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- Douglas Jardine was born on 23 October 1900 in Malabar Hill, Bombay, Bombay Presidency, British India [now Mumbai, Maharashtra, India]. He was married to Irene Margaret "Isla" Peat. He died on 18 June 1958 in Montreux, Vaud, Switzerland.
- Actress
- Costume Designer
- Music Department
The Empress of Indian Cinema!
A Sweetheart of 1950s, & The Undisputed Goddess of 1960s Bollywood, Meena Kumari bestrode the movies like few women in history have!
Combing enchanting grace, amazingly heart-melting expression, & consistently solid progressive content base, this Giant of Cinema will remain immortal as perhaps the greatest feminine incarnation of filmdom!
Born in 1933 into a poor Parsee theatre family of Ali Bux and actor-dancer Prabhavati Devi (converted to Iqbal Begum) (Prabhavati's mother's first husband till death, incidentally, being the cousin of Rabindranath Tagore, Prabhavati in turn borne of her second husband, a very famous Urdu poet of Meerut, from where she migrated to pursue a career in music) in Bombay, Maharashtra, India, she entered films to support her family in difficult times.
She was six when hired for Leatherface (1939) in 1939 by Vijay Bhatt and named Baby Meena. Later she became Meena Kumari when cast for Bhatt's Baiju Bawra (1952).
She did mythological films with Homi Wadia and then comedies like Miss Mary (1957). She became personified as the archetypal good Hindu wife through many roles, long suffering and always true to the man. She excelled at tragedy and was often shown in a white sari carrying the film with her emotive acting. She was also thought to be the only actress who could sell a film on the strength of her name alone. Her major films are Daaera (1953), Baiju Bawra (1952), 0046164, and of course her most well known film, Pakeezah (1972). She was married to Kamal Amrohi with whom she started making "Pakeezah". They separated in 1964.
She was also an accomplished Urdu writer and had several poems published by Gulzar after her death. She battled alcoholism and loneliness and finally died, alone, in 1972.- Actor
- Location Management
Nasir Khan was born on 11 January 1924 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. He was an actor, known for Gunga Jumna (1961), Procession of Memories (1973) and Char Minar (1956). He was married to Begum Para. He died on 3 May 1974 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.- Actress
- Writer
- Producer
Estelle Merle Thompson was born in India on February 19, 1911 of Welsh and Ceylonese (now Sri Lankan) descent. She was educated in that country until the age of 17, when she left for London. She began her career in British films with mostly forgettable roles or bit parts. She appeared in an uncredited role in Alf's Button (1930), a pattern that would unfortunately repeat itself regularly over the next three years.
However, movie moguls eventually saw an untapped talent in their midst and began grooming Oberon for something bigger. Finally she landed a part with substance: the role of Ysobel d'Aunay in Men of Tomorrow (1932). That was quickly followed by The Private Life of Henry VIII (1933). After her portrayal of Lady Marguerite Blakeney in The Scarlet Pimpernel (1934), Hollywood beckoned and she left to try her hand in US films. American movie executives already had some idea of her talent due to her role in Vagabond Violinist (1934) (US title: Vagabond Violinist) was a success in that country. With her nomination for an Academy Award for Best Actress as Kitty Vane in The Dark Angel (1935), Oberon became a star in both the UK and the USA.
Her work in that film resulted in offers for more quality pictures, and she appeared in several well received films, such as These Three (1936), Over the Moon (1939) and The Divorce of Lady X (1938). Her most critically acclaimed performance--hailed by some critics as "masterful" -- was as Cathy Linton in Wuthering Heights (1939). The 1940s proved to be a very busy decade for her, as she appeared in no less than 15 films. After her role in Berlin Express (1948) she would not be seen on the screen again until four years later, as Elizabeth Rockwell in Pardon My French (1951). She was off the screen again for more than a year, returning in Désirée (1954).
