Lubna Salim is a highly accomplished Indian performing artist with a career spanning over three decades in theatre, television, and cinema. Born in Mumbai to a family deeply embedded in the arts, her father, Javed Siddiqui, is a renowned screenwriter, and her mother, Farida Javed Siddiqui, was a costume designer. This artistic environment, along with early exposure to the Indian People’s Theatre Association (IPTA), shaped her artistic sensibilities from a young age.
Salim’s journey in acting began remarkably early. At just seven years old, she performed in the play “Hori,” based on Premchand’s novel “Godan.” While attending Mithibai College, she excelled in theatre, earning the prestigious Balraj Sahni Award for Best Actress. This early recognition set the stage for a distinguished career.
Her theatrical work is a cornerstone of her career, with notable performances in acclaimed plays like “Lakeerein,” written by Gulzar, and “Gudamba,” a powerful monologue written by her father. Salim has also made significant contributions to Indian theatre as a producer. She founded and currently runs Essay Ensemble, a Mumbai-based theatre group dedicated to producing thought-provoking plays that address contemporary social issues.
Salim’s versatility extends to television and film. She made her television debut in the 1988 series “Bharat Ek Khoj.” She gained widespread popularity and critical acclaim for her role as Leela Thakkar in the hit show “Baa Bahoo Aur Baby” from 2005 to 2010. Her filmography includes roles in successful movies such as “OMG – Oh My God!” and “Gadar 2.” She has also appeared in a number of web series, including “The Aam Aadmi Family” and “The Gone Game.”
Throughout her career, Salim has been recognised for her talent with numerous awards. She won the Indian Telly Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for “Baa Bahoo Aur Baby” and the Indian Television Academy (ITA) Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance in the series “Teri Meri Doriyaann.” She has also received awards for her work in short films, including the Best Actress award at the Ayodhya Film Festival for “A Date with Mother.”
In her personal life, Lubna is married to acclaimed theatre director Salim Arif. They met during the production of “Discovery of India.” Salim Arif has directed several of her theatrical productions and is currently the Head of the Department of Cultural Studies at Whistling Woods International. The couple has two sons, Faizi and Faraaz. Faraaz has also entered the film industry as an assistant to filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj.
In recent years, Salim has continued to push artistic boundaries with critically acclaimed solo performances in “Gudamba” and “Redevelopment,” which tackle themes of urban development and social transformation. Her most recent television role was in “Teri Meri Doriyaann,” for which she received an ITA Award. Through her continued work and her theatre group, Essay Ensemble, Salim remains a powerful voice in contemporary Indian theatre and entertainment. Her career reflects a commitment to artistic integrity, quality content, and meaningful roles, making her a respected and influential figure in the industry.