# Shaheer Sheikh

Shaheer Nawaz Sheikh (born 26 March 1984) is an Indian actor who predominantly works in Hindi television. Considered as one of the highest paid television actor in India, Sheikh is a recipient of several accolades including an ITA Award, an Indian Telly Award and two Gold Awards.
Sheikh made his acting debut in 2005 with Sanya. Following few supporting parts and portrayal of Veer Mehra in Kya Mast Hai Life (2009–2010), he had his breakthrough with Navya..Naye Dhadkan Naye Sawaal (2011–2012), where he portrayed Anant Bajpai. His performance earned him ITA Award for GR8! Performer of the Year. Sheikh rose to fame with his portrayal of Arjuna in Mahabharat (2013–2014), for which he received widespread acclaim and several nominations.
Post his success with Mahabharat, Sheikh took a break from Indian television and made his Indonesian television debut with Cinta di Langit Taj Mahal (2015) and appeared in several series and films. Sheikh established himself as a leading television actor with his portrayal of Devrath Dixit in Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi (2016–2017) and Abir Rajvansh in Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke (2019–2020). He has since portrayed Manav Deshmukh in the web series Pavitra Rishta- Its Never Too Late (2021) and Krishna Chaudhary in Woh Toh Hai Albelaa (2022–2023). Sheikh expanded to Hindi films with Do Patti (2024).
Sheikh is married to creative producer Ruchikaa Kapoor with whom he has two children.

## Early life

Sheikh was born on 26 March 1984 in Bhaderwah, Doda, Jammu and Kashmir to Shahnawaz Sheikh and Dilshad Sheikh. He has two sisters, Aleefa and Ifrah. He completed his schooling at Hari Singh Higher Secondary School, Jammu. He graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (L.L.B.) degree from New Law College, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune.

## Career
### Debut and early career (2009–2012)

After receiving his L.L.B., he began working for a law firm, after which he started a career as a photographer. He then went on to do modelling.
In 2009, Sheikh made his television debut in Kya Mast Hai Life, where he played Veer Mehra, a teenager who loves music and playing guitar. After the final season of the show, Sheikh was seen in Jhansi Ki Rani as Nana Sahib, replacing Satyajeet Dubey as the brother of Rani of Jhansi.
In 2011, Sheikh was approached to play the lead opposite Saumya Seth in the television show Navya..Naye Dhadkan Naye Sawaal. He portrayed Anant Bajpai, a regular college boy on the surface, but a traditionalist and a conformist on the inside. Alongside Navya, Sheikh worked on the Disney Channel show Best Of Luck Nikki, playing Ritesh in season 1. In 2012, Sheikh appeared in the telefilm shown in Star Plus' Teri Meri Love Stories opposite Mahhi Vij.

### Breakthrough and acting in Indonesia (2013–2015)

In 2013, he signed on Swastik Productions' Mahabharat. He played Arjuna, an incredible archer, warrior prince and the third Pandava. To prepare for the role, he underwent intense training for almost eight months, including fitness, horse riding and weapons training.The series was completed in August 2014. Mahabharat was a huge critical and commercial success and was said to have recorded the highest GTVMs achieved by any serial in the history of Indian television. It was also popular in Indonesia, establishing Sheikh's stardom, where he was often credited as the 'SRK of the country'. His chemistry with his co-star Pooja Sharma, who played Draupadi, was also highly adored by fans. After Mahabharat, Sheikh took part in various projects in Indonesia, which increased his popularity.
In 2014, he hosted Indonesian reality television Panah Asmara Arjuna and a variety show The New Eat Bulaga! Indonesia along with his costars from Mahabharat. In 2015, he co-hosted the television talent show Asia's Got Talent with Marc Nelson. He also featured in a romantic drama, Cinta di Langit Taj Mahal, alongside Nabila Syakieb and Ravi Bhatia as Reehan Syahputra, a calm and composed guy. In 2015, Sheikh landed a lead role in the romantic comedy film Turis Romantis opposite actress Kirana Larasati. He played Azan Khan, a handsome photographer from India who befriended Nabil, a tough and beautiful tourist guide in Yogyakarta.

