# Farah Khan

Farah Khan Kunder (née Khan; born 9 January 1965) is an Indian film director, writer, film producer, actress, dancer and choreographer who works predominantly in Hindi films. Khan has choreographed more than a hundred songs in over 80 films, winning the National Film Award for Best Choreography and seven Filmfare Awards for Best Choreography.
In addition, she has worked on Tamil films and in international projects, such as Monsoon Wedding (2001), Bombay Dreams (2002), Vanity Fair (2004) and Marigold: An Adventure in India (2007), and the Chinese films Perhaps Love (2005) and Kung Fu Yoga (2017), earning Tony Award and Golden Horse Award nominations.
As a film director, she received two Filmfare Award for Best Director nominations for the masala films Main Hoon Na (2004) and Om Shanti Om (2007). She then went on to direct the comedy Tees Maar Khan (2010) and the dance heist comedy Happy New Year (2014).

## Early life and personal life

Farah Khan was born on 9 January 1965. Her father, Kamran Khan, was a stuntman-turned-filmmaker. Her mother, Menaka Irani, was the sister of former child actors Honey Irani and Daisy Irani. Farah is thus a first cousin of film personalities Farhan Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar (children of Honey Irani). She has one brother, Sajid Khan, who is a comedian, actor and film director.
Farah Khan married Shirish Kunder, the editor of directorial debut Main Hoon Na (2004), on 9 December 2004. They have since worked together on each other's films, such as Jaan-E-Mann (2006), Om Shanti Om (2007), and Tees Maar Khan (2010). Khan gave birth to triplets — one son and two daughters — in 2008 through in vitro fertilisation.

## Career
### Choreography career

Khan was studying sociology in St. Xavier's College, Bombay when the music video of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" was released. She was so inspired by the song, that although she hadn't danced before that, it soon became her vocation. She learned to dance basically on her own, and set up a dance group. When the choreographer Saroj Khan walked out of the film Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992), Khan took over. This was followed by numerous iconic dance numbers over the years. She met actor Shahrukh Khan on the sets of Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa (1994) and the two have since become good friends and began their collaborative journey. She is the recipient of seven Filmfare Awards for Best Choreography.
In 2013, she also choreographed "Jumping Jhapak", the official anthem for 2013 Indian Premier League.
Khan also collaborated on several international projects such as Monsoon Wedding (2001), Bombay Dreams (2002) and Vanity Fair (2004), receiving a nomination for the Tony Award for Best Choreography for Bombay Dreams, alongside Anthony van Laast. Khan trained Colombian pop star Shakira for a Bollywood version of her song "Hips Don't Lie" for the MTV Video Music Awards on 31 August 2006. Khan has also choreographed Kylie Minogue for the song "Chiggy Wiggy" in the 2009 film Blue.

### Directorial debut and breakthrough (2004–2007)

In 2004, Khan ventured into direction with the masala film Main Hoon Na (2004), starring Shahrukh Khan and Sushmita Sen in lead roles, produced by Red Chillies Entertainment. The film received positive reviews upon release, and emerged as the second highest-grossing Indian film of the year, only surpassed by another Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Veer-Zaara. It earned Khan her first nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Director, thus becoming the second female director to be nominated for the award.
She followed it up with the reincarnation melodrama Om Shanti Om (2007), again starring Shahrukh Khan, alongside debutante Deepika Padukone in lead roles. The film received positive reviews from critics upon release, and emerged as the highest-grossing Hindi film of the year, in addition to becoming the highest-grossing Indian film ever at the time of its release. The film earned Khan her second nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Director, thus becoming the first female director to be nominated for the award twice.

### Setback, acting debut and directorial resurgence (2010–present)

Her next directorial venture was the comedy Tees Maar Khan, starring Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif in lead roles. Despite hype, the film was panned by critics upon release, and emerged as a below-average commercial success at the box-office. The film is today primarily remembered for Kaif's iconic dance number "Sheila Ki Jawani", also choreographed by Khan.
She then made her acting debut alongside Boman Irani in the romantic comedy Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi (2012), directed by Bela Bhansali Sehgal, the sister of director Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The film received mixed-to-positive reviews upon release, but emerged as a commercial failure at the box-office.
Her next directorial venture was the dance heist comedy Happy New Year (2014), reteaming with Shahrukh Khan and Padukone 7 years after Om Shanti Om. She had initially announced to direct the film in 2005 and was supposed to be Padukone's Hindi film debut, but was shelved due to multiple delays and cast changes that occurred over a number of years. The project was again reported as being in the works as of 2012. Upon release, the film received mixed reviews from critics, but emerged as the second highest-grossing Indian film of the year.

