Name: Dilraba Dilmurat (迪丽热巴)
Date of Birth: June 3, 1992
Place of Birth: Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
Nationality: Chinese
Ethnicity: Uyghur
Occupation: Actress, Model, Singer
Years Active: 2013–present
Notable Works: Eternal Love (三生三世十里桃花), The King’s Woman (秦时丽人明月心), Sweet Dreams (一千零一夜), You Are My Glory (你是我的荣耀)
Agency: Jay Walk Studio
Social Media: Active on Weibo and Instagram
Early Life and Background
Dilraba Dilmurat, widely known simply as Dilraba, was born on June 3, 1992, in Urumqi, Xinjiang, China. She belongs to the Uyghur ethnic group, a Turkic-speaking minority in China. Growing up in the culturally rich and diverse region of Xinjiang, Dilraba was exposed to traditional Uyghur music and dance, which would later influence her love for the performing arts.
Her striking features, which reflect her Uyghur heritage, made her stand out from a young age. Dilraba developed an interest in music, dance, and acting early on, participating in school performances and competitions. Encouraged by her family and friends, she decided to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, moving to Shanghai to study acting.
Dilraba attended the Shanghai Theatre Academy, one of China’s most prestigious performing arts institutions, where she majored in performance. Her time at the academy helped her develop her acting skills, and she graduated with a solid foundation that would launch her successful career in film and television.
Acting Debut and Early Career
Dilraba made her acting debut in 2013 with the lead role in the television series Anarhan (阿娜尔罕), a drama set in Xinjiang that revolved around the lives of Uyghur people. Her role as Anarhan, a brave and independent woman, was well-received by both critics and viewers, earning her initial recognition in the Chinese entertainment industry. Despite being a newcomer, Dilraba’s natural charisma and talent shone through, and she quickly became a rising star to watch.
Following the success of Anarhan, Dilraba signed with Jay Walk Studio, an entertainment agency co-founded by actress Yang Mi, who would become her mentor. Jay Walk Studio provided Dilraba with significant opportunities in the industry, allowing her to further her career and establish herself as a leading actress.
In 2014, she gained widespread attention for her role in the hit fantasy drama Swords of Legends (古剑奇谭), where she played Fuqu, a mysterious and complex character. Though her role was relatively small, her captivating screen presence and distinctive looks helped her stand out in the crowded ensemble cast. This role introduced her to a broader audience, and it became clear that Dilraba was a promising talent in Chinese television.
Breakthrough: Diamond Lover (2015)
Dilraba’s breakthrough role came in 2015 when she starred in the romantic comedy drama Diamond Lover (克拉恋人), alongside Rain (a South Korean actor and singer) and Tiffany Tang. In this drama, she portrayed Gao Wen, a glamorous and spoiled superstar with a complex personality. Her comedic timing and ability to bring depth to an otherwise antagonistic character earned her widespread praise from critics and fans alike.
Diamond Lover was a commercial success, and Dilraba’s portrayal of Gao Wen helped solidify her position as a rising star in the Chinese entertainment industry. The role showcased her versatility, as she balanced both comedic and emotional scenes with ease. As a result of her performance, she won the “Audience’s Favorite New Actress” award at the China TV Drama Awards.
This role also helped Dilraba break away from being seen as just another pretty face in the industry and marked the beginning of her transition into more substantial and varied roles.
Stardom: Eternal Love (2017)
While Diamond Lover put her on the map, it was 2017’s Eternal Love (三生三世十里桃花) that made Dilraba a household name across China and beyond. The fantasy romance drama, also known as Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms, became one of the highest-rated Chinese dramas of the year, amassing billions of views on streaming platforms.
In Eternal Love, Dilraba played the role of Bai Fengjiu, the mischievous and brave niece of the goddess Bai Qian (played by Yang Mi). Bai Fengjiu’s love story with the immortal Dong Hua Dijun, portrayed by Vengo Gao, was a fan-favorite subplot that captivated viewers. Dilraba’s portrayal of the playful yet devoted Fengjiu earned her widespread acclaim and solidified her status as one of China’s leading actresses.
Her chemistry with Vengo Gao was so well-received that they reprised their roles in the spin-off drama Eternal Love of Dream (三生三世枕上书) in 2020, which focused on the love story between Fengjiu and Dong Hua Dijun. This drama further cemented Dilraba’s popularity and showcased her growth as an actress.
Continued Success: The King’s Woman and Sweet Dreams
Following the success of Eternal Love, Dilraba continued to take on lead roles in popular dramas. In 2017, she starred in the historical drama The King’s Woman (秦时丽人明月心), where she played Gongsun Li, a woman who becomes the concubine of the King of Qin. The drama was well-received, and Dilraba’s performance as a strong and resilient woman in the face of political intrigue further demonstrated her versatility as an actress.
