Nargis Fakhri is an American actress and model who made her acting debut in 2011 with the Bollywood romantic comedy Rockstar. Since then, she has established herself as a leading lady in Indian cinema with several hit films to her name. But it wasn’t always so easy for this talented starlet – Nargis had to overcome numerous obstacles before reaching success in India. This article will take you on the journey of Nargis Fakhri’s remarkable career.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on October 20, 1979, in Queens, New York City, USA, to Pakistani parents Mohammed and Marie Fakhri, Nargis was raised in a small neighbourhood in NYC. After completing high school in 1999, Nargis attended Medical School at the University of Massachusetts Boston but later dropped out and decided to pursue modeling instead. She eventually moved to India to launch her modeling career, which proved to be immensely successful.
Rise to Fame in Bollywood
In 2010, while working as a professional model in Mumbai, Nargis caught the attention of director Imtiaz Ali who offered her the lead role in his upcoming movie Rockstar (2011). Despite having no prior acting experience, she agreed and went on to deliver a memorable performance opposite Ranbir Kapoor, earning widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike. Following this breakout performance, she appeared in several prominent Hindi films including Madras Cafe (2013), Spy (2015) and Banjo (2016).
Breakthrough Roles
Nargis’ career truly took off after appearing alongside Akshay Kumar in Housefull 3 (2016), one of the highest-grossing Bollywood movies of all time. She also gave an unforgettable performance in Azhar (2016), winning over audiences with her natural screen presence and charm. Her talent earned her immense recognition and set her up as one of the most sought-after actresses in India.
Leading Lady Status
Over the years, Nargis continued to work hard and expand her range as an actress. In 2017, she starred alongside Salman Khan in Tubelight, proving that she could carry a big-budget film on her own shoulders. The following year saw her appear in two huge blockbusters – Welcome To New York (2018) and 5 Weddings (2018). Her turn as a journalist in the former was highly praised by critics and cemented her status as a leading lady.
Fashion Modeling Career
Apart from making waves in the entertainment industry, Nargis has also found success as a fashion model. She became the face of several popular brands such as Lakme Cosmetics, Colgate toothpaste, Lux Shampoo and Nokia Mobile phones. In 2013, she was featured on the cover of Vogue Magazine’s Indian edition, making history as the first South Asian woman to ever grace its pages.
International Recognition
Nargis’ immense popularity soon spread outside India and she started getting offers from Hollywood filmmakers. In 2016, she signed on to play supporting roles in Universal Pictures’ Ice Age: Collision Course and Jason Bourne starring Matt Damon. Her appearances showcased her acting chops to a global audience, bringing her considerable international fame.
Philanthropy Work
Giving back to society has always been important to Nargis. In 2018, she joined hands with PETA India to raise awareness about animal rights and cruelty-free living. In 2019, she visited Jamnagar District Hospital in Gujarat to promote proper hygiene among children and encourage them to stay healthy.
Personal Life & Relationships
Nargis is notoriously private when it comes to her personal life and relationships. It is known that she briefly dated Ranbir Kapoor during the filming of Rockstar and subsequently moved onto Uday Chopra for several years afterwards. Currently, it seems that she is single and focusing on advancing her already stellar career further.
Conclusion
Throughout her decade long career, Nargis Fakhri has achieved numerous accolades and accomplishments; from starting out as a struggling medical student from Queens, New York City to becoming one of the most recognizable names in Bollywood. Her unwavering determination coupled with her sheer passion for acting have served her well throughout her journey and are sure to propel her towards even greater heights in the future!