Unfortunately, Oberon began appearing in fewer and fewer films over the ensuing years. There were no films for her in 1955, only one in 1956 and then none until Of Love and Desire (1963). In between she did appear on television to host Assignment Foreign Legion (1956). Her final film was Interval (1973). After her career finally ended she lived in quiet retirement until her death of a massive stroke on November 23, 1979, in Malibu, California. Oberon was 68 and had kept her beauty to the end.- Actress
- Additional Crew
Margaret Barr was born on 29 November 1904 in Bombay, Bombay Presidency, British India [now Mumbai, Maharashtra, India]. She was an actress, known for Climbers (1980). She was married to Douglas Bruce Hart. She died on 29 May 1991 in St. Leonards, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.- Actor
- Stunts
Manik Irani is an Indian film actor, best known to play negative roles in Bollywood. He was a villain of the 1980s and 1990s.This 6 feet fiction villain played the role of a henchman in various films, particularly in the later 1980s.His career in Bollywood was not short, but he was among those unfortunate actors who did not mark his presence much. However, his work in movies like Mard(1985), Khoj(1989), Laparwah and Ram-Avatar(1988), were well noted. He was well known for his incredible physique. He was a Parsi Irani who spent a lot of his time building his body. Though he stayed in Bollywood for more than two decades, he hardly delivered any dialogues for movies. He used to go to The National Health League Gymnasium, the result of which was pumping iron biceps . His rock hard body made many jealous. The first film he acted in was Paap Aur Punya which came out in 1974, after which he did Kaalicharan which released in 1976. In Kaalicharan he played the role of a hitman (Madan Puri's son), since then he showed his popular body in all his films. He was a constant face of most action movies of the 1980s. He either did some comic kung-fu steps or played the role of a kidnapper. He did the same sort of acting for more than a decade.He featured in movies like Dear, Farishtay, SauGandhi, Khilaaf, faith, Mast Kalandar, Trinetra, Zimmer, Chor Pe Mor, Hum Se Na Takrana, Naaka Bandi, Baap Numbri Beta Dus Numbri, Taqdeer Ka Tamasha, Roti Ki Keemat, Alaska, Purani Haveli, Aakhri Baazi, Toofan, Commando, Jeete Hai Shaan Se, Insaaf, Dadagiri, Dav Pech, Hisaab Khoon Kailaka, Khoj, Dana Paani, Himmat Aur Mehnat, Mera Shikar, Ram Avtar, Mard, Bepanah, Mera Saath, Ilzaam, etc. He also played the role of a dumb assassin in Mr. Natwarlal. His physical appearance was enough to frighten children. He always wanted a role in Bollywood, but unfortunately never got one.His death remains a topic of controversy and the date . Bollywood never noticed the silent passing away of this actor. It was due to illness .He left behind his wife . His son Shanoor passed away at a young age.There are many people who left without much recognition of their work, and Manek Irani was one of them. Few roles made him a memorable villain to remember. Though he was not able to play a lead role, he played the role of a villain perfectly- Music Department
Tony Brent was born on 13 August 1926 in Mumbai, India. He is known for The Benny Hill Show (1955), Rhyme and Rhythm (1953) and Variety Parade (1953). He died on 19 June 1993 in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.- Director
- Producer
- Actor
S.M. Yusuf was born in 1910 in Bombay, Bombay Presidency, British India [now Mumbai, Maharashtra, India]. He was a director and producer, known for Aulad (1962), Ashiana (1964) and Saheli (1960). He died on 17 August 1994 in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.- Durga Bai was born in 1879 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. She was an actress, known for Babanchi Bayko (1927) and Gulami Janjir (1931). She was married to Raghunath Gokhle. She died on 17 May 1997 in Pune, Maharashtra, India.
