Farah Khan is like a bright spark behind some of Hindi cinema’s most memorable songs and films. With the eye of a director and the rhythm of a choreographer, she has helped turn many dance numbers into lasting screen moments.
Farah was born on January 9, 1965 (61 years old) in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. She is famous as an Indian choreographer, film director, producer, writer, actress, television host, and YouTuber.
She has choreographed more than 100 songs in over 80 films. Some of her best-known songs include “Chaiyya Chaiyya,” “Ek Pal Ka Jeena,” “Sheila Ki Jawani,” and “Munni Badnaam Hui.” She has also directed popular films such as Main Hoon Na, Om Shanti Om, Tees Maar Khan, and Happy New Year.
One of her biggest achievements is winning the National Film Award for Best Choreography for “Idhar Chala Main Udhar Chala.”
Quick Facts of Farah Khan
| Full Name | Farah Khan Kunder |
| Profession | Film director, choreographer, producer, writer, actress, dancer, TV presenter, and YouTuber |
| Age | 61 years old |
| Date of Birth | January 9, 1965 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Zodiac/Sun Sign | Capricorn |
| Birthplace | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Current Address | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Gender | Female |
Farah Khan Early Life and Education
Farah Khan was born and raised in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Her family had serious money problems during her childhood.
Her father lost much of the family’s money after his films failed. The family also lost valuable belongings and property. They later moved into a small flat in Juhu, Mumbai.
Her father developed alcohol-related problems after his financial losses. There were arguments at home that made her childhood difficult. She sometimes stayed at college until evening because she did not want to return home early.
After her parents separated, her mother raised her and her brother Sajid with limited financial support. For a period, they stayed with Farah’s maternal aunt, Honey Irani.
Education
Farah studied at St. Teresa’s Convent School in Mumbai. She later attended St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, where she studied sociology. She has completed a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology through correspondence.
While studying at college, Farah watched Michael Jackson’s music video for “Thriller.” It encouraged her to learn dance. She trained herself and later formed a dance group.
| School | St. Teresa’s Convent School, Mumbai |
| Alma Mater | St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai |
| Highest Qualification | Bachelor of Arts in Sociology |
Farah Khan Personal Life
Farah Khan is married to film editor, writer, and director Shirish Kunder. Shirish worked as the editor of Farah’s first directed film, Main Hoon Na.
The couple married on December 9, 2004. They later worked together on films such as Jaan-E-Mann, Om Shanti Om, and Tees Maar Khan.
Children
Farah and Shirish became parents to triplets in 2008 through in vitro fertilisation, also known as IVF.
They have two daughters, Anya Kunder and Diva Kunder, and one son, Czar Kunder.
In 2025, their children were preparing to study in the United States.
- Diva was accepted by Babson College to study entrepreneurship and finance.
- Anya was accepted by New York University to study economics and data science.
- Czar was accepted by Emory University to study artificial intelligence in business.
Family
Farah Khan was born into a family connected with Indian cinema.
Father
Farah’s father, Kamran Khan, was a stuntman who later became a filmmaker. His film projects faced financial losses, and the family lost property and other valuable belongings.
Kamran later separated from the family. He died while Farah and Sajid were still young and facing serious money problems.
Mother
Farah’s mother was Maneka Irani. After separating from Kamran Khan, she raised Farah and Sajid as a single mother.
During a difficult period, she moved with her children to the home of her sister, Honey Irani. Menaka Irani passed away in Mumbai in July 2024.
Siblings
Farah has one younger brother, Sajid Khan. He is a film director, actor, comedian, and television personality.
Farah and Sajid faced financial hardship together during their younger years and worked to support their family.
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Husband | Shirish Kunder |
| Children | Daughters: Anya Kunder, Divya Kunder Son: Czar Kunder |
| Parents | Father: Late Kamran Khan Mother: Late Maneka Irani |
| Siblings | Brother: Sajid Khan |
Farah Khan Career
Farah Khan started working in Hindi cinema as a dancer. In 1987, she appeared in the song “Feeling Hot” from the film Jalwa. She later learned dance on her own and formed a dance group.
Her first major choreography assignment came in 1992. She took over the dance direction of Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar after choreographer Saroj Khan left the project. The film starred Aamir Khan, Ayesha Jhulka, Deepak Tijori, and Pooja Bedi.
