Sana Khan, once a prominent figure in the Indian entertainment industry, has become a beacon of inspiration for many through her transformative journey toward a life rooted in simplicity and faith. Known for her roles in Bollywood, Tamil, and Telugu films, as well as her stint on reality shows like Bigg Boss, Sana made headlines in 2020 when she announced her decision to leave the glamour of showbiz to embrace a spiritual path guided by the teachings of Islam. Her story is one of courage, introspection, and a deep commitment to living a life of modesty and purpose, reflecting the Islamic principles of moderation and devotion.
Early Life and Career in the Entertainment Industry
Born on August 21, 1987 or 1988, in Mumbai’s Dharavi, Sana Khan grew up in a multicultural environment. Her father, a Malayali Muslim from Kannur, Kerala, and her mother, Saeeda, from Mumbai, instilled in her a sense of cultural diversity. Sana entered the entertainment industry in 2007, appearing in item numbers and supporting roles in films such as Journey Bombay to Goa and Halla Bol. Her breakthrough came with the Tamil film Silambattam (2008), where she played the lead role of Janu, earning the ITFA Best New Actress Award in 2009. She went on to work in Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam films, including Kalyanram Kathi (2010) and Climax (2013), a film loosely based on The Dirty Picture. Her participation in Bigg Boss 6 in 2012 significantly boosted her popularity, placing her third in the competition.
Despite her success, Sana often felt an inner void. In interviews, she has shared that even at the height of her career, with fame, wealth, and opportunities at her disposal, she lacked peace in her heart. This dissatisfaction led her to question the purpose of her life and seek answers beyond the material world.
A Turning Point: Embracing Islam and Leaving Showbiz
In October 2020, Sana shocked the entertainment world by announcing her departure from the industry. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she explained that her decision was driven by a desire to serve humanity and follow the “orders of her Creator.” She cited Islamic teachings about the impermanence of worldly life and the importance of preparing for the hereafter, referencing the concept of “Judgement Day.” Her decision was influenced by a period of depression following a publicized breakup with choreographer Melvin Louis in early 2020, which prompted deep introspection about her life’s purpose. Sana stated, “When I looked for the answer to the intriguing question in my religion, I found that the purpose of this life is to make after-life better. And the after-life will be good if a person follows her life as per the rules of the Creator.”
Her spiritual awakening was marked by vivid dreams and a renewed connection to Islamic teachings. In a 2022 interview with Muttawiffy Hujjaj South Asia, Sana recounted a recurring dream during Ramadan 2019, where she saw herself in a blazing grave, interpreting it as a divine sign urging her to change her life. This experience, coupled with listening to motivational Islamic speeches, led her to embrace the hijab permanently. She recalled a particularly moving message: “You don’t want your last day to be your first day of wearing a hijab.” The next morning, on her birthday, she donned a scarf and vowed never to remove it, marking a pivotal moment in her transformation.
Marriage to Mufti Anas Sayed: A Partnership in Faith
On November 21, 2020, Sana married Mufti Anas Sayed, an Islamic scholar, in a private Nikaah ceremony in Surat. Their relationship began in 2017 when they met in Mecca, initially addressing each other as siblings, with Anas calling Sana “baji” (sister). Over time, their bond deepened, and Anas proposed in 2018. Despite their seven-year age gap—Sana being older—they built a relationship grounded in mutual respect and shared faith. Sana has praised Anas for his simplicity, noting in a 2024 interview with The Times of India that he owned minimal clothing and lived modestly, which deeply influenced her own approach to life.
Their marriage faced scrutiny, with some predicting it would not last. Sana shared on Rubina Dilaik’s podcast Kisi Ne Bataya Nahi that she struggled with negative comments early in their marriage, but Anas’s unwavering support helped her persevere. The couple welcomed their first son, Saiyad Tariq Jamil, in 2023, and their second son, Saiyad Hasan Jamil, later on, further solidifying their commitment to family and faith.
Simplicity in Islam: Sana’s Guiding Principle
Sana’s embrace of simplicity aligns closely with Islamic teachings, which emphasize moderation and mindfulness. As outlined in Green Islam, Islam advocates a life free from excess, encouraging believers to enjoy life’s pleasures—such as good food and beautiful clothing—while maintaining moral and physical purity. Sana has embodied this principle by adopting a modest lifestyle, wearing hijabs and abayas, and focusing on spiritual growth over material pursuits. She has spoken about how the “devil” (shaitaan) once lured her toward modernism, leading her to choose “shortcuts” like revealing clothing, but she found true happiness in returning to simplicity.
In a 2024 conversation with Rubina Dilaik, Sana reflected on her past, admitting that her choices in the entertainment industry, driven by fame and external pressures, left her feeling unfulfilled. She credited her study of the Quran, particularly an English translation she purchased after Bigg Boss, for providing direction and peace. This shift toward simplicity is evident in her daily life, where she prioritizes prayer, charity, and family over the extravagance of her former career.
Business Ventures and Spreading Islamic Teachings
After leaving showbiz, Sana channeled her energy into meaningful ventures that reflect her values. In 2018, she founded Face Spa by Sana Khan, a luxury skincare brand offering “wudu-friendly” and alcohol-free products. Following her adoption of the hijab, she launched Haya by Sana Khan in February 2022, a modest clothing line featuring abayas, jilbabs, hijabs, and kurtas designed for everyday and festive wear. She described the launch as a “fruit of love, labour, and patience,” crediting Anas for his support. Additionally, Sana and Anas run the Hayat Welfare Foundation, a charitable organization aimed at serving humanity, aligning with her commitment to Islamic principles of compassion and service.
Sana also uses her platform to spread Islamic teachings, sharing motivational content on social media, where she has a following of over 4.6 million on Instagram. Her posts often highlight her spiritual journey, travels to holy sites like Mecca and Medina, and her life as a devoted wife and mother. In 2022, she and Anas performed Hajj, an experience she described as transformative, reinforcing her commitment to her faith.
Addressing Criticism and Inspiring Others
Sana’s transformation has not been without controversy. Some social media discussions, such as posts on Reddit, have criticized her for perceived hypocrisy, pointing to her past in glamorous roles and cosmetic procedures while she now advocates for modesty. Others have accused her of promoting a rigid interpretation of Islam. However, Sana has remained steadfast, emphasizing that her journey is personal and rooted in her faith. She has clarified that Islam does not compel others to follow her path, citing the Quranic principle of “no compulsion in religion.”
Actress Zareen Khan, who worked with Sana in the industry, has defended her, noting that Sana was always deeply religious, even during her Bollywood days. In a 2025 interview with Pinkvilla’s Hindi Rush, Zareen emphasized that Sana’s faith was consistent, and her decision to fully embrace it post-marriage was a natural progression. Zareen urged others to respect Sana’s choices, stating, “Faith is a very intimate relationship between you and God. You don’t have to publicize it.”
A Life of Purpose and Legacy
Sana Khan’s journey from a Bollywood star to a devoted Muslim reflects a profound commitment to simplicity and spirituality. Her decision to leave the entertainment industry, embrace the hijab, and build a life centered on faith and family has inspired many, particularly young women seeking meaning beyond material success. By sharing her story through interviews, social media, and her businesses, Sana continues to advocate for a life of moderation, compassion, and devotion, embodying the Islamic principle of living for the hereafter while cherishing the present.
Her story resonates as a testament to the power of self-reflection and the courage to redefine one’s path. As she navigates motherhood, entrepreneurship, and her spiritual mission, Sana Khan remains a compelling figure, demonstrating that true fulfillment lies in aligning one’s life with purpose and faith.
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