Bollywood actress Adah Sharma is known for her work across multiple film industries, including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada cinema. The artist made a striking debut with the Bollywood horror film 1920 (2008), earning praise for her intense performance, and went on to gain popularity with roles in South Indian films, including Heart Attack and Kshanam.
Known for her versatility, Adah has portrayed a wide range of characters—from a possessed woman to a tough, witty cop in the Commando series, and most recently, a radicalised young woman in the controversial hit The Kerala Story (2023).
On the special occasion of the actor’s birthday, let us revive the top roles aced by Adah Sharma. Check out the full article to witness Adah Sharma’s best performances.
Adah Sharma’s Most Iconic Roles
Here are the unforgettable characters played by Adah Sharma that stole the spotlight.
1. Shalini Unnikrishnan – The Kerala Story
Platform: ZEE5
Adah Sharma plays a Hindu college student from Kerala who is manipulated, radicalised, and coerced into converting to Islam and later joining ISIS under the name Fatima Ba. The character undergoes a harrowing transformation: from a bright, innocent girl to someone trapped in a world of extremist ideology and violence.
The actress delivers an emotionally charged performance, portraying both the vulnerability and trauma of a woman caught in a deeply controversial and disturbing real-life-inspired narrative.
2. Lisa Singh Rathod – 1920
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
The actress portrays Lisa Singh Rathod, a newlywed who relocates to a secluded mansion with her husband, where she falls prey to possession by a malevolent spirit. Adah’s role transitions from that of a caring, innocent wife to a horrifying figure consumed by dark forces. Moreover, her debut was lauded for her powerful expressions and striking physical portrayal of possession, marking a strong entry into Bollywood and the horror genre.
3. Bhavna Reddy – Commando Series
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Adah plays a bold and quirky police officer from Hyderabad in the Commando series. Known for her sharp wit, Hyderabadi accent, and comic timing, Bhavna brings a refreshing mix of humour and toughness to the action-packed films. The actor’s spirited performance and unique dialogue delivery made the character memorable, providing both comic relief and strong support in high-stakes missions alongside Vidyut Jammwal’s lead.
4. Swetha – Kshanam
Platform: JioTV
The actress plays a desperate mother who reaches out to her ex-boyfriend for help when her young daughter goes missing, and no one believes the child ever existed. Adah’s character is central to the film’s mystery, blending vulnerability, urgency, and hidden layers as the plot unfolds. The actor’s performance was praised for its emotional depth and restraint, contributing significantly to the gripping, suspenseful narrative of this critically acclaimed Telugu thriller.
5. Hayati – Heart Attack
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Adah plays a free-spirited Indian girl living in Spain who believes in living life on her own terms. She meets the carefree and flirtatious Varun, and what begins as a casual connection slowly turns into a deeper emotional bond. The actress brings charm and warmth to the role, portraying Hayati as a mix of innocence, strength, and vulnerability. Meanwhile, her chemistry with Nithiin and her expressive performance contributed to the film’s success and helped establish her as a leading actress in Telugu cinema.
With her expressive acting and bold role choices, Adah Sharma has carved a unique space in Indian cinema. The actor’s bold choices, expressive performances, and commitment to pushing boundaries make her one of the most exciting and underrated talents in Indian cinema today.