Career as a Choreographer
Farah became one of the leading choreographers in Hindi cinema during the 1990s.
She met Shah Rukh Khan while working on Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa in 1994. This began a long professional association between them.
Her major choreography work includes:
- Virasat in 1997
- Dil Se and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai in 1998
- Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai in 2000
- Koi… Mil Gaya and Kal Ho Naa Ho in 2003
- Dostana in 2008
- Dabangg and Tees Maar Khan in 2010
- Student of the Year and Dabangg 2 in 2012
- Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Chennai Express in 2013
- Dilwale in 2015
- Sultan in 2016
- Dil Bechara in 2020
- Ishq Vishk Rebound in 2024
Some of her best-known songs include “Chaiyya Chaiyya,” “Ek Pal Ka Jeena,” “Idhar Chala Main Udhar Chala,” “Desi Girl,” “Munni Badnaam Hui,” “Sheila Ki Jawani,” “Ghagra,” “Gerua,” and “Dil Bechara.” She has choreographed more than 100 songs across over 80 films.
Through these films and songs, Farah worked with actors such as Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra, Madhuri Dixit, Kajol, and Malaika Arora.
Her choreography for “Ek Pal Ka Jeena” played an important part in Hrithik Roshan’s screen image in Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai in 2000.
International and Stage Work
Farah also worked on projects outside mainstream Hindi cinema. Her international credits include Monsoon Wedding in 2001, the stage musical Bombay Dreams in 2002, Vanity Fair in 2004, Perhaps Love in 2005, and Kung Fu Yoga in 2017.
In 2006, she trained Colombian singer Shakira for a Hindi-film-style version of “Hips Don’t Lie” at the MTV Video Music Awards.
In 2009, she choreographed Australian singer Kylie Minogue for “Chiggy Wiggy” in the film Blue. She also choreographed the “Jumping Jhapak” anthem for the Indian Premier League in 2013.
Career as a Film Director
Farah made her directorial debut with Main Hoon Na in 2004. The film starred Shah Rukh Khan, Sushmita Sen, Zayed Khan, Amrita Rao, and Suniel Shetty. It also earned Farah a Filmfare nomination for Best Director.
Her second film, Om Shanti Om, was released in 2007. It starred Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone in the lead roles. The film marked Deepika’s debut as a lead actress in Hindi cinema.
In 2010, she directed Tees Maar Khan. Its main cast included Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, and Akshaye Khanna. Farah also choreographed “Sheila Ki Jawani,” featuring Katrina Kaif.
Her fourth directed film, Happy New Year, was released in 2014. The cast included Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, Sonu Sood, Boman Irani, Vivaan Shah, and Jackie Shroff. It was Farah’s third directed film with Shah Rukh Khan.
Acting Career
Farah has made guest appearances in several films. These include Kuch Kuch Hota Hai in 1998, Kal Ho Naa Ho in 2003, Main Hoon Na in 2004, Om Shanti Om in 2007, Student of the Year in 2012, Student of the Year 2 in 2019, and Khichdi 2: Mission Paanthukistan in 2023.
She played her first lead acting role in Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi in 2012. She appeared opposite Boman Irani and played the character Shirin Fugawala. The film was directed by Bela Bhansali Sehgal.
Work as a Writer and Producer
Farah received script-writing credits for her directed films Main Hoon Na in 2004, Om Shanti Om in 2007, Tees Maar Khan in 2010, and Happy New Year in 2014.
She worked as a producer on Joker in 2012 and Mrs. Serial Killer in 2020. Farah and her husband, Shirish Kunder, also formed a production company called Three’s Company. The name was chosen in reference to their three children.
Television Career
Farah started working as a television judge on Indian Idol from 2004 to 2006. She returned to the programme from 2016 to 2017. She has also judged Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, Nach Baliye, Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega, India’s Got Talent, and other dance and talent programmes.
In 2011, she judged Just Dance with Hrithik Roshan and choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant. In 2015, she took over hosting duties from Salman Khan for Bigg Boss Halla Bol. During the same year, she hosted the cooking programme Farah Ki Dawat.
Her later television work included Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi Made in India in 2020, Zee Comedy Show in 2021, and The Khatra Show in 2022.
In 2025, Farah became the host and a judge on Celebrity MasterChef. She worked with chefs Vikas Khanna and Ranveer Brar on the programme.
