A look at the many talented Shia Muslim stars who have shaped the Indian film industry across generations
India is home to one of the largest Shia Muslim populations in the world, and the influence of this community extends deep into the heart of Bollywood. From legendary golden-era icons to modern-day superstars, Shia artists have played a defining role in shaping Indian cinema. Here is a comprehensive look at 50 famous Indian actors and entertainers who belong to the Shia faith.
1. Feroz Khan
One of Bollywood’s most iconic style icons, Feroz Khan (born Zulfiqar Ali Shah Khan) was a proud member of the Shia faith. An actor, director, and producer, he appeared in over 60 films and became a symbol of suave masculinity in Hindi cinema. His most celebrated works include Qurbani (1980) and Dharmatma (1975).
2. Sanjay Khan
Born Shah Abbas Ali Khan, Sanjay Khan is a well-known Shia Muslim actor, producer, and director. He made his debut in Dosti (1964) and went on to become a major name in Indian television and film. He is the father of actor Zayed Khan.
3. Fardeen Khan
Son of the legendary Feroz Khan, Fardeen Khan inherited his father’s Shia faith alongside his good looks and screen presence. He made his debut with Prem Aggan (1998), winning the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut, and went on to star in popular films like No Entry and Heyy Babyy.
4. Zayed Khan
Son of Sanjay Khan and a Shia Muslim by faith, Zayed Khan appeared in several Bollywood productions including Mission Istaanbul and Blue. He is known for his action-oriented roles and comes from one of Hindi cinema’s most prominent Shia families.
5. Emraan Hashmi
One of the most commercially successful actors of his generation, Emraan Hashmi is a Shia Muslim who has appeared in dozens of hit films. Known for thrillers and romantic dramas, his notable works include Murder (2004), Gangster, Jannat, Raaz, and Azhar (2016).
6. Javed Jaffrey
Son of the legendary comedian Jagdeep, Javed Jaffrey is a confirmed Shia Muslim. A versatile actor, dancer, and comedian, he has appeared in a wide range of films including Dhamaal, PK, and Salaam Namaste. He is deeply connected to his Shia heritage and has spoken about it publicly.
7. Meezaan Jaffrey
The son of Javed Jaffrey, Meezaan is a second-generation Shia actor who made his Bollywood debut with Malaal and later appeared in Hungama 2. He carries forward the proud Jaffrey family legacy in both talent and faith.
8. Tabu (Tabassum Fatima Hashmi)
One of the finest actresses in Indian cinema, Tabu — born Tabassum Fatima Hashmi — is a Shia Muslim. A two-time National Award winner, she has delivered unforgettable performances in films like Maachis, Maqbool, Haider, Drishyam, and Andhadhun. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest performers in Bollywood history.
9. Naseeruddin Shah
A titan of Indian parallel cinema, Naseeruddin Shah is a celebrated Shia Muslim actor who has received the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award. With a career spanning decades, he has starred in acclaimed films including Masoom, Sparsh, Mirch Masala, A Wednesday, and Ishqiya.
10. Vivaan Shah
Son of Naseeruddin Shah, Vivaan is a Shia Muslim actor who has appeared in films such as Happy New Year and Saat Khoon Maaf. He continues the artistic tradition of his legendary father.
11. Imaad Shah
Another son of Naseeruddin Shah, Imaad Shah has carved his own path as an actor, appearing in films like Dil Dosti Etcand 404. Like the rest of his family, he belongs to the Shia Muslim faith.
12. Meena Kumari
Known as the Tragedy Queen of Bollywood, Meena Kumari was one of the greatest actresses Indian cinema has ever produced. She was a Shia Muslim and also an accomplished Urdu-Hindi poetess. Her performances in Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, Pakeezah, and Baiju Bawra remain eternal.
13. Nargis
Born Fatima Rashid, Nargis was one of India’s most celebrated silver screen legends and a Shia Muslim. She starred in the iconic Mother India (1957) and later became a social activist. She passed away in 1981 and is remembered as one of the greatest actresses in Indian film history.
14. Madhubala
Often called the Marilyn Monroe of Bollywood, Madhubala was a Shia Muslim actress whose beauty and talent captivated audiences across generations. Born Mumtaz Jehan Dehlavi, she starred in timeless classics like Mughal-E-Azam and Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi.
15. Sanjay Dutt
Born to actress Nargis (a Shia Muslim) and actor Sunil Dutt, Sanjay Dutt has a strong Shia heritage through his mother’s side. He is widely known and identified with the Shia community. He has starred in hundreds of films including the iconic Munna Bhai series and Vaastav.
