Bollywood is an open arena where actors and actresses of any religion can enter. The second-largest film industry has seen the art of beautiful Muslim women since its inception. From Madhubala to Sara Ali Khan, there are many famous Muslim actresses in Bollywood who have left a mark with their timeless roles.
Bollywood has always supported talent and stardom over any religion. And the iconic Muslim heroines have given great performances that transcend religious boundaries and cultural divides.
These actresses aren’t just a powerhouse of talent but also the epitome of beauty. That’s why they have carved a place for themselves in the biggest Indian film industry.
So, if you want to know about the best Bollywood Muslim actresses, continue reading this post till the very end. Here, I have mentioned them in detail. Let’s begin!
1. Tabu
Tabassum Fatima Hashmi, famous as Tabu, is a credible Indian actress. Active in the Indian film industry since an early age, she has acted in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil and English movies.
The 52-year-old actress (as of 2023) started working as a child artist. Her films as a child were Bazaar (1982) and Hum Naujawan (1985). Later, as an adult, she got a role in the Telugu film, Coolie No. 1.
Since then, there is no stopping for her in the film arena. Until now, she has performed in a variety of Bollywood films and regional cinemas.
Some of her popular films are Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, Drishyam (1 & 2), Andhadhun, etc. The actress said her role in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 was the most challenging one to play on screen.
Recently, she appeared in Drishyam 2 & Bholaa and impressed everyone with her splendid acting. Given her contribution, it would not be an overstatement to call her the most talented Muslim actress in Indian cinema.
2. Katrina Kaif
Since she entered Bollywood, Katrina Kaif has consistently upgraded her acting standards. As a result, she has ruled the box office for a very long time. Today, she gets listed among the most beautiful Muslim actresses in Indian cinema.
The British national has carved a special place for herself with her passionate works. Interestingly, Katrina hasn’t just impressed everyone with her item songs but also made a name for herself with her exceptional acting.
She is one of the tallest Bollywood actresses known for her spectacular acting performances. On the list of her famous movies, the names are Welcome, Tiger Zinda Hai, Dhoom 3, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, etc.
3. Zareen Khan
Born on 14th May 1987, Zareen Khan (also known as Zarine Khan) is another beautiful Muslim actress in Indian cinema. Bollywood star, Salman Khan, approached her for his movie, Veer.
After her appearance in Veer, Zareen became the talk of the hour due to her similar facial looks to Katrina Kaif. Since she entered the Hindi film industry, Zarine has acted in Punjabi, Tamil and Tamil films.
Speaking of her acting, she has portrayed versatile roles in her films. From a gentle avatar in Veer to erotic acts in Hate Story 3, Zareen is comfortable with every kind of role.
Hence, she has seen growth in her film career with time. Without a doubt, she is one of the sizzling Muslim actresses in India slaying with her beautiful looks and acting prowess.
The list of her famous films includes Hate Story 3, Aksar 2, Houseful 2, Veer, Wajah Tum Ho, etc. Soon, she will portray a double role in the Tamil thriller film, Nagabhairav.
4. Huma Qureshi
Ever since Huma became a part of the two-part Hindi feature films, Gangs of Wasseypur 1 and Gangs of Wasseypur 2, the actress has touched new milestones in the acting world.
Being one of the sizzling Muslim heroines in Bollywood, Huma Qureshi’s fan following has increased consistently. She hasn’t just rocked as an actor but also made a big place for herself in the modeling world.
Owing to her exceptional acting, Huma got a chance to play a small role in the Hollywood film, Army of the Dead. Active in the Hindi film industry for over a decade, the actress has been a part of many popular films.
5. Sara Ali Khan
After gaining popularity in the Kedarnath film, Sara Ali Khan got into the limelight rapidly. She is one of the youngest Muslim actresses in Indian cinema with a bright acting career.
Daughter of Saif Ali Khan, Sara has walked in the footsteps of her father and slayed in every role she portrayed on screen.
Despite being a Muslim woman, she respects every religion and visits religious places regularly. Recently, Sara offered her prayers at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in Delhi while shooting for her film, Murder Mubarak.
Her roles in movies namely, Kedarnath, Atrangi Re, Simmba, Love Aaj Kal, have earned him immense popularity. She looks like her mother and the veteran Bollywood actress, Amrita Singh. And she is popular for interacting with her fans and planning unexpected travels.
6. Dia Mirza
Born Dia Handrich, the cute Bollywood actress “Dia Mirza” has gained notoriety as an Indian model and actress. After her mother’s second marriage to Ahmed Mirza, Dia changed her surname from Handrich to Mirza.
After she won the Miss Asia Pacific International in 2000, she came into the limelight. And it helped her make her debut with the film, Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein (2001).
She is the cutest one of all Muslim heroines in India. Dia Mirza is among the Muslim actresses who married a Hindu man. Apart from being an actress, Dia is also active as a producer and social worker.