- Ranjana was a popular Marathi actress who dominated the Marathi silver screen in the '70s and '80s. Like her aunt, noted Hindi actress Sandhya, she was introduced to the screen by V. Shantaram in Chandanachi Choli Ang Ang Jaali, directed by Kiran Shantaram in 1975. She then starred in the lead role in Shantaram's next film, Jhunj. Ranjana won the best actress award in 1980 from the state government for Are Sansar Sansar. She won the award again for Gup Chup Gup Chup in 1983. Her other key films include Sushila, Gondhalat Gondhal, Mumbaicha Faujdar, Bin Kamacha Navra, Khichdi, Chani, Jakhmi Vaghin, Bhujang and Ek Daav Bhutacha.
Ranjana made hit pairs at the box office with several noted Marathi film actors including Ashok Saraf, Avinash Masurekar, Shriram Lagoo, Kuldeep Pawar, Nilu Phule, Ravindra Mahajani, Raja Gosavi and others. - Director
- Cinematographer
- Producer
Fali Bilimoria was born on 18 March 1923 in Bombay, Bombay Presidency, British India [now Mumbai, Maharashtra, India]. Fali was a director and cinematographer, known for The House That Ananda Built (1968), Rivers of Life (1959) and Congress Session 1948 (1948). Fali died on 14 January 2001 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.- Ajit Vachani was born on 10 August 1951 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. He was an actor, known for Insaniyat Ke Devta (1993), Kayda Kanoon (1993) and Mr. India (1987). He was married to Charushila. He died on 25 August 2003 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
- Siddharth was born on 9 September 1963 in Mumbai. He was an actor, known for Baazigar (1993), Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani (2002) and 7 Saal Baad (1987). He died on 16 March 2004.
- Music Department
- Actress
- Soundtrack
Kanchan was born on 16 March 1950 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. She was an actress, known for Hero Hiralal (1988), Dharmatma (1975) and Qurbani (1980). She died on 26 July 2004 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.- Producer
- Director
- Actor
Ismail Merchant was born on 25 December 1936 in Bombay, Bombay Presidency, British India [now Mumbai, Maharashtra, India]. He was a producer and director, known for Howards End (1992), A Room with a View (1985) and The Remains of the Day (1993). He died on 25 May 2005 in London, England, UK.- Composer
- Music Department
- Soundtrack
Snehal Bhatkar was born on 17 July 1919 in Mumbai, Maharahstra, India. He was a composer, known for Thes (1949), Manla Tar Dev (1970) and Sudamache Pohe (1958). He died on 29 May 2007 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.- Cinematographer
- Director
- Producer
K.K. Mahajan was born on 2 October 1944 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. K.K. was a cinematographer and director, known for Maya Darpan (1972), Chehre Pe Chehra (1981) and Kalicharan (1976). K.K. died on 13 July 2007 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.- Born near Mumbai, 19-year-old Maple Batalia was an aspiring actress and attending Simon Fraser University in Surrey (B.C. Canada) when she was shot and killed as she walked to her car in the parkade at SFU Surrey Campus. She had previously graduated from Enver Creek Secondary and was hoping to be a doctor.
A documentary, named "Maple", was made shortly after which followed the events before and after her death.
Her father (Harkirat Batalia) chose her unusual name of Maple when he had visited the U.S. in the autumn, and fell in love with the maple leaf. When his daughter was born, he and his wife, Sarbjit, agreed to call her 'Maple.'
Maple had just been named a finalist in the Central City Model Search, and was to attend auditions in Alberta, at the time of her demise. - Taruni Sachdev was born on 14 May 1998 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. She was an actress, known for Sathyam (2004), Paa (2009) and Vellinakshatram (2004). She died on 14 May 2012 in Jomsom, Nepal.
- Mukesh Rawal was born in 1951 in Mumbai, India. He was an actor, known for Ra.One (2011), Auzaar (1997) and Mrityudaata (1997). He died on 15 November 2016 in Mumbai, India.
