Andleeb Zaidi Biography In 2025

Andleeb Zaidi was born on 18th June 1997 in the culturally fertile city of Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh, India. In a Muslim family setting, which was very much a part of its culture and tradition, she was brought up, which in turn played a great role in the development of her personality right from a young age. She is Urdu-speaking background and has also shared how her upbringing instilled in her a great deal of confidence and resilience as she entered the fashion and modeling world.

Education and Entry into Fashion

Zaidi completed her school education at Delhi Public School in Lucknow and then went to Hyderabad to study fashion design at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). It was in college that she started her modeling career. A class project brought her into the fashion world, which in turn set a fire to a passion that she later turned into a career.

Modeling Career and Achievements

At the age of 19 in 201,6, Andleeb went to audition for the very competitive Femina Miss India pageant, which she went on to place as a finalist in the South Zone category -- a great achievement which in turn gave her a break in the fashion world. She also took part in other pageants, which include the Max Elite Model Look Hu, which in turn helped to secure her a spot in the modeling circuit. Her dedication and unique style got her the cover of Wow magazine’s September 2019 is, which certainly raised her profile.

Breaking Barriers

Despite pushback from certain members of her community over which she modeled, especially after a bold photoshoot, Andleeb did not waver. She put out a very personal post, which went viral and won her respect from all sides. Her story has become a stand as a symbol of empowerment and resilience to many who are coming from a traditional background.

Personal Life and Marriage

In the fall of 202,3, Andleeb Zaidi tied the knot with TV actor Ali Merchant in a private ceremony in Lucknow, which was attended by family and close friends. Later, they had a grand reception in Mumbai. What had begun as a mutual adoration and shared interests has since been a subject of public interest, which continues to grow.

Recent Highlights in 2025

In 2025, Andleeb hit a great milestone, which was to be named among the final 40 in Miss Universe IndiaMaharashtrah,   also a feat which is notable at a time in 2023 when the Miss Universe Organization changed it to include married women as competitors. This achievement also proves her continuous relevance and dominance in the pageant world.

Lifestyle and Interests

Away from the spotlight, Andleeb lives out a dynamic, balanced life, which she spends between taking care of her pets and advocating for animal welfare.