### Acclaim and established actor (2016–2020)

In 2016, Sheikh made his comeback to Indian television with Sony TV's critically acclaimed television show, Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi, alongside Erica Fernandes and Supriya Pilgaonkar. He played Devrath Dixit (Dev), a young and successful business tycoon. Sheikh's performance and his onscreen chemistry with Erica was well appreciated. In September 2017, the show returned for a second season.
Along with Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi, he performed in episodic roles and made guest appearances in many Indonesian television series. He was seen as Raden Petir in Roro Jonggrang, as Salman in Malaikat Kecil Dari India, as Aladin/Ali Besar in Aladin & Alakadam, as Prince Zamzaman Jinny Oh Jinny Datang Lagi, as Mr. Thakur in Gara Gara Duyung, as Rahul in Tuyul & Mba Yul Reborn and made a guest appearance in I-KTP. In 2016, he also starred opposite Masayu Anastasia in the Indonesian telefilm Namaku Yusuf, playing the titular role of Yusuf.
In February 2017, he began work on an Indonesian feature film Maipa and Datu Museng, an action-based periodic love story in which Sheikh played the role of Datu Museng, a warrior. The film released on 11 January 2018. The same year, he portrayed Salim in Colors TV's Dastaan-E-Mohabbat: Salim Anarkali. He was paired opposite Sonarika Bhadoria.
From March 2019 to October 2020, he played Abir Rajvansh in Star Plus's Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke, opposite Rhea Sharma. Producer Rajan Shahi stated his role was dynamic.

### Web and film expansion (2021–present)

He made his web debut with Paurashpur starring Annu Kapoor, Shilpa Shinde, Milind Soman and Flora Saini. In 2021, he reprised the role of Dev Dixit in Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi 3 with Erica Fernandes. The story progressed from where it left off in the second season.
In July 2021, he signed on Pavitra Rishta: Its Never Too Late, an OTT project in tribute to actor Sushant Singh Rajput, who had originally played the lead role of Manav in its first season. Shaheer stepped into his shoes, with some changes to the plot as well as his characterisation. It released on 15 September 2021, garnering a commendable response from the audience. On 28 January 2022, Pavitra Rishta: Its Never Too Late 2.0 was released.
In 2022, Sheikh starred in the short film Yatri Kripya Dhyan De alongside Shweta Basu Prasad. Starting in March 2022, he was seen as Krishna Choudhary in Star Bharat's Woh Toh Hai Albelaa opposite Hiba Nawab. The show ended on 14 June 2023.
Sheikh made his Hindi film debut in 2024, with the Netflix film Do Patti, a mystery thriller opposite Kriti Sanon, where he portrayed Dhruv Sood, a paragliding company owner and an abusive husband. Rishabh Suri of Hindustan Times noted, "Shaheer has got a meaty role in the film. Menacing as a cold-hearted husband, and just a MCP in general, he makes a well-written character extremely watchable." Vineeta Kumar of India Today stated, "Shaheer's Dhruv is a complete revelation and a testimony of his prowess as a versatile actor. He adds value to the narrative and engages you in the story, something that the rest of the seasoned actors fail to do."

## Other work and public image

With his performance in Navya..Naye Dhadkan Naye Sawaal, Mahabharat, Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi and Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke, he established himself among the leading and highest paid actors in Hindi television. In 2014, Sheikh was placed third in Rediff.com's "Top Television Actors" list.
In an interview, Sheikh revealed about how he chooses his projects. He said,
   "When it comes to me, I consciously pick up projects where I get to do something different. In my last couple of shows, my characters were very relatable. They even inspired me in my personal life."
Sheikh was named the Times Most Desirable Men on Television in 2017. Subsequently, he was placed 4th in 2018, 3rd in 2019 and 4th in 2020. In its "50 Most Desirable Men" list, he was placed 50th in 2017, 29th in 2019 and 38th in 2020. In 2024, he was placed in Hindustan Times's "Best Bollywood Debuts" of the year list.
In August 2018, he was chosen as the first Indian torch bearer of the 18th Asian Games by the Indonesian government. Sheikh has also been a prominent celebrity endorser for several brands and products such as Godrej No. 1 and TVS Motor.

## Personal life

After dating for almost two years, Sheikh married Ruchikaa Kapoor on 19 October 2020 in a court wedding, after which they had celebrations in Jammu and Mumbai. Kapoor is the director of Hindi original films on Netflix India. On 9 September 2021, they became parents to a baby girl, Anaya. The couple welcomed another baby girl, Kudrat, on 1 September 2023.

## Filmography

Key :
| † | Denotes films that have not yet been released |

### Films

* All films are in Hindi unless otherwise noted.
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 2015 | Turis Romantis | Azan Khan | Indonesian film |
| 2017 | Maipa Deapati & Datu Museng | Datu Museng | Indonesian film |
| 2022 | Yatri Kripya Dhyan De | Sumit | Short film |
| 2024 | Do Patti | Dhruv Sood | |