### Television and production career

She hosted the celebrity chat show Tere Mere Beach Mein and was a judge on the reality television series Indian Idol – first and second season, Jo Jeeta Wohi Super Star, Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega and Dance India Dance Li'l Masters. She also judged dance reality show Just Dance alongside Hrithik Roshan and Vaibhavi Merchant on Star Plus.
In 2015, Khan replaced Salman Khan and hosted the reality show Bigg Boss Halla Bol, the spin-off of Bigg Boss season 8.
Khan and her husband have started a production company called "Three's Company" named in honor of their triplets.

## Works
### Film

| Year | Title | Actress | Director | Producer | Script Writer | Role |
| 1987 | Jalwa | Yes | | | | Dancer in the "Feeling Hot Hot" song |
| 1998 | Kuch Kuch Hota Hai | Yes | | | | Woman on the Neelam show/ College student who makes fun of Anjali |
| 2003 | Kal Ho Naa Ho | Yes | | | | One of the customers that come to the restaurant after its renovation |
| 2004 | Main Hoon Na | Yes | Yes | | Yes | Herself (special appearance in song "Yeh Fizaein" during the end credits) Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Director |
| 2007 | Om Shanti Om | Yes | Yes | | Yes | The one whom Om Prakash asks if she's the director of the movie / Herself (special appearance during the end credits) Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Director |
| 2010 | Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai | Yes | | | | Herself |
| 2010 | Tees Maar Khan | | Yes | | Yes | |
| 2010 | Khichdi: The Movie | Yes | | | | Herself (cameo) |
| 2012 | Joker | Yes | | Yes | | Herself (special appearance) |
| 2012 | Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi | Yes | | | | Shirin Fugawala |
| 2012 | Student of the Year | Yes | | | | Cameo in "Disco Song" as a judge |
| 2014 | Happy New Year | Yes | Yes | | Yes | Cameo in the end credits |
| 2016 | Devi | Yes | | | | Herself (guest appearance); multilingual film |
| 2019 | Student of the Year 2 | Yes | | | | Cameo in "The Jawaani Song" as a judge |
| 2020 | Mrs. Serial Killer | | | Yes | | |
| 2023 | Khichdi 2: Mission Paanthukistan | Yes | | | | Cameo |

