Throwback Thursday: Remember 'Piya Basanti’ Girl Nauheed Cyrusi? Here's What She's Doing Now

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'Piya Basanti Re' is one of those songs that can instantly transport you back to a different time. Maybe it pops up on a playlist during a long drive on a rainy day or appears unexpectedly while you're scrolling through social media. Before you know it, you're humming along and wondering: where is the actress from that video now?

If you continue down that nostalgic trail, you'll probably end up revisiting other favourites featuring the same face, from Pankaj Udhas single 'Woh Ban Sanwar Ke' to the soulful romantic song 'Maula Mere Maula'. Long before Instagram creators and influencers became part of everyday life, Nauheed Cyrusi was already a familiar face on television screens, music channels and movie posters.

Photo Credit: Youtube@SonyMusicIndiaVEVO/Instagram@nauheedc

This Throwback Thursday, here's a look at how she became one of the most recognisable faces of the early 2000s and where life has taken her since.

Before The Music Videos And Movies

Born on 19 October 1982 and raised in Mumbai, Nauheed Cyrusi comes from a Parsi Zoroastrian family. She studied at J.B. Vachha Girls High School before earning a degree in Business Management from Jai Hind College. It is said she wanted to become an air hostess before entering acting.

But before acting happened, modelling came first. She appeared in advertisements for brands such as Dhara Refined Oil, Head & Shoulders, Britannia Little Hearts and Himalaya. Even if people didn't know her name at the time, chances are they had already seen her on television.

The Music Videos That Made Her A Household Name

For many Indians, Nauheed's rise is closely linked to the golden era of Indi-pop music videos.

Back when music channels dominated television, songs like 'Piya Basanti Re' and 'Woh Ban Sanwar Ke' became impossible to ignore. While the songs themselves were hugely popular, Nauheed's presence on screen made her stand out.

Among them, 'Piya Basanti Re' became something special. More than two decades later, it remains one of the most-loved non-film songs from the early 2000s. Every time it resurfaces online, it brings back memories of a very different phase of Indian music.

The Hip Hip Hurray Generation Remembers Her Too

For many millennials, Nauheed wasn't first introduced through music videos. They already knew her as Meera from 'Hip Hip Hurray'.

The youth-oriented television series developed a loyal following and became one of the defining shows for teenagers growing up around the turn of the millennium. Her role helped establish her as a familiar face long before Bollywood entered the picture.

Her Bollywood Journey

Nauheed made her Bollywood debut with Supari and gradually built a career across a variety of films.

Some of her notable projects include:

• Inteha
• Lakeer
• Anwar
• Bhootnath
• Kurbaan
• Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi
• Jai Ho

While she never followed the conventional path of becoming a leading Bollywood star, she remained a consistent presence in films through the 2000s and beyond.

Marriage And A Different Phase Of Life

In January 2017, Nauheed married businessman Rustom Contractor in a private ceremony.

As her personal life evolved, so did her approach to work. Instead of constantly pursuing film projects, she began making more selective career choices and exploring new avenues.

Why She Became More Selective About Acting

In 2026, Nauheed spoke openly about some of the challenges she faced in the entertainment industry.

She revealed that she had lost opportunities because she was uncomfortable with certain intimate scenes that had become part of contracts. She also discussed payment-related issues she encountered during her acting career.

The comments offered insight into why audiences began seeing less of her on screen over the years.

What Is Nauheed Cyrusi Doing Now?

Today, Nauheed has successfully reinvented herself as a digital content creator.

She regularly shares content focused on:

• Beauty
• Skincare
• Wellness
• Food
• Home tips
• Lifestyle

Many of her posts gain significant engagement, and content from her social media platforms is often featured by major publications. Interestingly, Nauheed has described content creation as her "calling", highlighting how important this chapter has become in her life.

She Hasn't Completely Left Acting Behind

Although acting is no longer her primary focus, Nauheed still takes on selected projects.

In recent years, she has appeared in:

• Bombay Begums (2021)
• Dev DD 2 (2021)
• Six (2021)

Rather than chasing a packed schedule, she has chosen projects on her own terms.

Her Love For Animals

Another aspect of Nauheed's life that followers often see on social media is her love for animals.

She has been recognised as a dog lover and animal welfare advocate, using her platform to highlight causes she cares about alongside her lifestyle content.

From Piya Basanti To The Digital Age

The platforms may have changed, but Nauheed Cyrusi has remained part of the conversation. And perhaps that's why every time a song of hers like 'Piya Basanti' starts playing, people still find themselves wondering what happened to the woman who became one of the most recognisable faces of an era.