In 2018, she starred in the modern fantasy romance Sweet Dreams (一千零一夜), alongside Deng Lun. In this drama, she played Ling Lingqi, a florist who enters the dreams of her love interest. The drama’s mix of romance, fantasy, and comedy resonated with audiences, and Dilraba’s sweet and endearing portrayal of Ling Lingqi made her a fan favorite.
Both The King’s Woman and Sweet Dreams were commercial successes, and they helped solidify Dilraba’s position as one of the most in-demand actresses in China.
Film Career and Variety Shows
In addition to her success in television dramas, Dilraba has also ventured into the world of film. She starred in several films, including 21 Karat (21克拉) in 2018, where she played the lead role opposite Guo Jingfei. The film, a romantic comedy about a materialistic woman and her unlikely relationship with a poor man, showcased Dilraba’s ability to transition from television to the big screen.
Dilraba has also gained significant attention through her appearances on variety shows. In 2017, she became a regular cast member on the popular variety show Keep Running (奔跑吧), China’s version of Running Man. Her bubbly personality, quick wit, and willingness to participate in physical challenges endeared her to audiences, making her one of the standout members of the show.
Her presence on Keep Running helped expand her fan base beyond drama audiences, and her popularity soared even higher. Through variety shows, Dilraba demonstrated her playful and down-to-earth side, further solidifying her status as a beloved public figure.
You Are My Glory (2021) and Global Fame
In 2021, Dilraba starred in the highly anticipated romantic drama You Are My Glory (你是我的荣耀), based on the popular novel by Gu Man. In the drama, she played Qiao Jingjing, a famous actress who reconnects with her high school crush, Yu Tu, played by Yang Yang. The drama was an instant hit, garnering billions of views and becoming one of the most-watched Chinese dramas of the year.
Dilraba’s performance as Qiao Jingjing, a glamorous yet relatable actress navigating love and life, resonated with fans, and her on-screen chemistry with Yang Yang was praised by critics. You Are My Glory helped Dilraba expand her influence internationally, as the drama gained popularity not only in China but also in other countries, including Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Europe.
Her role in You Are My Glory marked another milestone in her career, as it solidified her status as one of the top actresses in China and introduced her to a global audience.
Acting Style and Strengths
Dilraba Dilmurat is known for her ability to take on a wide range of roles, from historical figures to modern-day heroines, and from comedic characters to emotionally complex protagonists. One of her greatest strengths as an actress is her versatility—she can seamlessly transition between genres, whether it’s a lighthearted romantic comedy or a serious historical drama.
Her expressive face and ability to convey a wide range of emotions have made her a standout in both television and film. Whether she’s playing a playful and mischievous character like Bai Fengjiu or a strong and independent woman like Gongsun Li, Dilraba brings authenticity and depth to her roles, making her performances both relatable and captivating.
Her on-screen presence, combined with her striking looks and natural charisma, has made her a favorite among fans and critics alike. She has also demonstrated a strong work ethic, consistently taking on new challenges and striving to improve her craft.
Personal Life and Public Image
Dilraba Dilmurat is known not only for her acting skills but also for her approachable and humble personality. Despite her fame, she has managed to maintain a down-to-earth and friendly image, which has endeared her to fans both in China and internationally.
She is active on social media, particularly on platforms like Weibo, where she shares moments from her daily life, behind-the-scenes content, and interactions with her fans. Her positive and engaging presence online has helped her build a strong connection with her audience, and she is often described as being warm, kind, and approachable.
Despite her immense popularity, Dilraba has kept her personal life private. There have been occasional rumors about her romantic life, but she has largely avoided discussing her personal relationships in the media, focusing instead on her career and professional achievements.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout her career, Dilraba has received numerous awards and accolades for her work in television and film. She has been recognized for her acting talent, popularity, and contributions to the Chinese entertainment industry. Some of the awards she has received include:
- “Most Popular Actress” at the China TV Drama Awards
- “Golden Eagle Goddess” at the Golden Eagle TV Art Festival
- “Best Actress in a Leading Role” at the China Television Golden Eagle Awards
- “Best Popular Actress” at the Huading Awards
Her influence extends beyond acting, as she has also become a sought-after brand ambassador for various luxury and fashion brands, including Louis Vuitton, L’Oréal Paris, and Mikimoto.
Future Prospects
As one of China’s top actresses, Dilraba Dilmurat’s future in the entertainment industry is incredibly bright. With her talent, versatility, and dedication to her craft, she is poised to continue her rise as a global star. Her ability to connect with audiences through her performances, combined with her growing international popularity, makes her one of the most influential figures in the Chinese entertainment industry today.
Fans eagerly await her upcoming projects, and there is no doubt that Dilraba will continue to take on diverse and challenging roles that showcase her incredible range as an actress. As she expands her career into new markets and continues to capture the hearts of viewers worldwide, Dilraba Dilmurat’s legacy as a leading actress and global icon is only set to grow.
Whether on-screen or off, Dilraba Dilmurat’s star power continues to shine, and she remains a beloved figure both in China and across the globe.