### Television

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| Indian Television |||||
| 2005–2006 | Sanya | Arjun Shekhawat | |
| 2009–2010 | Kya Mast Hai Life | Veer Mehra | |
| 2010 | Jhansi Ki Rani | Nana Sahib | |
| 2011–2012 | Navya..Naye Dhadkan Naye Sawaal | Anant Bajpai | |
| 2011 | Best of Luck Nikki | Ritesh | Season 1 |
| 2012 | Teri Meri Love Stories | Nityanand Chaturvedi | Episode 11 |
| 2013–2014 | Mahabharat | Arjuna | |
| 2016–2017 | Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi | Devrath "Dev" Dixit | |
| 2018–2019 | Dastaan-E-Mohabbat Salim Anarkali | Salim | |
| 2019–2020 | Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke | Abir Rajvansh | |
| 2021 | Kuch Rang Pyaar Ke Aise Bhi - Nayi Kahaani | Devrath "Dev" Dixit | |
| 2022–2023 | Woh Toh Hai Albelaa | Krishna "Kanha" Choudhary | |
| Indonesian Television |||||
| 2014 | Panah Asmara Arjuna | Arjuna | |
| 2014 | The New Eat Bulaga! Indonesia | Host | |
| 2015 | Cinta di Langit Taj Mahal | Rehan Syahputra | |
| 2015 | Cinta di Langit Taj Mahal 2 | Rehan Syahputra / Revan | |
| 2015 | Asia's Got Talent | Host | |
| 2016 | Roro Jonggrang | Raden Petir | |
| 2016 | Malaikat Kecil Dari India | Salman | |
| 2016 | Namaku Yusuf | Yusuf | |
| 2016 | Aladin & Alakadam | Aladin / Ali Besar | |
| 2016 | Jinny Oh Jinny Datang Lagi | Prince Zamzaman | Episodes 24–25 |
| 2016 | Gara Gara Duyung | Mr. Thakur | |
| 2016 | Tuyul & Mba Yul Reborn | Rahul | |
| 2017–2018 | Malaikat Tak Bersayap | Arya | |
| 2020 | Cinta Sejati Selalu Kembali | Devan | |
| 2020 | Jika Esok Tak Pernah Ada | Amir | |
| 2020 | Cinta Antara Langit Dan Bumi | Kevin Bills | |
| 2023 | Bollystar Vacation Hai Albelaa | Host | |

### Web series

| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
| 2020 | Paurashpur | Veer Singh | Cameo appearance | |
| 2021 | Pavitra Rishta - Its Never Too Late | Manav Deshmukh | | |

### Music videos

| Year | Title | Singer(s) |
| 2012 | Teri Palkey | Reeky Dev |
| 2018 | Sau Fikr | Bishwajit Ghosh |
| 2020 | Ae Mere Dil | Abhay Jodhpurkar |
| 2020 | Je Tu Na Bulave | Surya |
| 2020 | Ab Kya Jaan Legi Meri | Palaash Muchal, Amit Mishra |
| 2021 | Baarish Ban Jaana | Payal Dev, Stebin Ben |
| 2021 | Mera Dil Bhi Kitna Pagal Hai | Mamta Sharma |
| 2021 | Mohabbat Hai | Stebin Ben |
| 2021 | O Dilbar Yaara | Stebin Ben |
| 2022 | Taash De Patte | Bhanu Pandit |
| 2022 | Kya Fark Padta Hai | Dev Negi |
| 2022 | Ve Tu | Sunidhi Chauhan |
| 2022 | Ek Haseena Ne | Ramji Gulati |
| 2022 | Iss Baarish Mein | Yasser Desai, Neeti Mohan |
| 2022 | Main Tenu Chadh Jaungi | Zahrah S Khan |
| 2022 | Runjhun | Vishal Mishra |
| 2023 | Wo Kashish | Javed Ali, Anweshaa |
| 2023 | Barsaat Aa Gayi | Shreya Ghoshal, Stebin Ben |

## Awards and nominations

| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
| 2011 | Indian Television Academy Awards | GR8! Performer of the Year – Male | Navya..Naye Dhadkan Naye Sawaal | Won |
| 2014 | Indian Telly Awards | Best Actor in a Lead Role | Mahabharat | Nominated |
| 2014 | Gold Awards | Best Actor in a Lead Role | Mahabharat | Nominated |
| 2014 | Indian Television Academy Awards | Best Actor Popular | Mahabharat | Nominated |
| 2016 | Indian Television Academy Awards | Best Actor Popular | Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi | Nominated |
| 2016 | Gold Awards | Best Onscreen Jodi (with Erica Fernandes) | Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi | Nominated |
| 2016 | Asiavision Awards | Star of the Year | Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi | Won |
| 2017 | Gold Awards | Best Onscreen Jodi (with Erica Fernandes) | Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi | Won |
| 2019 | Gold Awards | Best Actor in a Lead Role | Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke | Nominated |
| 2019 | Gold Awards | Best Onscreen Jodi (with Rhea Sharma) | Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke | Won |
| 2021 | Iconic Gold Awards | Most Trustworthy TV Actor of the Year | — | Won |
| 2023 | Bollywood Hungama Style Icons | Most Stylish TV Actor – Male | — | Nominated |
| 2023 | Indian Telly Awards | Best Actor in a Lead Role | Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi 3 | Nominated |
| 2023 | Indian Telly Awards | Best Television Personality of the Year | — | Won |
| 2025 | Iconic Gold Awards | Best Debut Actor – OTT | Do Patti | Won |