- Producer
- Writer
Abis Rizvi was born on 27 February 1967 in Bandra, West Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. He was a producer and writer, known for T for Taj Mahal (2018), Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans (2014) and ism (2016). He died on 1 January 2017 in Istanbul, Turkey.- Actress
- Director
- Producer
Shammi was born on 24 April 1929 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. She was an actress and director, known for Sangdil (1952), Ittefaq (1969) and Badal (1966). She was married to Sultan Ahmed. She died on 5 March 2018 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.- Sujata Kumar was born in 1964 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. She was an actress, known for Raanjhanaa (2013), English Vinglish (2012) and 24: India (2013). She died on 19 August 2018 in Mumbai, India.
- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Vijay Chavan was born in 1955 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. He was an actor and director, known for Yedyancha Bazaar 2 (2022), Zabardast (2007) and Balidaan (1991). He was married to Majerna Cuaj. He died on 24 August 2018 in Mumbai, India.- Writer
- Director
- Actor
Alyque Padamsee was born on 5 March 1928 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. He was a writer and director, known for Gandhi (1982), Liril (Soap Advertisement) (1985) and A Force More Powerful (1999). He was married to Sharon Prabhakar, Dolly Thakore and Pearl Padamsee. He died on 17 November 2018 in Mumbai, India.- Danish Zehen was a lifestyle vlogger, rapper, model and YouTuber and social media star. He was a contestant of MTV's reality television show 'MTV Ace of Space (2018) (Season 1)'. People who followed him on Instagram, YouTube. He was popular for his hairstyle and look, he inspired many people by his unique hairstyle. He was calling his fans as #Fambruh. He was who died on 20th December 2018 due to car accident happened on Vashi Highway in Mumbai.
- Jasmine Dee was born on 30 August 1918 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. She was an actress, known for Walking on Air (1946), Celia (1949) and The Lady Craved Excitement (1950). She died on 28 June 2019 in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, England, UK.
- Kiran Nagarkar was born on 2 April 1942 in Mumbai, India. He was an actor, known for Split Wide Open (1999) and Sternstunden (1994). He died on 5 September 2019 in Mumbai, India.
- Special Effects
- Production Designer
- Production Manager
Ram Mohan was born on 26 August 1931 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. He was a production designer and production manager, known for Do Aur Do Paanch (1980), Latt Saheb (1967) and Film Hi Film (1983). He died on 11 October 2019 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.- Actor
- Writer
- Director
Kushal Punjabi was born on 23 April 1977 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. He was an actor and writer, known for Lakshya (2004), The Gift (2017) and Kaal (2005). He was married to Audrey Dolhen. He died on 26 December 2019 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.- Floyd Cardoz was born on 2 October 1960 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. He was married to Barkha. He died on 25 March 2020 in Montclair, New Jersey, USA.
- Composer
- Music Department
- Writer
Wajid Ali was born on 10 July 1967 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. He was a composer and writer, known for Dabangg (2010), Gangs of Wasseypur (2012) and Rowdy Rathore (2012). He died on 1 June 2020 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.- Additional Crew
- Actress
- Writer
Saroj Khan was born on 22 November 1948 in Mumbai, India. She was an actress and writer, known for Devdas (2002), Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001) and Khalnayak (1993). She was married to Sohanlal. She died on 3 July 2020 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.- Faraaz Khan was born on 27 May 1970 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. He was an actor, known for Fareb (1996), Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya (2001) and Prithvi (1997). He died on 4 November 2020 in Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
- Raj Malhotra was born on 4 November 1946 in Bombay, Maharashtra, India (now Mumbai, Maharashtra, India). He was an actor, known for Hatyara (1977) and Zaroorat (1972). He died on 8 July 2021 in Bidwell, Ohio, USA.