### Choreography

| Year | Films | Notes |
| 1986 | Kahan Kahan Se Guzar Gaya | |
| 1992 | Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar | |
| 1992 | Angaar | |
| 1993 | Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa | |
| 1993 | Waqt Hamara Hai | |
| 1993 | Pehla Nasha | |
| 1993 | Chandra Mukhi | |
| 1993 | 1942: A Love Story | |
| 1994 | Aatish: Feel the Fire | |
| 1995 | Zamaana Deewana | |
| 1995 | Oh Darling! Yeh Hai India | |
| 1995 | Aazmayish | |
| 1995 | Takkar | |
| 1995 | Sisindri | Telugu film |
| 1995 | Hum Dono | |
| 1995 | Barsaat | |
| 1995 | Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge | |
| 1995 | Ram Shastra | |
| 1996 | English Babu Desi Mem | |
| 1997 | Virasat | Filmfare Award for Best Choreography for the song "Dhol Bajne Laga" |
| 1997 | Border | |
| 1997 | Yes Boss | |
| 1997 | Iruvar | Tamil film |
| 1997 | Yeshwant | |
| 1997 | Dil To Pagal Hai | |
| 1997 | Uff! Yeh Mohabbat | |
| 1998 | Keemat: They Are Back | |
| 1998 | Duplicate | |
| 1998 | Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota Hai | |
| 1998 | Angaaray | |
| 1998 | Saat Rang Ke Sapne | |
| 1998 | Dil Se.. | Filmfare Award for Best Choreography for the song "Chaiyya Chaiyya" |
| 1998 | Kuch Kuch Hota Hai | |
| 1998 | Jhooth Bole Kauwa Kaate | |
| 1998 | Minsara Kanavu | Tamil film |
| 1999 | Sirf Tum | |
| 1999 | Laawaris | |
| 1999 | Silsila Hai Pyar Ka | |
| 1999 | Sarfarosh | |
| 1999 | Hote Hote Pyar Ho Gaya | |
| 1999 | Baadshah | |
| 1999 | Mast | |
| 2000 | Alaipayuthey | Tamil film |
| 2000 | Mela | |
| 2000 | Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai | Filmfare Award for Best Choreography for the song "Ek Pal Ka Jeena" |
| 2000 | Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani | |
| 2000 | Pukar | |
| 2000 | Hum To Mohabbat Karega | |
| 2000 | Josh | |
| 2000 | Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega | |
| 2000 | Fiza | |
| 2000 | Mohabbatein | |
| 2001 | Dil Chahta Hai | Filmfare Award for Best Choreography for the song "Woh Ladki Hai Kahaan" |
| 2001 | Monsoon Wedding | |
| 2001 | Asoka | |
| 2001 | Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... | |
| 2001 | One 2 Ka 4 | |
| 2002 | Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam | |
| 2002 | Maine Dil Tujhko Diya | |
| 2002 | Shakti : The Power | |
| 2002 | Kya Yehi Pyaar Hai | |
| 2002 | Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge | |
| 2002 | Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa | |
| 2002 | Koi Mere Dil Se Poochhe | |
| 2002 | Santosham | |
| 2002 | Bombay Dreams | Nominated: Tony Award for Best Choreography |
| 2003 | Confidence | |
| 2003 | Armaan | |
| 2003 | Supari | |
| 2003 | Koi... Mil Gaya | National Film Award for Best Choreography for the song "Idhar Chala Main Udhar Chala" Filmfare Award for Best Choreography for the song "Idhar Chala Main Udhar Chala" |
| 2003 | Wonderland | |
| 2003 | Kal Ho Naa Ho | |
| 2003 | Chalte Chalte | |
| 2004 | Main Hoon Na | |
| 2004 | Mujhse Shaadi Karogi | |
| 2004 | Vanity Fair | |
| 2005 | Kaal | |
| 2005 | Paheli | |
| 2005 | Perhaps Love | Golden Horse Award for Best Action Choreography |
| 2005 | Bluffmaster | |
| 2005 | Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya | |
| 2006 | Krrish | |
| 2006 | Yun Hota Toh Kya Hota | |
| 2006 | Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna | |
| 2006 | Baabul | |
| 2006 | Jaan-E-Mann: Let's Fall in Love... Again | |
| 2006 | Don - The Chase Begins Again | |
| 2006 | Zindaggi Rocks | |
| 2006 | Heyy Babyy | |
| 2007 | Marigold: An Adventure in India | |
| 2007 | Om Shanti Om | |
| 2007 | My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves | |
| 2007 | Welcome | |
| 2008 | Dostana | |
| 2009 | Billu | |
| 2009 | Main Aur Mrs Khanna | |
| 2009 | Blue | |
| 2010 | My Name Is Khan | |
| 2010 | Dabangg | Song "Munni Badnaam Hui" |
| 2010 | Tees Maar Khan | Filmfare Award for Best Choreography for the song "Sheila Ki Jawani" |
| 2011 | Delhi Belly | Song "Jaa Chudail" |
| 2012 | Housefull 2 | Song "Anarkali Disco Chali" |
| 2012 | Nanban | Tamil film; Song "Irukaanaa" |
| 2012 | Student of the Year | Song "Ishq Wala Love" and "Radha" |
| 2012 | Dabangg 2 | Song "Fevicol Se" |
| 2013 | Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani | Song "Ghagra" |
| 2013 | Chennai Express | Song "Titli" |
| 2013 | Himmatwala (2013 film) | |
| 2014 | Happy New Year | |
| 2015 | Dilwale | Song "Gerua" |
| 2016 | Sultan | |
| 2017 | Kung Fu Yoga | |
| 2017 | Rangoon | |
| 2018 | Dhadak | Song "Zingaat" |
| 2018 | Veere Di Wedding | |
| 2019 | Housefull 4 | Song "Ek Chumma" |
| 2019 | Student of the Year 2 | Song "The Hook Up Song" |
| 2020 | Dil Bechara | Filmfare Award for Best Choreography for the song "Dil Bechara" |
| 2024 | Ishq Vishk Rebound | |

