When you think of rising stars in Indian television, Sana Makbul’s name shines bright. From winning beauty pageants to conquering reality shows, she’s proven that talent and determination can take you places. Her victory in Bigg Boss OTT 3 in 2024 cemented her position as one of the most talked-about personalities in the industry. But there’s so much more to her story than just reality TV fame.
Quick Facts About Sana Makbul
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sana Makbul Khan |
| Birth Name | Sana Khan |
| Date of Birth | 13 June 1993 |
| Age | 33 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
| Weight | 55 kg |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Body Measurements | 32-28-32 |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Religion | Islam |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Model, Actress |
| Net Worth | Estimated Rs 2 crores (approximately $1 million) |
Early Life and Education
Born in the bustling city of Mumbai, Sana grew up surrounded by the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. Her mother is Malayali, giving her a rich cultural heritage. Her father, Makbul Khan, inspired her later stage name change.
As a kid, Sana wasn’t just dreaming about stardom. She was hustling. She tutored other children for Rs 100-200, showing early signs of her independent spirit. Education was important in her household, and she completed her schooling at Mumbai Public School before graduating from R.D. National College in Mumbai.
Here’s something interesting: she received her first phone, a Nokia 1100, in 8th grade. And at just 15, she landed her first paycheck of Rs 10,000 for a Britannia advertisement. Not bad for a teenager, right?
Physical Appearance
| Feature | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 5’7″ (170 cm) |
| Weight | 55 kg |
| Body Type | Slim |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Body Measurements | 32-28-32 |
Standing at 5 feet 7 inches, Sana has the perfect height for modeling and screen presence. Her fitness routine includes kickboxing and yoga, though she’s not into heavy weight training. She believes in staying fit the fun way.
Family Background
| Relation | Name |
|---|---|
| Father | Makbul Khan |
| Mother | Name not publicly disclosed (Malayali) |
| Sister | Shafa Naeem Khan (elder) |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Pet | Cat named Simba |
Sana keeps her family life relatively private, which is pretty rare in today’s social media age. What we do know is that she shares a close bond with her elder sister, Shafa Naeem Khan, and absolutely adores her pet cat, Simba. She’s also mentioned wanting to secure her mother’s future first before anything else, showing where her priorities lie.
Career Journey: From Teen Diva to Bigg Boss Winner
Early Beginnings (2009-2011)
Sana’s journey started in 2009 when she appeared on MTV Scooty Teen Diva. That reality show opened doors she didn’t even know existed. In 2010, she landed her first television role in the teen musical series “Ishaan: Sapno Ko Awaaz De,” where she played Sara.
Television Success
| Year | Show | Role | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Ishaan: Sapno Ko Awaaz De | Sara | Disney Channel India |
| 2011 | Kitani Mohabbat Hai (Season 2) | Supporting Role | Star Plus |
| 2011-2012 | Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon? | Lavanya Kashyap | Star Plus |
| 2013 | Arjun | Riya Mukherjee | Star Plus |
| 2017-2018 | Aadat Se Majboor | Riya Tootejaa | Sony SAB |
| 2019 | Vish | Dr. Aliya Kothari/Sanyal | Colors TV |
Her breakthrough came with “Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon?” where she played Lavanya Kashyap. This role brought her national recognition and a dedicated fan following. She proved she could handle complex characters with ease.
Film Career
| Year | Film | Language | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Dikkulu Choodaku Ramayya | Telugu | Samhitha (Aerobics Trainer) |
| 2017 | Rangoon | Tamil | Natasha |
In 2014, Sana made her film debut with the Telugu movie “Dikkulu Choodaku Ramayya.” This was also when she changed her screen name from Sana Khan to Sana Makbul. Why? Because there were too many Sana Khans in the industry, and she wanted to stand out. Smart move. She added her father’s name to her own, creating a unique identity.
Beauty Pageant Success
In 2012, Sana competed in Femina Miss India and won the title “Femina Miss Beautiful Smile.” That beautiful smile has since become one of her trademark features.
Reality Show Achievements
| Year | Show | Result | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | MTV Scooty Teen Diva | Participant | MTV |
| 2021 | Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 11 | Semi-Finalist | Colors TV |
| 2024 | Bigg Boss OTT 3 | Winner | JioCinema |
In 2021, she participated in “Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 11,” filmed in Cape Town, South Africa. She reached the semi-finals and reportedly earned Rs 2.45 lakh per episode. Not just beauty and talent, but bravery too!
But her biggest reality show triumph came in 2024 when she entered Bigg Boss OTT Season 3, hosted by Anil Kapoor. After 42 days of strategic gameplay, emotional moments, and plenty of drama, she emerged as the winner, taking home the trophy and Rs 25 lakh prize money.
During her Bigg Boss journey, she formed close friendships with Lovekesh Kataria, Naezy, and Vishal Pandey. She also had heated arguments with Ranvir Shorey and Sai Ketan Rao. Her journey wasn’t easy—she faced criticism and was even called names, but she stayed strong and focused on her goal.
Relationship Status and Personal Life
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Status | Reportedly Single (as of early 2026) |
| Past Relationships | First heartbreak in 2017 |
| Rumored Boyfriend (2024) | Srikanth Bureddy (Entrepreneur) |
| Dating History | Previously linked with Melvin Louis (Dancer-Choreographer), Vishal Aditya Singh |
Sana’s love life has been a topic of constant speculation. In 2020, she was rumored to be dating dancer-choreographer Melvin Louis, but they broke up the same year. Later, during “Khatron Ke Khiladi 11,” she was linked with actor Vishal Aditya Singh. However, both clarified they were just good friends. Sana even joked, “I am a burger, he is vada pav. Humara milaap hain hi nahi (There’s no possibility of our union).”