- Producer
- Writer
- Location Management
Mark Rhodes is a creative consultant to the entertainment industry. For 25 years he was a senior show writer, director and producer at Walt Disney Imagineering. Today, he continues to work on projects for Disney, as well as, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and similar theme park venues around the world. During his time with Imagineering, Mark was involved in the creation of shows and attractions for every Disney theme park from Splash Mountain in Florida and Tokyo; to Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain in Disneyland Paris; to Roger Rabbit's CarToon Spin in Mickey's Toontown at Disneyland; to Star Tours and the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Show at Disney's Hollywood Studios. In 2002, he started his own creative consulting business, Rhodes to Imagination, Inc., and has contributed his writing skills to projects ranging from "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" and "Transformers: The Ride - 3D," at Universal Studios; to live theatrical entertainments for the Disney Cruise Lines and Epcot's "The Sum of All Thrills" at the Walt Disney World Resort; to the National Flight Academy's attraction "Ambition," at the National Navy Museum in Pensacola, Florida. Mark also did concept work and scripts for the 2002 Olympics for Kodak, as well as, for Superbowl XL for the city of Detroit. Prior to joining Imagineering, Mark wrote two best-selling novels, and today is the writer, director, producer and co-creator of the popular Disney DVD series, "Imagineering the Magic!" about the creation of the Disneyland and Magic Kingdom Theme Parks. Mark has also served as a Creative Vice President of the Show & Game Studio for TEQGames, and was the creative director and primary investigator for F.I.R.E., the Research and Entertainment division at Full Sail University; during the time he worked as an advisor for the school's film, game and creative writing programs.- Actress
- Additional Crew
Sheela Vaz was born in 1934 in Dadar Mumbai. She was an actress, known for C.I.D. (1956), Jagga Daku (1959) and Shree 420 (1955). She died on 29 June 2022 in Mumbai.- Rasik Dave was born on 19 June 1957 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. He was an actor, known for Byomkesh Bakshi (1993), C.I.D. (1998) and Mahabharat (1988). He was married to Ketki Dave. He died on 29 July 2022 in Mumbai.
- Pradeep Patwardhan was born on 1 January 1958 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. He was an actor, known for Chashme Bahaddar (2006), Navra Mazha Navsacha (2004) and Garam Masala (1993). He died on 9 August 2022 in Mumbai, India.
- Director
- Writer
- Producer
Faisal Saif started his career following the cinema school of south Indian film maker Balu Mahendra. As a college student he was never interested in studying and was always a harassing spoiled brat! He used to go to see movies instead of attending his lectures. Always flirting with girls and a mischievous and most notorious person on earth (As written in the Biography Section of his Official Website).
Faisal Saif started his independent directorial career by directing music videos for various companies. Faisal made his first feature film in English titled "Pick Me" a.k.a Come December (2006). Faisal was lucky enough to convince British Actress Hayley Cleghorn to play the principal lead role in this movie. The movie went in various film festivals and gave him some critical acclaims.
It was Jigyaasa (2006) (Indian-Hindi-English Subtitled)(Released Worldwide 10th March 2006). That brought Faisal Saif into the limelight of Bollywood (Indian Film Industry). The huge publicity and controversies surrounding this film gave a noticing turn to his career. Jigyaasa was one of the most controversial and talked about film of the year. The press and media however did not gave encouraging reviews but the audiences loved it. Some also said that Jigyaasa was an indirect attack to big names in the film industry who exploits young aspirants for their sexual pleasures.- Music Department
- Actress
- Soundtrack
Sulochana Chavan was born on 13 March 1933 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. She was an actress, known for Manaacha Mujra (1969), Krishna Sudama (1945) and Simba (1951). She was married to Shamrao Chavan. She died on 10 December 2022 in India.- Actor
- Soundtrack
Javed Khan Amrohi was born in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He is an Indian actor who has acted in various Bollywood films in supporting and cameo roles, amounting to approx. 150 Hindi films. He is best known for his role in Academy Award-nominated Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001), Andaz Apna Apna (1994) and the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Chak De! India (2007). He is also known for working in Phir Hera Pheri (2006) as a Police Constable.- Art Director