### Television

| Year | Show | Role | Notes |
| 2004–2006, 2016–2017 | Indian Idol | Judge | Season 1, 2 and 7 |
| 2006–present | Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa | Judge | Seasons 1, 9, 11 |
| 2008 | Jo Jeeta Wohi Super Star | Judge | |
| 2008, 2015 | Nach Baliye | Judge | Season 4 and 7 |
| 2009–2014 | Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega | Judge | |
| 2010 | Dance India Dance Li'l Masters 1 | Judge | |
| 2011 | Just Dance | Judge | |
| 2012 | Dance Ke Superkids | Judge | |
| 2012 | India's Got Talent | Judge | Season 4 |
| 2013 | Nach Baliye Shriman v/s Shrimati | Judge | |
| 2013 | Dance India Dance Supermoms | Judge | |
| 2015 | Bigg Boss Halla Bol | Co-host | |
| 2015 | Farah Ki Dawat | Host | |
| 2020 | Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi – Made in India | Interim Host | |
| 2021 | Zee Comedy Show | Judge | |
| 2022 | The Khatra Show | Host | |
| 2025 | Celebrity MasterChef | Host & Judge | |

## Accolades

| Year | Award | Category | Song | Result |
| 1998 | 43rd Filmfare Awards | Best Choreography | "Dhol Bajne Laga" (Virasat) | Won |
| 1999 | 44th Filmfare Awards | Best Choreography | "Chaiyya Chaiyya" (Dil Se..) | Won |
| 2001 | 46th Filmfare Awards | Best Choreography | "Ek Pal Ka Jeena" (Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai) | Won |
| 2001 | 2nd IIFA Awards | Best Choreography | "Ek Pal Ka Jeena" (Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai) | Won |
| 2001 | 6th Screen Awards | Best Choreography | "Ek Pal Ka Jeena" (Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai) | Won |
| 2001 | 6th Screen Awards | Best Choreography | Mohabbatein | Nominated |
| 2002 | 47th Filmfare Awards | Best Choreography | "Woh Ladki Hai Kahaan" (Dil Chahta Hai) | Won |
| 2002 | 2nd IIFA Awards | Best Choreography | "Woh Ladki Hai Kahaan" (Dil Chahta Hai) | Won |
| 2002 | 7th Screen Awards | Best Choreography | "Woh Ladki Hai Kahaan" (Dil Chahta Hai) | Won |
| 2002 | American Choreography Awards | Outstanding Achievement In Feature Film | Monsoon Wedding | Nominated |
| 2004 | 49th Filmfare Awards | Best Choreography | "Idhar Chala Mein Udhar Chala" (Koi... Mil Gaya) | Won |
| 2004 | 4th IIFA Awards | Best Choreography | "Maahi Ve" (Kal Ho Naa Ho) | Won |
| 2004 | 50th National Film Awards | Best Choreography | "Idhar Chala Mein Udhar Chala" (Koi... Mil Gaya) | Won |
| 2004 | Bollywood Awards | Best Choreography | "Idhar Chala Mein Udhar Chala" (Koi... Mil Gaya) | Won |
| 2004 | Sansui Viewer's Choice Awards | Best Choreography | "Idhar Chala Mein Udhar Chala" (Koi... Mil Gaya) | Won |
| 2004 | 9th Screen Awards | Best Choreography | "Idhar Chala Mein Udhar Chala" (Koi... Mil Gaya) | Won |
| 2004 | 9th Screen Awards | Best Choreography | "Pretty Woman" (Kal Ho Naa Ho) | Nominated |
| 2004 | 6th Zee Cine Awards | Best Choreography | "Pretty Woman" (Kal Ho Naa Ho) | Nominated |
| 2005 | 50th Filmfare Awards | Best Director | Main Hoon Na | Nominated |