In early 2026, she hosted the reality programme The 50, which premiered on Colors TV and JioHotstar on 1 February 2026.
YouTube and Digital Content
Farah started publishing cooking videos on YouTube in April 2024. Her videos usually feature her cook, Dilip, and celebrity guests. The content includes cooking, home visits, travel, family conversations, and stories from film sets.
Her YouTube work has become a regular part of her career. She continues to publish videos while working on television and streaming programmes.
Streaming Work
In 2026, Farah and Riteish Deshmukh became the hosts of Netflix’s reality programme Lock Upp: Sach Ya Sazaa. They appear as the programme’s two jailers and take part in judgement-day episodes and contestant decisions.
The series began streaming on Netflix on 27 June 2026, with new episodes released from Saturday to Wednesday. Farah was still working on the programme in July 2026.
Farah Khan Awards and Achievements
Farah Khan has received awards for choreography, film direction, and acting. The following are her key wins and nominations.
Key Wins
- 1998, Filmfare Award for Best Choreography: Won for “Dhol Bajne Laga” from Virasat.
- 1999, Filmfare Award for Best Choreography: Won for “Chaiyya Chaiyya” from Dil Se.
- 2001, Filmfare Award for Best Choreography: Won for “Ek Pal Ka Jeena” from Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai.
- 2001, IIFA Award for Best Choreography: Won for “Ek Pal Ka Jeena” from Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai.
- 2002, Filmfare Award for Best Choreography: Won for “Woh Ladki Hai Kahaan” from Dil Chahta Hai.
- 2002, IIFA Award for Best Choreography: Won for “Woh Ladki Hai Kahaan” from Dil Chahta Hai.
- 2004, National Film Award for Best Choreography: Won for “Idhar Chala Main Udhar Chala” from Koi… Mil Gaya.
- 2004, Filmfare Award for Best Choreography: Won for “Idhar Chala Main Udhar Chala” from Koi… Mil Gaya.
- 2004, IIFA Award for Best Choreography: Won for “Maahi Ve” from Kal Ho Naa Ho.
- 2005, IIFA Award for Best Debut Director: Won for directing Main Hoon Na.
- 2005, Screen Award for Most Promising Debut Director: Won for directing Main Hoon Na.
- 2005, Zee Cine Award for Best Debut Director: Won for directing Main Hoon Na.
- 2008, Zee Cine Award for Best Choreography: Won for “Dhoom Taana” from Om Shanti Om.
- 2009, IIFA Award for Best Choreography: Won for “Desi Girl” from Dostana.
- 2011, Filmfare Award for Best Choreography: Won for “Sheila Ki Jawani” from Tees Maar Khan.
- 2011, IIFA Award for Best Choreography: Won for “Munni Badnaam Hui” from Dabangg.
- 2013, Stardust Award for Best Actress: Won for her performance in Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi.
- 2021, Filmfare Award for Best Choreography: Won for the title song of Dil Bechara. This was her seventh Filmfare win in the choreography category.
Key Nominations
- 2002, American Choreography Award for Outstanding Achievement in a Feature Film: Nominated for Monsoon Wedding.
- 2005, Filmfare Award for Best Director: Nominated for Main Hoon Na.
- 2005, IIFA Award for Best Director: Nominated for Main Hoon Na.
- 2005, Zee Cine Award for Best Director: Nominated for Main Hoon Na.
- 2007, Filmfare Award for Best Choreography: Nominated for “Humko Maloom Hain” from Jaan-E-Mann.
- 2008, Filmfare Award for Best Director: Nominated for Om Shanti Om.
- 2008, Screen Award for Best Director: Nominated for Om Shanti Om.
- 2013, Zee Cine Award for Best Choreography: Nominated for “Fevicol Se” from Dabangg 2.
- 2017, Stardust Award for Best Choreography: Nominated for “Baby Ko Bass Pasand Hai” from Sultan.
- 2019, Zee Cine Award for Best Choreography: Nominated for “Tareefan” from Veere Di Wedding.
- 2019, Zee Cine Award for Best Choreography: Nominated for “Zingaat” from Dhadak.
- 2022, Filmfare Award for Best Choreography: Nominated for “Tip Tip” from Sooryavanshi.