- Production Designer
- Art Department
Nitin Chandrakant Desai was born in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. He was an art director and production designer, known for Devdas (2002), Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001) and Jodhaa Akbar (2008). He died on 2 August 2023 in Karjat, Maharashtra, India.- Actress
Seema Deo (formerly known as Nalini Saraf) is Hindi and Marathi movie veteran actress. She has acted in over 80 Marathi and Hindi movies. She is the wife of veteran actor Ramesh Deo & mother of Actor Ajinkya Deo & noted Director Abhinay Deo. She belongs to the Goud Saraswat Brahmin (GSB) family hailing from Karnataka. She was born and brought up in Girgaum, Mumbai.- Director
- Writer
- Actor
Sanjay Gadhvi was born on 22 November 1965 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. He was a director and writer, known for Dhoom 2 (2006), Dhoom (2004) and Kidnap (2008). He was married to Gina. He died on 19 November 2023 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Mohammed Naim Sayed is one of those lucky stars who was graced by a name given by legendary Mehmood, since then he is known as Jr. Mehmood. Junior Mehmood was a popular child star of his time, directs Marathi films and performs with his own orchestra. He kicked off his career with G. P. Sippy's 'Bramachari' (1968) ,which got him a Filmfare award. Ever since then he climbed the stairs of success and never looked back.1972 was the year where he was nominated for National Award for B. Nagireddy's 'Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani'.So far he's acted in 265 movies in 7 different languages and also has produced and directed 6 Marathi movies.Jr. Mehmood is also known as an event organiser, He organises events, comedy shows, Star nites, parties etc.. which only includes talented names and a performer himself. He is married to Naima Sayed and his children are Hasnain Sayed a writer and music manager and Hasanrafi Sayed.- Additional Crew
- Actor
- Writer
Ameen Sayani was born on 21 December 1932 in Bombay, Bombay Presidency, British India [now Mumbai, Maharashtra, India]. He was an actor and writer, known for Andaz Apna Apna (1994), Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001) and Ishq (1997). He was married to Rama Muttu and Rama . He died on 20 February 2024 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.- Actress
- Producer
- Soundtrack
Freida Selena Pinto was born in Bombay (now Mumbai), Maharashtra, India, to Sylvia, a school principal, and Frederick Pinto, a senior bank branch manager. She is from a Mangalorean family.
Pinto traversed the modeling circuit in Mumbai (represented by Elite Model Management India) for two years before gaining her big break when director Danny Boyle picked her out in the audition process to play the female lead, Latika, for his project Slumdog Millionaire (2008). In a promo interview, Boyle likened spotting her to his discovery of Kelly Macdonald for Trainspotting.
Surprisingly, Freida, who studied at Mumbai's St. Xaviers College, began taking acting classes (she has done amateur theater before) only after completing her debut film -- when she attended a three-month workshop by Barry John, the veteran theater guru.
Between 2006 and 2007, she anchored Full Circle, a travel show that was telecast on Zee International Asia Pacific. She went on assignments to Afghanistan, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Fiji, among other countries.- Actress
- Writer
- Cinematographer
Aalia Furniturewala, popularly known by her stage name Alaya F started her career in 2020 with a comedy film. She is born into the Bedi family. Her mother is also an Indian actress and TV host, and her father is a businessman.
Her grandparents are late classical dancer Protima Bedi and actor Kabir Bedi.
Furniturewala studied at the Jamnabai Narsee School in Mumbai. She went on to pursue her diploma from the New York Film Academy. She is also training to be a Kathak and contemporary dancer.
On joining the industry, Furniturewala changed her name to Alaya F and made her acting debut in Nitin Kakkar's Jawaani Jaaneman (2020)
In 2020, Alaya F won the Fresh Face female award at the Vogue Beauty Award. In 2021, she received the Best Female Debut at Filmfare Award for her film Jawani Jaaneman.
Later, in 2022, she won the Most Promising Actor at Lions Gold Award for Jawaani Jaaneman.
