Bollywood audiences are getting acquainted with a new face in Haq, the recently released courtroom drama featuring Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam. Amid the film’s gripping narrative and stellar performances, one debutant has caught viewers’ attention—Vartika Singh, who plays Saira Jahan, the second wife of Mohd. Abbas Khan, essayed by Emraan Hashmi. What makes Vartika’s journey even more fascinating is that she is not just a budding actor but also a former beauty queen who represented India at the Miss Universe pageant.

From Miss Universe to Bollywood

Vartika Singh’s trajectory is inspiring, combining beauty, intellect, and social responsibility. In 2019, she represented India at the 68th edition of the Miss Universe pageant, held in Atlanta, USA, and secured a spot in the Top 20 finalists. Her participation on such a global platform not only showcased her poise and confidence but also highlighted India’s representation in international arenas.

But Vartika’s achievements extend far beyond modelling. In 2018, she founded a non-profit organization called Pure Humans, dedicated to social welfare initiatives. She has also worked with the Uttar Pradesh government to raise awareness about tuberculosis, demonstrating her commitment to social causes and public health. A native of Lucknow, Vartika holds a master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Lucknow, blending her academic achievements with her public-facing ventures.

Early Foray into Entertainment

Before making her Bollywood debut, Vartika explored the world of music videos. In 2017, she appeared alongside Kunal Khemu in the music video Saware, composed by Anupam Raag and sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. She later featured in Kishmish by Ash King and Qaran in 2019, further honing her screen presence and performance skills. These projects helped Vartika transition smoothly into acting, equipping her with the confidence and experience necessary for feature films.

Bollywood Debut with Haq

Vartika Singh’s first cinematic outing came with the courtroom drama Haq, directed by Suparn S Varma and released in theatres on November 7, 2025. The film explores the landmark 1985 Supreme Court case of Mohd. Ahmed Khan vs Shah Bano Begum, which addressed women’s rights and maintenance laws in India. In the film, Emraan Hashmi portrays Mohd. Abbas Khan, while Vartika plays Saira Jahan, his second wife. Her role, though central to the narrative, required balancing emotional depth with historical context, a challenge she embraced wholeheartedly.

Speaking to ANI about her debut, Vartika shared her gratitude for the reception of her performance:

“To receive so much love for my very first film and to be appreciated by people is a big thing for me. It’s my first project, and you are always a bit unsure about how people will react, whether they will like your work or accept you. When I see all the positive reactions, it still feels a little unreal. It encourages me, and I’m taking it as motivation to work harder and perform even better in my next film.”

Her words reflect a mix of humility, excitement, and determination—qualities that have guided her journey from modelling to socially conscious work, and finally, to acting.

About the Film: Haq

Haq revisits a significant legal and social milestone in India’s history. The film dramatizes the 1985 Supreme Court judgement in Mohd. Ahmed Khan vs Shah Bano Begum, a case that challenged societal norms regarding the rights of divorced women. Shah Bano, a 62-year-old woman at the time, filed a petition in the Indore court seeking maintenance from her affluent and well-known lawyer husband, Mohammed Ahmed Khan.

The Supreme Court ruled that Shah Bano was entitled to maintenance under Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. However, the following year, the Rajiv Gandhi government passed legislation that effectively nullified the verdict, sparking national debate and widespread discourse on women’s rights.

Directed by Suparn S Varma, Haq skillfully blends courtroom drama with personal narratives, allowing actors like Vartika Singh to explore the human side of these historical events. The film also stars Danish Husain, Sheeba Chadha, and Aseem Hattangady in key roles, creating a layered and nuanced storytelling experience.

Produced under Junglee Pictures, the film is backed by Vineet Jain, Vishal Gurnani, Juhi Parekh Mehta, and Harman Baweja, combining creative vision with substantial production support to bring this historical narrative to life.

A New Chapter for Vartika Singh

Vartika Singh’s entry into Bollywood is more than just another debut; it is the convergence of her diverse experiences in modelling, social work, and music videos. With her strong academic background, international exposure at Miss Universe, and social initiatives like Pure Humans, Vartika brings a multidimensional perspective to her acting. Her performance in Haq has already garnered attention and appreciation, signaling the arrival of a promising new talent in Indian cinema.

As audiences continue to watch Haq and engage with its themes of justice, equality, and human dignity, Vartika Singh’s portrayal of Saira Jahan stands out as both nuanced and compelling. The combination of historical storytelling and contemporary cinematic techniques ensures that the film resonates with viewers while also giving Vartika the platform to showcase her acting capabilities.

Looking Ahead

With Haq marking her debut, Vartika Singh has set the stage for a promising career in Bollywood. She has expressed excitement about future projects and is motivated by the positive response she has received so far. Her journey from Miss Universe stage to the big screen exemplifies a unique blend of talent, resilience, and ambition, making her one to watch in the coming years.

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