| 2005 | 7th Zee Cine Awards | Best Director | Main Hoon Na | Nominated |
| 2005 | 7th Zee Cine Awards | Best Debut Director | Main Hoon Na | Won |
| 2005 | 10th Screen Awards | Most Promising Debut Director | Main Hoon Na | Won |
| 2005 | 6th IIFA Awards | Best Debut Director | Main Hoon Na | Won |
| 2005 | 6th IIFA Awards | Best Director | Main Hoon Na | Nominated |
| 2005 | 6th IIFA Awards | Best Choreography | "Laal Dupatta" (Mujhse Shaadi Karogi) | Won |
| 2005 | Screen Weekly Awards | Best Choreography | "Laal Dupatta" (Mujhse Shaadi Karogi) | Nominated |
| 2005 | Screen Weekly Awards | Best Choreography | "Tum Se Mil Ke" (Main Hoon Na) | Nominated |
| 2007 | 52nd Filmfare Awards | Best Choreography | "Humko Maloom Hain" (Jaan-E-Mann) | Nominated |
| 2008 | 53rd Filmfare Awards | Best Film | Om Shanti Om | Nominated |
| 2008 | 53rd Filmfare Awards | Best Director | Om Shanti Om | Nominated |
| 2008 | 10th Zee Cine Awards | Best Director | Om Shanti Om | Nominated |
| 2008 | 10th Zee Cine Awards | Best Choreography | "Dhoom Taana" (Om Shanti Om) | Won |
| 2008 | Annual Central European Bollywood Awards | Best Choreography | "Dhoom Taana" (Om Shanti Om) | Won |
| 2008 | Annual Central European Bollywood Awards | Best Film | Om Shanti Om | Won |
| 2008 | Annual Central European Bollywood Awards | Best Director | Om Shanti Om | Won |
| 2008 | 14th Stardust Awards | Dream Director | Om Shanti Om | Won |
| 2008 | 13th Screen Awards | Best Director | Om Shanti Om | Nominated |
| 2008 | 13th Screen Awards | Best Choreography | "Dhoom Taana" (Om Shanti Om) | Won |
| 2009 | 10th IIFA Awards | Best Choreography | "Desi Girl" (Dostana) | Won |
| 2011 | 56th Filmfare Awards | Best Choreography | "Sheila Ki Jawani" (Tees Mar Khan) | Won |
| 2011 | 12th IIFA Awards | Best Choreography | "Munni Badnaam Hui" (Dabangg) | Won |
| 2011 | 16th Screen Awards | Best Choreography | "Munni Badnaam Hui" (Dabangg) | Won |
| 2013 | 14th Zee Cine Awards | Best Choreography | "Fevicol Se" (Dabangg 2) | Nominated |
| 2013 | 18th Screen Awards | Best Choreography | "Fevicol Se" (Dabangg 2) | Nominated |
| 2013 | 10th Stardust Awards | Best Actress | Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi | Won |
| 2014 | 11th Stardust Awards | Dream Director | Happy New Year | Won |
| 2015 | Bollywood Hungama Surfers' Choice Music Awards | Best Choreography | "Lovely" (Happy New Year) | Nominated |
| 2016 | Bollywood Hungama Surfers' Choice Music Awards | Best Choreography | "Gerua" (Dilwale) | Won |
| 2017 | 14th Stardust Awards | Best Choreography | "Baby Ko Bass Pasand Hai" (Sultan) | Nominated |
| 2019 | 20th Zee Cine Awards | Best Choreography | "Tareefan" (Veere Di Wedding) | Nominated |
| 2019 | 20th Zee Cine Awards | Best Choreography | "Zingaat" (Dhadak) | Nominated |
| 2021 | 66th Filmfare Awards | Best Choreography | "Dil Bechara" (Dil Bechara) | Won |
| 2022 | 67th Filmfare Awards | Best Choreography | "Tip Tip" (Sooryavanshi) | Nominated |