Who is Farhana Bhatt? From sneaking auditions to starring in Laila Majnu, now on Bigg Boss 19

Early Life and Background

Born on 15 March 1997 in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, Farrhana hails from an Orthodox Kashmiri Muslim family. Her father left her and the family for someone else when she was 4 months old. Despite initial resistance from her family, she pursued her passion for acting, supported by her mother and grandfather. Her grandfather, a significant influence in her life, encouraged her to follow her dreams and exposed her to diverse cultures. His passing during her time in Mumbai remains a poignant memory for her.

Academic Pursuits

Farhana completed her Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Government College for Women, Srinagar. Further honing her craft, she pursued a Diploma in Acting from Anupam Kher's Actor Prepares in Mumbai. Farhana further showcased her leadership and talent by representing Kashmir University at the Y20 and G20 forums.

Early Struggles and Journey into Bollywood

Actress Farhana's journey into Bollywood has been a story of perseverance and determination. Coming from a conservative family in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, pursuing a career in films was far from easy.

Farhana grew up in a household where girls were rarely allowed to step outside, and even simple errands like buying stationery often caused a commotion. In this strict environment, removing the dupatta from the head or wearing jeans could create significant tension at home. Despite these restrictions, her mother supported her ambitions, allowing her to pursue her dreams quietly. Farhana often had to sneak out to attend auditions and prepared for them by learning from YouTube videos. Both she and her mother were physically attacked, and false rumours were spread suggesting that she was involved in drugs, aiming to ostracise them from their community. Even as she started working professionally, she encountered judgment for breaking traditional norms, going without a hijab, wearing jeans, and not following a strict nine-to-five routine led people to question her character.

The rejections and obstacles she faced from her relatives at times left her feeling disheartened. Although she briefly considered giving up acting, she eventually persevered and continued to follow her passion. These challenges reflect the harsh realities she endured while striving to establish herself in the industry.

After overcoming numerous challenges, Farhana made her Bollywood debut in Imtiaz Ali's Laila-Majnu. She faced resistance from both her family and society, but she remained determined and continued pursuing her dream without hesitation.

Career in the Entertainment Industry

Farrhana began her modelling journey when she was in 8th class, starting with assignments that paid her just Rs 1,500 each. She began her acting career in 2016 with the film Sunshine Music Tours & Travels and gradually carved a niche for herself in the entertainment industry. She gained recognition for her diverse roles, including portraying Jasmeet in Laila Majnu (2018) and Dolly in Notebook (2019).

Her versatility was further showcased in projects like The Country of Blind (2023), where she played Rameshwari, and the Disney+ Hotstar series The Freelancer (2023), portraying Saiyam Fasal. In 2024, she appeared as Rihanna in the Amazon miniTV series India's Brave Chapter 2. Across these roles, Farhana has demonstrated her commitment to her craft and her ability to adapt to a wide range of characters.

Personal Life and Advocacy

Beyond her acting career, Farhana is a trained martial artist, having been a gold medalist and five-time national champion in Taekwondo. She is also a self-taught dancer, showcasing her multifaceted talents.

Farhana encourages aspiring actors, particularly from Kashmir, to pursue their dreams and not be deterred by societal expectations.

Farrhana Bhatt in Bigg Boss 19

With her entry into Bigg Boss 19, Farhana brings a unique blend of talent, resilience, and cultural heritage. Her diverse background and experiences position her as a strong contender in the house. As the season progresses, viewers can anticipate her navigating the complexities of the game with grace and determination.

Apart from Farhana, the Bigg Boss 19 contestants include stars like Ashnoor Kaur, Gaurav Khanna, Zeeshan Quadri, along with popular digital creators such as Awez Darbar, Nagma Mirajkar, Mridul Tiwari, and many more.