Maryam Zakaria — Biography
Maryam Zakaria, a performer originating from Iran, has carved out a career in the Indian film industry, gracing the screen in productions across Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil languages. Her notable contributions can be seen in movies like Madatha Kaja, Agent Vinod, and Grand Masti.
Before her arrival in India, Zakaria was a fixture in Sweden's entertainment scene, working as a model and dance educator. She even founded the Indisk Dans Studio, a pioneering institution in Sweden dedicated to teaching the vibrant choreography of Bollywood cinema. In 2009, she relocated to Mumbai, seeking opportunities in Bollywood. There, she initially pursued modeling, featuring in several television commercials for brands such as Set Wet, Layz, and Coke. A memorable appearance included a Coca-Cola advertisement alongside actor Imran Khan.
Her talent was recognized by Tamil film director Sundar C, who discovered a dance video of hers on YouTube and subsequently cast her for an item number in his 2010 film, Nagaram. Zakaria's performance in the popular track "Diyalo Diyala" from the film 100% Love proved to be a significant turning point in her career. Following this success, she secured a leading female role in the Telugu film Madatha Kaja in 2011, opposite Allari Naresh. She also committed to another leading role in the Telugu movie Arjuna.
In 2012, Zakaria contributed an item number, "Dilli Ki Billi," to Muazzam Beg's film Sadda Adda. Her role as Farah in Saif Ali Khan's Agent Vinod, which included a mujra performance in the song "Dil Mera Muft Ka" alongside Kareena Kapoor, significantly boosted her recognition in Bollywood. The same year, she signed on for Indra Kumar's Grand Masti, taking on a leading role opposite Aftab Shivdasani. Released in September 2013, Grand Masti achieved considerable success, becoming the highest-grossing Bollywood film with an "Adults Only" rating to become a major hit in India, and subsequently entering the prestigious 100-crore club. Box Office India declared the film a Super Hit in the country.
Before her arrival in India, Zakaria was a fixture in Sweden's entertainment scene, working as a model and dance educator. She even founded the Indisk Dans Studio, a pioneering institution in Sweden dedicated to teaching the vibrant choreography of Bollywood cinema. In 2009, she relocated to Mumbai, seeking opportunities in Bollywood. There, she initially pursued modeling, featuring in several television commercials for brands such as Set Wet, Layz, and Coke. A memorable appearance included a Coca-Cola advertisement alongside actor Imran Khan.
Her talent was recognized by Tamil film director Sundar C, who discovered a dance video of hers on YouTube and subsequently cast her for an item number in his 2010 film, Nagaram. Zakaria's performance in the popular track "Diyalo Diyala" from the film 100% Love proved to be a significant turning point in her career. Following this success, she secured a leading female role in the Telugu film Madatha Kaja in 2011, opposite Allari Naresh. She also committed to another leading role in the Telugu movie Arjuna.
In 2012, Zakaria contributed an item number, "Dilli Ki Billi," to Muazzam Beg's film Sadda Adda. Her role as Farah in Saif Ali Khan's Agent Vinod, which included a mujra performance in the song "Dil Mera Muft Ka" alongside Kareena Kapoor, significantly boosted her recognition in Bollywood. The same year, she signed on for Indra Kumar's Grand Masti, taking on a leading role opposite Aftab Shivdasani. Released in September 2013, Grand Masti achieved considerable success, becoming the highest-grossing Bollywood film with an "Adults Only" rating to become a major hit in India, and subsequently entering the prestigious 100-crore club. Box Office India declared the film a Super Hit in the country.
