Rukhsar Rehman is one of the most talented and versatile actresses in the Indian entertainment industry. The underrated Bollywood actress has been in the industry since the early ’90s. She has starred in multiple films and has become a mature and recognisable performer across films, TV serials, and web series. Her journey is inspiring. Her acting career faced many ups and downs. Known for her captivating screen presence and effortless acting skills, Rukhsar Rehman continues to leave a mark across various projects.
In this article, we are going to write some unknown facts about Rukhsar Rehman, a timeless actress in the Indian film and television industry
Rukhsar Rehman Biography, her early life and career beginnings
She was born on October 29, 1975, in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh. She comes from a conservative Muslim family. Rukhsar Rehman age is 49 years as of 2025. She entered the Bollywood industry at the tender age of 17.
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Her debut film was “Yaad Rakhegi Duniya” (1992) opposite Aditya Pancholi.
Rukhsar Rehman’s thriving film career
Rukhsar made her Bollywood debut in 1992 with a lead role in Deepak Anand’s Yaad Rakhegi Duniya opposite Aditya Pancholi. The young actress won hearts with her innocent look in the movie. Rukhsar then went on to star in J.K. Bihari’s Inteha Pyar Ki opposite Rishi Kapoor.
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The budding actress had to pause her career and move back to her hometown, Rampur, due to family obligations
She had to get back to her hometown to start a garment business.
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Rukhsar Rehman had to quit Bollywood because she was married off after two successful films
In an interview with Humans Of Bombay, Rehman revealed that, for her parents, working in the film industry was not an acceptable career option even after her two successful films. Rukhsar Rehman first husband is Asad Ahmed, and her daughter is Aisha Ahmed.
After she was married off, she had no choice but to quit acting. Rukhsar Rehman career took a huge setback after her marriage. Reportedly, at the time she left the industry, she had to refuse roles in hit films like Saugandh, Anmol, Baazigar, 1942: A Love Story, and Roja.
When Rukhsar Rehman’s marriage didn’t work out, she ran away with her daughter
Rukhsar’s marriage failed, and she also became a mother when she was just nineteen. She gathered her courage and ran away with her eight-month-old daughter. In the same interview with Humans of Bombay, the actress shared that she was ridiculed by many people for her divorce at such a young age. But she did not have any other option. Talking about her decision and Rukhsar Rehman personal life, she said,
“One night, I packed what little I could and left. My daughter was just 8 months old, asleep, unaware our life was about to change. I kept asking myself, ‘Am I doing the right thing?’ But I knew I had tried everything.”
Rukhsar couldn’t stop thinking about the acting career she had left behind
Rukhsar went back to her hometown with her daughter and opened a garment boutique. But the actress admitted that she missed the stage and the camera. So one fine day, when Rukhsar was tired of thinking about the what-ifs, she decided to try her luck with Bollywood again.
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Rukhsar Rehman went back to Mumbai after 13 years, leaving her daughter with her parents
To restart her acting career, Rukhsar moved to Mumbai. In an interview, she revealed that it was one of the hardest decisions she made of leaving her daughter behind with her parents. However, the actress said that she wanted to give her daughter, Aisha, a life that she deserved.
So, for that, she decided to discover her own self and what she was capable of. The actress said,
“I left Aisha with my parents — the hardest thing I’ve ever done. But I had to find myself again if I wanted to give her the life she deserved.”
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Rukhsar Rehman Bollywood comeback
Return with ‘D’ in 2005
After a long break, Rukhsar made an impactful return to Indian cinema in the year 2005. She started with strong supporting roles that showcased her emotional depth and versatile skills. The actress shared that she auditioned for many small roles and faced rejection as well. But she finally worked in Ram Gopal Verma’s film, D, in 2005, where she played the role of Randeep Hooda‘s love interest.
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Notable Films: Sarkar, The Lunchbox, PK
Then the actress went on to be a part of another film of Verma, which was Sarkar. Some of her notable Rukhsar Rehman movies, Sarkar (2005), The Lunchbox (2013), Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019), PK, and more. These performances firmly established her as a Bollywood actress with range and reliability.
Rukhsar Rehman TV Shows and TV career have been equally noteworthy
In addition to films, she played key roles in several popular Indian television serials. She portrayed the confident and complex Dr. Mallika in Kuch Toh Log Kahenge on Sony TV. She also featured in the TV show, Tumhari Paakhi aired on Life OK. Her TV roles were highly admired by the audience.
Rukhsar Rehman Web Series
Rukhsar’s web series appearances show her adaptability and modern storytelling in the evolving entertainment industry. Some of her recent projects include The Gone Game on Voot Select, Miya Biwi Aur Murder on MX Player.
Rukshar took her daughter to Mumbai after reclaiming her life
After Rukhsar Rehman had started working on various projects and had become a prominent face in the industry, the actress also took her daughter, Aisha Ahmed, to Mumbai to live with her. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Aisha Ahmed also started a career in acting.
Rukshar got married to filmmaker Faruk Kabir, but that ended in heartbreak
Rukhsar was married to filmmaker Faruk Kabir from 2010 to 2023. Rukshar Rehman’s husband was the director of films like Allah Ke Banday and Khuda Haafiz. Rukhsar Rehman’s daughter, Aisha Ahmed, is a popular face in youth-centric films and web series.
We believe Rukhsar Rehman deserves more spotlight
From her early Bollywood days to her recent OTT performances, Rukhsar represents the evolving face of Indian entertainment. With a perfect mix of poise, depth, and talent, the actress remains one of the most respected yet underrated Bollywood actresses today.
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What are your thoughts about her inspiring journey? Let us know in the comments.