Until now, Dia Mirza has showcased her acting in many popular Bollywood films. A few names are Dus, Tumsa Nahin Dekha, Dum, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Sanju, Thappad, etc.
7. Hina Khan
Gorgeous and Tall actress, Hina Khan, has portrays a different level of stardom in the Hindi film industry. She became popular in the TV serials due to which she managed to dive into Bollywood.
The Naagin actress is popular for her professionalism and appealing personality. Out of all Muslim actresses, she is the one who willingly experiments in the entertainment industry.
After her stints in the Indian TV soaps, Hina stepped into the reality shows Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 8 and Big Boss 11. Fortunately, she did well and even turned out to be the runner in both shows.
Definitely, it helped her push her popularity to the next level. But it is her acting skills that help her reach new skies in Bollywood. She is on the list of many famous filmmakers and you will soon see her in many major projects.
8. Fatima Sana Sheikh
Though she appeared as a child artist in the movie, Chachi 420, Fatima Sana Sheikh became popular for her role in the Dangal movie. Aamir Khan’s influence and her acting helped her become a household name in no time.
After the success of the film, the dead gorgeous Bollywood Muslim actress is scaling new heights.
There are many projects she has been a part of. Some of them are Ludo, Ajeeb Daastaans, Thar, etc. The young actress recently went to attend an acting workshop in Pudducherry to level up her art of acting.
Her social media posts hint at her marriage happening in the near future. How much is it true? – Only time will tell.
9. Nora Fatehi
The Canadian diva has raised the temperature of Indian cinema with her dancing skills. Be it any kind of dance move, Nora Fatehi nails every time with her dance acts. As a result, she has become popular among the Indian audience within no time.
Initially, the Muslim model and actress appeared in dance songs. However, with time, she started getting a good response and now she is a judge at Jhalak Dikh La Ja, a reality tv show.
Nora’s dance moves in Item numbers in movies simmer the temperature. And she leaves everyone stunned with her flexible dancing steps and expressions. Indeed, she is an emerging name on the list of Muslim actresses in India.
10. Gauahar Khan
Yet another name among the Bollywood Muslim heroines is Gauahar Khan. In the beginning, she started working as a model and then appeared in the movies.
Until now, she has worked in the movies, Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year (2009) and Ishaqzaade (2012). Also, she got a chance to work in the Amazon Prime Video web series, Tandav (2021).
Watching her acting would let you know the depth she has in her expressions. In late 2020, she married Zaid Darbar and she is expecting a baby soon. The Muslim actress is among the celebrities who work during her pregnancy.
11. Ayesha Takia
Famous for her movie “Wanted” with Salman Khan, Ayesha Takia is known for her beauty and acting. The adorable actress is no longer active in Bollywood. She left the glamorous world after marrying the restrauntner, Farhan Azmi in 2009.
She is among the Muslim actresses who left Bollywood to focus on their personal life. While she was active in her acting career, Ayesha did movies namely, Tarzan: The Wonder Car, Socha Na Tha, Salaam-E-Ishq, Paathshaala, to name a few.
12. Zaira Wasim
The former young actress did make a wonderful start in Bollywood with the movie, Dangal. After that, she made appearances in the movies, The Sky is Pink and Secret Superstar. However, after that, she decided to say goodbye to the Hindi film industry to pursue her spiritual journey.
Since then, the Muslim heroine hasn’t returned to the acting world. And there is no chance for her to do it in the future as well.
13. Sana Khan
Gorgeous and beautiful actress, Sana Khan, got a boom in the entertainment world in no time. Being a finalist in the Big Boss 6 helped her get in contact with filmmakers easily.
And she got many films offers in Bollywood. Some of them are Wajah Tum Ho in which she displayed her sexy avatar. However, in 2020, she announced her marriage to the businessman and spiritual leader, Mufti Anas Sayed.
Following this, she exited Bollywood and hasn’t made a comeback since then. Everyone reacted in surprise as no one had expected her to do so. Now, she posts pictures of her married life with her husband and leads a happy life with him.
More Muslim Actresses in the Indian Cinema
Apart from the above-listed Muslim actresses, there are other names in Bollywood who have entertained everyone. Most of these names aren’t active in Indian cinema intensely. And some of them are veteran actresses who belong to the Muslim religion. Here is the list:
- Soha Ali Khan
- Nargis Fakhri
- Amrita Singh
- Mahira Khan
- Madhubala
- Shabana Azmi
- Zeenat Aman
- Farida Jalal
- Reena Roy
- Meena Kumari
- Saira Banu
Conclusion
Summing up, I would say that over dozen of Muslim actresses in the Hindi film world have made their mark. And they have gained love from people belonging to every religion.
I will update the list with more names as and when more Bollywood heroines enter the film industry. Till then, stay tuned to Mental Hiking.