She co-starred with Kartik Aryan in the film Freddy. Her other projects include Almost Pyaar with DJ Mohabbat (2022), Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (2024), U Turn (2023) and Srikanth (2024).
Apart from movies, Furniturewala has appeared in Goldie Sohel's music video for Goldie Sohel: Aaj Sajeya (2021). She has also been featured in commercials and print advertisements for brands like Lenskart and Nykaa.Furniturewala was ranked 42nd on the Most Desirable Women List of 2020 by The Times of India. She was the face of Nykaa's 'A Million Nakhras' campaign in 2022. She was also featured in Eastern Eye's '30 under 30 Asians' list in 2023.- Actress
- Producer
Born in Mumbai, India and raised in Nigeria until the age of seven, Contractor was well-versed in world travels and a variety of cultures at a very young age. She attended boarding school in London from seven to nine years old, then her family moved to Toronto, Canada, where she spent the majority of her childhood and young adulthood. In Toronto, Contractor excelled in academics and trained as a classical ballerina. She attended the Etobicoke School of the Arts, a specialized public arts high school where she not only danced but studied theater as well. At the age of 16, after nearly 10 years of dance Contractor realized she wanted to pursue acting seriously. Upon graduating from high school she accepted a full scholarship to the University of Toronto, where she pursued a masters in theatre and a double major in psychology and sociology. After one year at University, Contractor went to an open call audition for the play Pericles at the prestigious, world-renowned Stratford Shakespeare Festival [Ontario, Canada], and landed the lead role. She received rave reviews for her work in the 92 shows performed, the play was voted the #1 production of the year by Canadian critics, in 2002. Contractor was offered the opportunity to enroll in Stratford's conservatory program, where a select eight men and four women are accepted for a 20-week crash course on classical theater, which she eagerly took. Contractor was guaranteed a spot in the next season of plays, and landed the role of Hermia in A Midsummer Night's Dream. By the third season with the company, Contractor wanted to pursue film and television. In 2005 she booked a role in a FOX pilot by Anthony Hines [Borat, Bruno, The Dictator]. The role was intense, leaving the actors in character for eight to nine hours a day in front of an audience, and was a precursor to the style of film that Borat would be, just one year later. When the pilot did not get picked up, Contractor decided to go back to school and finish her education. While securing her degrees, she booked "The Border," a Canadian drama for CBC. She starred as Layla Hourani for 26 episodes, and the series aired worldwide. The role also garnered her a Golden Nymph Award at The Montecarlo Television Festival, in 2008. Once the show wrapped, Contractor made the move to Los Angeles.
In 2009, Contractor booked the role of Kayla Hassan, in 21 episodes of the hit FOX series "24." As President Omar Hassan [Anil Kapoor] and Dalia Hassan's [Necar Zadegan] daughter, she was a scene stealer, portraying a seemingly sheltered young woman, whose secret life ends up putting her in horrible conditions. While in production on "24" Contractor also booked a recurring role on CBS' "Rules of Engagement" opposite David Spade and Adhir Kalyan. Other television credits for Contractor include "Lone Star" [FOX] and "Last Resort" [ABC]. On the film front, Contractor has been seen in Seance: The Summoning [Lionsgate] in which she won Best Supporting Actress at WorldFest Houston, in 2012.
In May 2013, Contractor appeared as a devoted wife and mother facing extreme challenges in her family in the highly anticipated, Paramount feature film Star Trek Into Darkness (2013).
When not working, Contractor is an avid runner and yogi. She loves to travel the world, and her preferred method of transportation while in other countries is by motorcycle. She was also born into the ancient religion of Zoroastrianism, and is one of the 150,000 Parsis in the world. Philanthropy is a huge priority for Contractor, she is a strong supporter of the organization Second Harvest to feed the homeless, and Look Good Feel Better, supporting women with cancer. She lives in the Los Angeles area with her husband, son, and border terrier.