Fatima Sana Shaikh's Parents: Meet Raj Tabassum and Vipan Sharma

Fatima Sana Shaikh is a celebrated Indian actress renowned for her compelling performances in films such as Dangal, Ludo, and Sam Bahadur.

With her raw authenticity and emotional depth, she has carved a distinct space in Bollywood, captivating audiences and critics alike. But beyond her screen presence lies a rich, culturally diverse personal background that has significantly shaped her worldview.

Born on January 11, 1992, in Hyderabad, Telangana, and raised in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Fatima grew up in a household defined by inclusivity and open-mindedness.

Her mother, Raj Tabassum, is a Muslim from Srinagar, Kashmir, while her father, Vipan Sharma, is a Hindu Brahmin from Jammu. Despite their differing religious roots, Fatima was raised in a secular, progressive environment, which she has often described as free from the divides of caste, class, or religion.

Fatima identifies as an atheist, emphasizing her belief in karma over organized faith. She has spoken openly about how her upbringing focused on values rather than religious labels, saying, “When I was growing up, no one asked each other’s religion, caste, or class.” This nurturing environment fostered her individuality and creative spirit.

She was raised alongside her younger brother, Shaanib Sharma, in a neighbourhood near Kamal Amrohi Studio in Mumbai—an area that played a quiet but important role in sparking her interest in cinema. Although details of her formal education remain limited, Fatima initially explored photography and considered a career in cinematography before fully committing to acting.

Her journey in film began early, debuting as a child artist in Chachi 420 (1997). That early exposure laid a strong foundation for her later success as a versatile performer in some of India’s most acclaimed films.

Raj Tabassum

Raj Tabassum, Fatima’s mother, hails from Srinagar, a city known for its scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage. As a homemaker, Raj has been a pillar of support for Fatima and her younger brother, Shaanib.

Living in Mumbai, the family resided near Kamal Amrohi Studio, a hub for filmmaking, which likely sparked Fatima’s early interest in the entertainment industry. Raj Tabassum’s enthusiasm for cinema played a significant role in encouraging Fatima and her brother to explore creative pursuits, including acting.

While little is publicly known about Raj Tabassum’s personal endeavours, her influence on Fatima’s life is evident. Reports suggest that Raj’s Kashmiri roots and her marriage to a Hindu from Jammu reflect a harmonious blend of cultures, which has shaped Fatima’s worldview.

Vipan Sharma

Fatima’s father, Vipan Sharma, is a businessman from Jammu, belonging to a Hindu Brahmin family. His roots in Jammu, a region known for its spiritual and cultural significance, add another layer to Fatima’s diverse heritage.

Vipan’s love for cinema, shared with his wife, likely influenced Fatima’s early exposure to the film industry. The family’s proximity to Kamal Amrohi Studio in Mumbai provided Fatima with opportunities to engage with the world of filmmaking from a young age.

Vipan Sharma’s professional life as a businessman has kept him out of the limelight, but his support for Fatima’s career is undeniable. Fatima’s decision to pursue acting, despite initial struggles, was bolstered by her parents’ encouragement.

In 2015, when Fatima faced a three-year period of unemployment and considered switching to cinematography, it was her family’s support that kept her grounded until she landed the breakthrough role of Geeta Phogat in Dangal.