After her Bigg Boss OTT 3 victory in August 2024, entrepreneur Srikanth Bureddy came to pick her up from the finale in a car filled with flowers. He confirmed their relationship to the media and even hinted at marriage plans. Srikanth is the founder of Valueleaf and BuddyLoan, and Sana serves as a brand ambassador for the latter.
However, by January 2025, reports emerged that the couple had parted ways. When asked about it, Sana gave a vague response: “It’s my personal life, whatever happened. I really don’t want to talk about it.” As of now, she appears to be single and focused on her career.
Net Worth and Earnings
| Source | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Net Worth | Rs 2 crores (approx. $1 million) |
| TV Show Fees | Rs 50,000 – 85,000 per episode |
| Bigg Boss OTT 3 Weekly Fees | Rs 2 lakh per week |
| Bigg Boss OTT 3 Prize Money | Rs 25 lakh |
| Monthly Income from Brand Endorsements | Rs 12-15 lakh |
| Khatron Ke Khiladi 11 | Rs 2.45 lakh per episode |
Sana has built a solid financial foundation through her diverse career. Her net worth is estimated at Rs 2 crores, earned through television shows, films, music videos, and brand collaborations. She earns between Rs 12-15 lakh monthly from Instagram content and brand endorsements.
Interests and Hobbies
- Fitness Enthusiast: Loves kickboxing and yoga
- Travel Lover: Particularly fond of beach destinations
- Pet Lover: Owns a cat named Simba
- Not a Tea/Coffee Person: Prefers other beverages
- Fashion Forward: Regularly shares her high-end wardrobe on social media
Challenges and Personal Struggles
Life hasn’t always been smooth sailing for Sana. In 2020, she underwent plastic surgery and a grafting procedure after a dog bit her face, specifically her cupid’s bow. This must have been terrifying for someone whose face is her livelihood, but she recovered well.
In 2024, after her Bigg Boss victory, reports emerged that she was battling liver cirrhosis, an autoimmune condition. She’s been open about her health struggles on social media, showing strength and vulnerability in equal measure. Despite these challenges, she continues to work and inspire her fans.
Social Media Presence
| Platform | Handle | Followers |
|---|---|---|
| @divasana | Over 1 million+ | |
| @SANAKHAN93 | Active since August 2012 |
Sana is highly active on social media, sharing glimpses of her professional work, travels, and personal moments. Her Instagram is filled with stunning photos showcasing her fashion sense and lifestyle.
Lesser-Known Facts
- She changed her name from Sana Khan to Sana Makbul to avoid confusion with other actresses
- She tutored children as a kid to earn pocket money
- Her first phone was a Nokia 1100 in 8th grade
- She won “Femina Miss Beautiful Smile” in 2012
- Her mother is Malayali, giving her South Indian roots
- She underwent surgery after a dog bite in 2020
- She plans to use her prize money primarily for her mother’s security
- She’s not fond of weight training, preferring kickboxing and yoga instead
- She doesn’t drink tea or coffee regularly
- During Bigg Boss OTT 3, she was called “vamp” by Ranvir Shorey
What Makes Sana Makbul Special?
In an industry filled with talent, Sana stands out for several reasons. She’s not just another pretty face—she’s a survivor, a fighter, and someone who wears her heart on her sleeve. Her journey from modeling to television to reality shows shows incredible versatility.
What’s refreshing about her is the honesty. She doesn’t pretend to be perfect. She’s talked about her heartbreaks, her health struggles, and her insecurities. In the Bigg Boss house, she was called many things, but she never lost sight of her goal. She played the game with dignity, formed genuine friendships, and stood up for what she believed in.
Her relationship with her mother is particularly touching. Despite her success, she remains grounded and focused on securing her family’s future. When asked what she’d do with her Bigg Boss prize money, her immediate response was her mother’s security. That says a lot about her values.
Career Achievements Summary
| Achievement | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| MTV Scooty Teen Diva | 2009 | Career Launch |
| Femina Miss Beautiful Smile | 2012 | Beauty Pageant Winner |
| Film Debut | 2014 | Dikkulu Choodaku Ramayya |
| Khatron Ke Khiladi 11 | 2021 | Semi-Finalist |
| Bigg Boss OTT 3 | 2024 | Winner (Rs 25 lakh prize) |
Future Plans
After her Bigg Boss victory, Sana mentioned wanting to focus on securing her mother’s future and continuing her acting career. She’s expressed interest in doing more films alongside her television work. Given her popularity and the attention she received from Bigg Boss, we can expect to see her in bigger projects soon.
The Road Ahead
At 31, Sana Makbul has already achieved what many dream of. But knowing her determination and work ethic, this is just the beginning. Whether it’s television, films, or reality shows, she’s proven she can excel in any format.
Her story is inspiring for young people who dream of making it big in entertainment. She didn’t come from a film family. She started from scratch, worked hard, faced rejections and setbacks, but never gave up. That resilience is what makes her a true star.
From tutoring kids for pocket money to winning India’s most popular reality show, Sana Makbul’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. She’s beautiful, talented, hardworking, and most importantly, real. In a world of filters and pretense, that authenticity is her biggest strength.
Sources:
- Wikipedia
- IMDb
- Pinkvilla
- Oneindia
- StarsUnfolded
Note: All information has been compiled from trusted entertainment news sources and official databases. Personal details are based on publicly available information shared by the actress or her representatives.