Farah Khan Controversies
- Holi Remark and Police Complaint in 2025: Farah faced legal and public criticism in February 2025 after a comment made during an episode of Celebrity MasterChef. While speaking about Holi celebrations, she used the word “chhapri” to describe some people associated with the festival. Social media personality Vikash Fhatak, known as Hindustani Bhau, filed a complaint at Khar Police Station in Mumbai. The complaint claimed that Farah’s words insulted Hindu religious feelings and showed disrespect toward the festival of Holi. News reports later stated that an FIR had been registered against her under several legal sections. The reports described the matter as a case involving alleged harm to religious sentiments and possible public tension. The complaint and FIR were legal claims, not proof that Farah had committed an offence. The reliable public sources reviewed do not confirm a final court ruling or conviction in this matter as of 23 July 2026.
Farah Khan Net Worth
Farah Khan’s estimated net worth is around ₹85-₹90 crore ($10 million).
| Net Worth (Approx.) | ₹85-₹90 crore ($8.78 million-$9.51 million) |
Farah Khan Cars, House and Lifestyle
Farah Khan lives in Mumbai, close to the film industry where she has worked for decades. Her home is in the western suburbs of the city, and her YouTube vlogs, started in April 2024, have given viewers a regular look inside it. The videos show her kitchen, living areas, and family spaces, often while she cooks with her longtime cook, Dilip.
Farah has not shared detailed information in public about the price of her home or the exact value of her other assets. She has also not published a list of cars she owns. Reports about her car collection appear on gossip websites, but she has not confirmed them herself.
Her lifestyle, as seen in interviews and her vlogs, is centred on food, family, and friends. She often hosts film-industry colleagues at home, cooks for celebrity guests, and shares stories from film sets. She has said in interviews that she enjoys feeding people and that her home kitchen is an important part of her daily life.
Farah Khan Height, Weight and Physical Stats
Below are the physical stats of Farah Khan:
| Height | In centimetres: 160 cm In metres: 1.60 m In feet and inches: 5 feet 3 inches |
| Weight | In kg: 65 kg In lbs: 143.5 lbs |
| Hair Color | Dark brown |
| Eye Color | Dark brown |
Farah Khan Lesser-Known Facts and Trivia
- She was the second female director nominated for the Filmfare Award for Best Director, and the first to be nominated twice.
- Her YouTube cooking channel has crossed three million subscribers.
- She has won seven Filmfare Awards for Best Choreography.
Farah Khan Instagram, X, Facebook, YouTube
 @farahkhankunder | |
| X |  @TheFarahKhan |
 @TheFarahKhan | |
| YouTube |  @FarahKhanK |
FAQs
What is the age of Farah Khan?
Farah Khan is 61 years old. She was born on January 9, 1965, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
Who is the husband Farah Khan?
Farah Khan’s husband is Shirish Kunder, a film editor, writer, and director. They married on 9 December 2004. He worked as the editor of her first directed film, Main Hoon Na.
How many children does Farah Khan have?
Farah Khan has two daughters and one son: Diva Kunder, Anya Kunder, and Czar Kunder. She and Shirish Kunder welcomed triplets through IVF in 2008.
Who were the parents of Farah Khan?
Farah Khan’s father was stuntman and filmmaker Kamran Khan. Her mother was Menaka Irani. Menaka was the sister of former child actors Honey Irani and Daisy Irani.
Is Sajid Khan brother of Farah Khan?
Yes, filmmaker, actor, and television personality Sajid Khan is Farah Khan’s younger brother.
Which was the first film as a director for Farah Khan?
Farah Khan made her directing debut with Main Hoon Na in 2004. The film starred Shah Rukh Khan, Sushmita Sen, Zayed Khan, Amrita Rao, and Suniel Shetty.
How many Filmfare Awards has Farah Khan won?
Farah Khan has won seven Filmfare Awards for Best Choreography. She has also received the National Film Award for Best Choreography.
Which song earned Farah Khan a National Film Award?
Farah Khan won the National Film Award for Best Choreography for “Idhar Chala Main Udhar Chala” from Koi… Mil Gaya. The film was released in 2003.
Did Farah Khan choreograph Shakira?
Yes, Farah trained Shakira for a Hindi-film-style performance of “Hips Don’t Lie” at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2006. She also choreographed Kylie Minogue for “Chiggy Wiggy” in Blue in 2009.
