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Farah Khan (Director)
Farah Khan Kunder, formerly Farah Khan, born on January 9, 1965, is a multi-talented figure in the Indian film industry. Her roles span across directing, writing, producing, acting, dancing, and choreographing primarily in Hindi cinema. With over a hundred choreographed songs in more than 80 films, her mastery in choreography has earned her accolades including the National Film Award for Best Choreography and seven Filmfare Awards for Best Choreography.
Beyond Hindi cinema, Khan has left her mark on Tamil films and international projects such as “Monsoon Wedding” (2001), “Bombay Dreams” (2002), “Vanity Fair” (2004), “Marigold: An Adventure in India” (2007), “Perhaps Love” (2005), and “Kung Fu Yoga” (2017). Her contributions have garnered nominations for prestigious awards like the Tony Award and the Golden Horse Award.
In her directorial ventures, Khan has received acclaim for films like “Main Hoon Na” (2004) and “Om Shanti Om” (2007), earning her two nominations for Filmfare Award for Best Director. She further showcased her directorial prowess with movies like “Tees Maar Khan” (2010) and “Happy New Year” (2014).
Khan’s journey in the industry began with her debut as a choreographer in “Kahan Kahan Se Guzar Gaya” (1981), but it was her work in “Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar” (1992) and the iconic song “Dhol Bajne Laga” from “Virasat” (1997) that propelled her to fame, winning her the Filmfare Award for Best Choreography. Subsequently, she continued her winning streak with choreography in films like “Dil Se..” (1998), “Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai” (2000), and “Koi… Mil Gaya” (2003).
Her contributions to the industry aren’t limited to behind-the-scenes work; Khan has also graced the screen as an actress, appearing in films like “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” (1998), “Kal Ho Naa Ho” (2003), and “Om Shanti Om” (2007), and taking on lead roles in “Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi” (2012).
Beyond film, Khan has made notable appearances as a judge and co-host on various television shows, including “Indian Idol,” “Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa,” “Nach Baliye,” “Dance India Dance: Li’l Masters,” and “India’s Got Talent.” She has also taken on hosting duties for shows like “Bigg Boss Halla Bol: Farah Khan Replaces Salman,” “Khatron Ke Khiladi – Made in India,” and “The Khatra Show.”
Early and Personal Life
Born on January 9, 1965, Farah Khan is part of a family deeply rooted in the Indian film industry. Her father, Kamran Khan, transitioned from a stuntman to a filmmaker. Her mother, Menaka Irani, is related to former child actors Honey Irani and Daisy Irani, making Farah a first cousin to film personalities Farhan Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar, children of Honey Irani. She has a brother named Sajid Khan, known for his roles as a comedian, actor, and film director.
Farah Khan tied the knot with Shirish Kunder, the editor of her directorial debut “Main Hoon Na” (2004), on December 9, 2004. They have collaborated on each other’s projects, including “Jaan-E-Mann” (2006), “Om Shanti Om” (2007), and “Tees Maar Khan” (2010). In 2008, through in vitro fertilization, Khan gave birth to triplets — a son and two daughters.
Farah Khan Kunder, a versatile figure in the Indian film industry, has made significant contributions as a director, choreographer, writer, producer, and actress primarily in Hindi cinema. She received her education at St. Teresa’s Convent School, Mumbai, and later pursued sociology at St. Xavier’s College, Bombay.
Her journey in the film world began as a choreographer with “Kahan Kahan Se Guzar Gaya” (1981). She rose to prominence in mainstream Hindi cinema with her work in “Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar” (1992) and gained widespread recognition for her choreography in “Virasat” (1997), winning the Filmfare Award for Best Choreography for the song “Dhol Bajne Laga.”
Career
Farah Khan’s journey into the world of dance and choreography began unexpectedly when she encountered Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” music video during her sociology studies at St. Xavier’s College, Bombay. Despite having no prior dance experience, she was so captivated by the song that it ignited her passion for dance. Teaching herself the art, she formed her own dance group and soon found herself stepping into the shoes of choreographer Saroj Khan for the film “Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar” (1992) after Saroj Khan’s departure. This marked the beginning of a prolific career filled with iconic dance sequences and collaborations with renowned actors like Shahrukh Khan.