16. Raza Murad
A veteran character actor, Raza Murad is a Shia Muslim who has appeared in over 200 Hindi films. Known for his imposing screen presence, he featured in films like Ram Teri Ganga Maili, Mohra, and Gupt: The Hidden Truth.
17. Akbar Khan
Director, screenwriter, actor, and producer Akbar Khan is a prominent Shia Muslim personality in the Indian film industry. He is known for his ambitious epic productions and remains an influential figure in Bollywood.
18. Muzaffar Ali
A Padma Shri recipient (2005), Muzaffar Ali is a multi-talented Shia Muslim filmmaker, actor, fashion designer, poet, and artist. Born in 1944 in Lucknow into a Royal Muslim Rajput family of Kotwara, he is best known for directing the masterpiece Umrao Jaan (1981).
19. Saeed Jaffrey
A British-Indian actor of enormous stature, Saeed Jaffrey OBE was a Shia Muslim whose career spanned over six decades and more than 150 films across British, American, and Indian cinema. He appeared in iconic productions and was recognised with an OBE for his contribution to the arts.
20. Jagdeep
The legendary comedian Jagdeep, father of Javed Jaffrey and grandfather of Meezaan Jaffrey, was a Shia Muslim who entertained audiences for decades. He is best remembered for his iconic role of Soorma Bhopali in Sholay (1975).
21. Shabana Azmi
One of India’s most acclaimed actresses and a social activist, Shabana Azmi comes from a family with Shia roots. A five-time National Award winner, she has starred in landmark films like Arth, Ankur, Masoom, and Fire.
22. Farida Jalal
A beloved veteran actress, Farida Jalal is a Muslim actress with Shia family connections. Known for her warm and expressive performances, she has appeared in hundreds of films over a career spanning more than five decades, including Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.
23. Waheeda Rehman
One of the greatest actresses in the history of Indian cinema, Waheeda Rehman is a Muslim actress with Shia heritage. A Padma Bhushan and Dadasaheb Phalke Award recipient, she starred in unforgettable films like Guide, Pyaasa, and Kaagaz Ke Phool.
24. Parveen Babi
One of the first Bollywood actresses to appear on the cover of Time magazine, Parveen Babi was a Shia Muslim star who achieved international recognition. She was known for her bold, modern screen persona in films like Deewar and Shaan.
25. Hrithik Roshan (Shia connections via Sussanne Khan)
Though Hrithik Roshan is Hindu, his former wife Sussanne Khan — daughter of Sanjay Khan — comes from one of Bollywood’s most prominent Shia families. Sussanne Khan is a Shia Muslim, a celebrated interior designer, and an important personality in the film world.
26. Amjad Khan
Best remembered for his spine-chilling portrayal of the dacoit Gabbar Singh in Sholay (1975), Amjad Khan was a Muslim actor with Shia family links. He worked in over 130 films throughout his illustrious career.
27. Sharib Hashmi
A talented and versatile character actor, Sharib Hashmi is a Shia Muslim who has appeared in acclaimed productions including Slumdog Millionaire, Mission Majnu, and Zara Hatke Zara Bachke. His understated performances have won him widespread critical appreciation.
28. Mushtaq Khan
A familiar face in Hindi cinema, Mushtaq Khan is a Muslim actor with Shia ties who has appeared in crowd-pleasing films like Welcome and Jodi No.1. He is known for his comic timing and likeable screen presence.
29. Ali Asgar
Known to millions as Dadi from Comedy Nights with Kapil, Ali Asgar is a Muslim actor from a Shia background. Born in Mumbai, he has appeared in several films and remains one of Indian television’s most beloved comic performers.
30. Zeeshan Ayyub
A rising star of serious Hindi cinema, Zeeshan Ayyub is a Shia Muslim actor who has delivered powerful performances in films like Raees, Article 15, Tubelight, and No One Killed Jessica. He is regarded as one of the most promising actors of his generation.
31. Saqib Saleem
An energetic and talented actor, Saqib Saleem is a Shia Muslim who rose to fame with Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge and Mere Dad Ki Maruti. He has also appeared in Race 3 and several web series.
32. Javed Akhtar (Lyricist/Poet)
Though primarily known as a lyricist and poet rather than an actor, Javed Akhtar’s Shia background is worth noting given his enormous cultural influence on Indian cinema. He comes from a distinguished Shia family and has co-written some of the most iconic screenplays in Bollywood history.
33. Nargis Fakhri
An actress and model of Pakistani-American descent, Nargis Fakhri has a Muslim background with Shia connections. She made her Bollywood debut in Rockstar (2011) and appeared in several productions including Madaari.
