Naaz Shaikh’s story begins in Dampur, a small village in Assam, where life was simple but full of challenges. Born into a modest family, she grew up witnessing her parents’ struggles, which instilled in her a strong sense of resilience and determination. Despite limited resources, she nurtured a dream that seemed far from reality: to pursue acting. Before stepping into films, Naaz explored fashion design and modeling in Bengaluru to support her education. Walking in over 50 fashion shows, including Bangalore Fashion Week, and featuring in campaigns for brands like PepsiCo, Amazon, and Taneira, she earned enough to pay her college fees. Yet, acting remained her true passion, one that she was unwilling to compromise.

A Bold Leap to Mumbai

In 2022, Naaz made a life-changing decision. She left her steady job at Shahi Exports in Bengaluru and moved to Mumbai, fully committing to her acting career.

I knew I couldn’t juggle both, so I gave up my job and prepared for anything. As an actor, you need to sharpen your skills,” she explains. 

Her work paid off quickly when she landed a role in the play Boski Ke Kaptan Chacha, scripted by the legendary Gulzar and directed by Salim Arif. This opportunity became her launchpad, paving the way for roles in television shows and advertisements, gradually carving her place in the entertainment industry.

The Breakthrough: Songs of Forgotten Trees

The turning point in Naaz’s career came in December 2023. Her longtime friend and filmmaker Anuparna Roy invited her to audition for Songs of Forgotten Trees. 

“Anuparna had auditioned many girls but wasn’t satisfied. When she asked me to try, she handled it professionally. She liked my audition, and that’s how I got the role of Thooya,” Naaz recalls. 

Thooya, her character, is an aspiring actor in Mumbai who turns to sex work for survival, highlighting the struggles faced by women in the city.  Her directorial debut, Silent Waters, won the Best Director (Debut) award at the prestigious Venice Film Festival, marking a remarkable achievement for a young filmmaker from India.

Staying Grounded Amid Fame

Despite her rising fame, Naaz remains humble and grounded. She finds solace in simple joys, like caring for stray dogs and cats, emphasizing that true happiness lies beyond the spotlight.  Her love for her Assamese roots remains strong. Though she has been away for years, Naaz hopes to work in Assamese films someday, bringing her international experience back home and inspiring others in her community. 

Naaz Shaikh embodies the idea that passion knows no boundaries. From the small lanes of Dampur to the global limelight of Venice, her journey is a powerful inspiration for young talent across India, especially girls from rural areas. “I took the risk because I couldn’t imagine life without acting. Today, I know it was worth it,” she says. Her story reminds us that dreams backed by hard work, dedication, and courage can transcend limitations, making the impossible achievable.