Over the years, Farah Khan has garnered widespread recognition for her choreography, earning seven Filmfare Awards for Best Choreography. Her talents have extended beyond Indian cinema, with contributions to international projects such as “Monsoon Wedding” (2001), “Bombay Dreams” (2002), and “Vanity Fair” (2004), where she received a Tony Award nomination for Best Choreography.
In addition to her choreography, Khan ventured into directing with the masala film “Main Hoon Na” (2004), followed by the reincarnation melodrama “Om Shanti Om” (2007), both starring Shahrukh Khan. These films not only received critical acclaim but also achieved significant commercial success, with “Om Shanti Om” becoming the highest-grossing Indian film at the time of its release.
Beyond her directorial ventures, Khan has graced television screens as a judge and co-host on various reality shows such as “Indian Idol,” “Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa,” “Nach Baliye,” and “Dance India Dance: Li’l Masters.” She also took on hosting duties for shows like “Bigg Boss Halla Bol” in 2015.
In 2013, Khan choreographed the official anthem for the Indian Premier League, titled “Jumping Jhapak.” She has also made cameo appearances in films like “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” (1998) and “Om Shanti Om” (2007), and took on a lead role in “Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi” (2012).
Together with her husband, Farah Khan runs a production company named “Three’s Company,” a nod to their triplet children. Her diverse talents and contributions have solidified her position as a powerhouse in the Indian entertainment industry.
Mini Bio
| Name | Info |
|---|---|
| Name | Farah Khan |
| Date of Birth | 9 January 1965 |
| Birth Place | Bombay, Maharashtra, India |
| Citizenship | India |
| Nationality | India |
| University | St. Xavier’s College, Bombay |
| Profession | Actress, Film Director, Producer |
| Career | 1992–present |
| Height | 5′ 4″ (1.63 m) |
| Spouse | Shirish Kunder |
| Marriage Date | m. 2004 |
| Parents |
|
| Siblings |
|
| Grandparents | |
| Children | 3 |
| Relatives | N/A |
Flims / Movies
| Year | Title | Actress | Director | Producer | Script Writer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Jalwa | Yes | |||
| 1998 | Kuch Kuch Hota Hai | Yes | |||
| 2003 | Kal Ho Naa Ho | Yes | |||
| 2004 | Main Hoon Na | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 2007 | Om Shanti Om | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 2010 | Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai | Yes | |||
| 2010 | Tees Maar Khan | Yes | Yes | ||
| 2010 | Khichdi: The Movie | Yes | |||
| 2012 | Joker | Yes | Yes | ||
| 2012 | Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi | Yes | |||
| 2012 | Student of the Year | Yes | |||
| 2014 | Happy New Year | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 2016 | Devi | Yes | |||
| 2019 | Student of the Year 2 | Yes | |||
| 2020 | Mrs. Serial Killer | Yes | |||
| 2023 | Khichdi 2: Mission Paanthukistan | Yes |
Television / Shows
| Year | Show | Ref. |
|---|---|---|
| 2004–2006, 2016–2017 | Indian Idol | |
| 2006–present | Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa | |
| 2008 | Jo Jeeta Wohi Super Star | |
| 2008, 2015 | Nach Baliye | |
| 2009–2014 | Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega | |
| 2010 | Dance India Dance Li’l Masters 1 | |
| 2011 | Just Dance | |
| 2012 | Dance Ke Superkids | |
| 2012 | India’s Got Talent | |
| 2013 | Nach Baliye Shriman v/s Shrimati | |
| 2013 | Dance India Dance Supermoms | |
| 2015 | Bigg Boss Halla Bol | |
| 2015 | Farah Ki Dawat | |
| 2020 | Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi – Made in India | |
| 2021 | Zee Comedy Show | |
| 2022 | The Khatra Show |
Reference
- Farah Khan Producer – Biography Points