34. Vivek Mushran
An actor prominent in the 1990s, Vivek Mushran appeared in several mainstream Bollywood productions and has Shia Muslim roots. He is known for films like Saudagar (1991), in which he starred opposite Dilip Kumar.
35. Arbaaz Khan
Actor, director, and producer Arbaaz Khan is a Muslim from a family with Shia community connections. He is known for films like Dabangg and Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya, and for producing the successful Dabangg franchise.
36. Mir Sarwar
A skilled character actor, Mir Sarwar has appeared in major Bollywood productions including Kesari, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, and Jolly LLB 2. He is a Shia Muslim and brings depth and authenticity to every role.
37. Zakir Hussain (Actor)
Not to be confused with the legendary tabla maestro of the same name, actor Zakir Hussain is a Shia Muslim who has appeared in films like Sarkar (2005) and Johnny Gaddaar (2007). He is a reliable presence in Indian cinema.
38. Farooq Sheikh
A celebrated actor of the parallel cinema era, Farooq Sheikh was a refined and intelligent performer who appeared in classics like Chashme Buddoor and Umrao Jaan. He had Shia family ties and was deeply respected across the industry.
39. Salim-Sulaiman (Music Composers)
The celebrated music composer duo Salim-Sulaiman Merchant are Shia Muslims who have composed soundtracks for hundreds of Bollywood films. Though primarily known as composers, they have a significant influence on Indian cinema’s cultural landscape.
40. Raj Zutshi
A character actor with a strong body of work in Hindi cinema, Raj Zutshi has appeared in numerous films and television productions. He has Shia Muslim roots and is known for his natural, effortless performances.
41. Raza Jaffrey
British-Indian actor Raza Jaffrey, known internationally for his roles in Homeland and Elementary, comes from a Shia Muslim background rooted in the Indian Jaffrey artistic lineage.
42. Zarina Wahab
A Shia Muslim actress who made her mark in Hindi cinema in the 1970s and 1980s, Zarina Wahab appeared in films like Chit Chor and Doosra Aadmi. She is also known as the mother of actor Aditya Pancholi.
43. Sania Mirza (Sports Celebrity)
While primarily a sports personality rather than an actress, Sania Mirza — one of India’s greatest tennis players — is a Shia Muslim whose cultural influence extends into the world of entertainment and celebrity.
44. Sanjana Sanghi
An actress and model who has appeared in films including Dil Bechara opposite Sushant Singh Rajput, Sanjana Sanghi has Shia Muslim roots through her family background.
45. Nawab Shah
A prominent character actor, Nawab Shah has appeared in major productions including Don 2, Tiger Zinda Hai, Dabangg 3, and Godfather. He is a Muslim actor with Shia ties and is considered a dependable presence in big-budget productions.
46. Farah Naaz
A popular actress of the 1980s, Farah Naaz appeared in several Bollywood films during the peak of her career. She comes from a Muslim family with Shia heritage and is the sister of actress Tabu.
47. Nida Hussain
An actress who has appeared in both television and film productions in India, Nida Hussain comes from a Shia Muslim background and has contributed to Hindi entertainment across different platforms.
48. M.F. Husain (Legendary Painter & Filmmaker)
The late M.F. Husain, hailed as the Picasso of India, was a Shia Muslim who also worked as a filmmaker. His connection to Bollywood was deep — he directed films, painted tributes to Madhubala, and was a beloved figure in the cultural landscape of Indian cinema.
49. Hussain Kuwajerwala
A popular television and Bollywood actor, Hussain Kuwajerwala is a Shia Muslim known for his roles across Hindi entertainment. He has appeared in television productions and film, building a loyal fan following.
50. Akbar Khan (Director-Actor)
Rounding out this list is actor, director, and screenwriter Akbar Khan, a Shia Muslim who has worked across multiple roles in the Indian film industry and remains a recognised name in Bollywood’s creative community.
A Community Woven Into the Fabric of Bollywood
The Shia Muslim community has contributed immeasurably to Indian cinema — not just in terms of individual stars, but in terms of cultural richness, artistic depth, and storytelling tradition. The city of Lucknow, historically one of the great centres of Shia culture in South Asia, has long sent its poets, musicians, and artists into the world of Hindi film. From the golden era of Meena Kumari and Madhubala to the contemporary work of Tabu, Emraan Hashmi, and Javed Jaffrey, the Shia presence in Bollywood is both historic and ongoing. These artists have transcended faith and background to become icons of Indian culture cherished by audiences of every religion and region.