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Zarina Wahab Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated October 21, 2026 • 3 min read

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Quick Info

Date of birth17 July 1956

Age65 Years (as of 2024)

BirthplaceVisakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

ProfessionActress, Former Model

NationalityIndian

Marital statusMarried

SpouseAditya Pancholi

FamilyChildren - Son: Sooraj Pancholi; Daughter: Sana Pancholi

Zarina Wahab Biography

Veteran Indian actress Zarina Wahab built a steady career across film and television after debuting in the mid-1970s. Born in Visakhapatnam, she trained at

Early life and background

Zarina Wahab was born on 17 July 1956 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Raised in a conservative Muslim household, she decided on an acting path early—pursuing performing arts while still in school. She later attended the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, a formative step on her way into cinema.

Physical profile and skills

Wahab stands about 1.68 m (5'6") and has dark brown eyes and black hair. She speaks multiple languages fluently, including Urdu, Telugu, Hindi and English. Her personal interests include cooking, reading and spending time with family.

Career

Zarina Wahab began her film career with the 1974 movie Ishq Ishq Ishq. A few years into the industry she gained wider recognition when she appeared in the 1976 film Chitchor, which helped establish her as a screen actress. Over subsequent decades she worked steadily in both films and television.

On the big screen Wahab has taken on a mix of leading and character roles. In later years she played older-generation characters in major films such as My Name Is Khan, Agneepath, I, Me, Aur Main and Dil Dhadakne Do. In 2019 she portrayed Heeraben Modi, the mother of Narendra Modi, in the film PM Narendra Modi.

Wahab has also contributed voice work, dubbing the Hindi voice for the actress Revathi in the film Anjali. Early in her career she received a Filmfare nomination in the Best Actress category for her work in Gharonda.

On television she has been a familiar presence in Indian serials. Her TV credits include Maayka, Zaara, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Yahaaan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli, Madhubala Ek Ishq Ek Junoon, Sajda Tere Pyaar Mein and Meri Awaaz Hi Pehchaan Hai. Her television debut is listed as Maayka (2007).

Public profile

Wahab’s personal life has been part of her public narrative. She married actor Aditya Pancholi on 27 January 1986; she is six years his senior. The couple have two children: a son, Sooraj Pancholi, and a daughter, Sana Pancholi. Her mother’s name is listed as Malika Wahab, and she has siblings including sisters Haseena Wahab, Shammi Rashid and Malika McReynold.

Throughout her career she has been associated with classical and mainstream Hindi film traditions and is known for a warm, dignified screen presence. Her favorite actress is cited as Waheeda Rehman, and she has mentioned white and yellow as preferred colors.

Latest updates

In recent years Wahab continued to appear in mainstream films, television series and occasional supporting roles. Notable recent credit listed is the 2019 release PM Narendra Modi in which she played Heeraben Modi.

Personal notes

Wahab follows a non-vegetarian diet. Details about some private matters such as alcohol or smoking habits are not documented in the available profile. Over the years she has spoken about elements of her marital journey and family life in interviews, including the challenges surrounding her marriage.

Editorial Review and Sources

This F4U profile is written from publicly available career and profile information, then reviewed for clarity before publication. If you spot an outdated detail about Zarina Wahab, send the page URL and a reliable correction source to f4udotin@gmail.com.

Reference context: StarsUnfolded

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Recent Work

PM Narendra Modi

Played Heeraben Modi, Narendra Modi's mother

2019
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Career Highlights

  1. Debuted in film with Ishq Ishq Ishq (1974)
  2. Breakthrough with Chitchor (1976)
  3. Filmfare Best Actress nomination for Gharonda
  4. Extensive work on Indian television including Maayka and Meri Awaaz Hi Pehchaan Hai
Reviewed by F4U Editorial Desk

F4U profile pages are prepared from public career information, checked for readability, and updated when reliable correction sources are shared with the editorial team.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Zarina Wahab born?

Zarina Wahab was born on 17 July 1956.

What is Zarina Wahab known for?

Zarina Wahab is known for actress, Former Model.

What is Zarina Wahab’s marital status?

Zarina Wahab's marital status is listed as Married.

Who is Zarina Wahab married to?

Zarina Wahab is publicly listed as married to Aditya Pancholi.