her. However, she lost control while driving. Kumar took hold of the steering wheel and controlled the car in the nick of the time.
Favorite desserts: chocolates and pastries.
Favorite dishes: Chinese Hakka noodles, mutton biryani, wonton soups, vada paav, salads, pastas, pizzas, & all kinds of dairy products.
Favorite cuisines: Indian and Italian.
Loves honesty and cheerful people who are always smiling.
She is a person who always works out and does not indulge in drugs and alcohol because she believes it takes a person away from reality and life.
Has known Shahid Kapoor since the days when they shot for the Complan Kids ad.
Won the award for IIFA Star Debut.
Won Stars Sabsey Favourite Nayi Heroine.
She has a boyfriend named Farhan Azmi and has started a boutique hotel business with him.
Won Zee Cine Critics Award - Best Actress , tied with Gul Panag for Dor .
Won Bengal Film Journalists Association Awards, Best Actress for Dor .
Won Stardust Best Supporting Actress Award for Dor .
Won Star Screen Award Best Actress (Critics) for Dor .
She has has done various roles ranging from comedy to serious characters, but prefers romantic movies.
Insists producers sign a contract on her reservations about intimate and steamy scenes.
Gave birth to her 1st child at age 27, a son on December 6, 2013. Childs father is her husband, Farhan Azmi.
Father is producer Nishith Takia of Delhi Safari fame.
Was offered a role in the Hollywood movie " A Knight With The King" but turned it down.
You will not squirm in your seats like you did in some recent films.
It has always been my dream to be an actress and God has blessed me with,what I have. I completely love it and enjoy it thoroughly and being in,front of the camera gives me a real high. And people like my fans give,me so much love which I really respect and thankful for.
As an actress I want to do all roles that would inspire or challenge me.
The first film that I did was not like the usual commercial flick, so I,am trying to do varied roles.
I love movies. So, I will continue to do work that interests me. I want,to do every kind of film. You are going to see me for a long-long time.
I am so new and have a long way to go, but my directors are important.
Farhan made the first move, of course. Guys should make the first move.
I feel guys must strive to go after their girls if they love them.
I have turned down roles like Chameli (2003) because I do not,aspire to reach on top this way. I have always opted for different kind,of roles and I depend on my work and skills rather than on my skin like,many other women in the industry.
How will I justify my exposure and appearances in a bra? I have some,responsibility towards my family and I will never compromise for that.
I was very clear in my mind from day one.
Well, my best wishes for people who want to do body exposure. They,choose these types of movies according to their liking. As far as it is,concerned with me I am not comfortable with these types of scenes. I,have to see the film with my grandparents and parents. So for me it is,not acceptable.
Yes I do believe in mushy love stories! I can be quite a dreamy eyed,girl. I think I look good with most guys!,This movie Shaadi Se Pehle (2006) has a message for youngsters.
There is a lot going on. Thankfully, my life does not revolve around,films! If it did, I would have gone mad by now! I believe that films,will end after a few years and I will have to continue with other,things. Family is too important to me. I have a few friends, who are,not from the industry. They keep me sane. We talk about normal things.
I would like to do romantic films most and my second preference would be,serious roles. Though I am not comfortable with stunts, I would,definitely like to do an action film like Tomb Raider,Yes, I do sign a contract with every producer and mother has nothing to,do with it. I have lived life according to my own principles and,ideologies and I adhere to it. I was raised in a normal Gujarati style,with all the restrictions and reservations.
I am not being diplomatic, I enjoyed working with all of my co-stars.
Also, I am a very professional type of person. I finish my work and go,home. I have no favorites, I enjoyed working with all of them.
Farhan is a self made man. He began from scratch and is successful man,today. He values his culture and traditions. His father is a politician,and he is a restaurateur. I am proud of him for being what he is.
How do I find time for my non-filmy boyfriend? I meet him when I am free,from shooting. We often go out for dinners. We go to a sea facing place,and spend time together. As I am food lover and he too loves food and,like to experiment new cuisines, so it is fun to go to a new eatery,each time.
One has to spend almost six months together on the sets so I have to,like the people I work with and be comfortable around them. Of course,the role is an important criteria too.
Luckily, after Dor (2006) I get offered more interesting roles.
The best compliment I have ever got was when an elderly lady came up to,me in a restaurant to say that she rarely watches Hindi films but loved,my performance in Dor (2006) .
I get quite crazy and entertaining fan mail. Many men ask me to marry,them and Farhan often jokes that some of these guys are better than him,and I should call them rather than seeing him.
The important lessons I have learned as an actor is that you must be,totally honest in front of the camera.
I debuted with the typical heroine role that was glamor-centric. Now I,want to press for performance centric roles where my acting,capabilities will be put to test. Socha Na Tha (2005) does that,for me.
Some things are destined not to happen.
