Early Life and Education
Dilraba Dilmurat, a Chinese actress, singer, and model of Uyghur descent, was born on June 3, 1992, in Urumqi, Xinjiang, China. Her journey into the world of performing arts began early when her father enrolled her in the Xinjiang Art Middle School at the age of nine.
This decision led her to discover her passion for dance, eventually leading her to graduate from the Xinjiang Arts Institute in 2007, becoming a member of the prestigious Xinjiang Song and Dance Troupe.
She furthered her studies in 2009 at Northeast Normal University in Jilin, where she also showcased her talent in a local singing contest, earning third place.
In pursuit of her passion for acting, Dilraba enrolled in the performance department of the Shanghai Theater Academy in 2010, specializing in drama, film, and television.
Career
2013–2016: Acting Debut and Rising Popularity
Dilraba made her acting debut in 2013 with the television drama “Anarhan,” where she played the lead role. This marked the beginning of a successful career in acting.
In 2014, she signed with Jay Walk Studio and starred in the web series “V Love,” which garnered attention and paved the way for her rise in the entertainment industry.
Dilraba gained widespread recognition for her role as Fuqu in the fantasy drama “Swords of Legends” (2014), solidifying her status as a rising star.
Her breakthrough came with the romantic comedy “Diamond Lover” (2015), where she received acclaim for her portrayal of a sassy pop-star.
This role earned her the Audience’s Favorite Newcomer award at the 7th China TV Drama Awards, establishing her as a talent to watch.
In 2016, Dilraba starred in the leading role of the youth sports drama “Hot Girl,” earning the Outstanding New Actress award at the 2016 ENAwards for her performance.
2017–Present: Breakthrough and Continued Success
Dilraba’s career reached new heights in 2017 when she starred in the romantic comedy “Pretty Li Huizhen,” a popular series that accumulated over 7 billion views online. Her portrayal earned her accolades, including the Most Popular Actress award at the China TV Golden Eagle Award.
The same year, she captivated audiences with her role as a fox fairy in the fantasy romance series “Eternal Love.” The drama became a massive hit in China and internationally, catapulting Dilraba to greater fame. She received a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the Shanghai Television Festival for her performance.
Continuing her success, Dilraba landed her first big-screen leading role in the romantic comedy film “Mr. Pride vs Miss Prejudice” (2017), earning her the Best New Actress award at the 2016 China Britain Film Festival.
In 2018, Dilraba starred in the romantic comedy film “21 Karat” and the wuxia romance drama “The Flame’s Daughter,” showcasing her versatility as an actress.
She further solidified her popularity with the science fiction romance comedy drama “Sweet Dreams,” which garnered high TV viewership ratings and online views.
Her rise in popularity led to Dilraba being crowned the Golden Eagle Goddess at the 12th China Golden Eagle TV Art Festival in 2018. She continued to shine in various roles, captivating audiences with her talent and charm.
In 2019, Dilraba made her debut on the CCTV New Year’s Gala, showcasing her singing talent with the performance of “China Happy Events.” She also joined the cast of the fifth season of “Go Fighting!” as a regular member, showcasing her fun and lively personality.
2020–Present: Continued Success and Recognition
In 2020, Dilraba reprised her role as Fengjiu in the fantasy romance “Eternal Love of Dream,” captivating audiences once again with her performance.
The same year, she starred in the workplace romance drama “Love Advanced Customization,” displaying her versatility across different genres.
Dilraba’s popularity continued to soar, earning her the rank of the second-most-popular celebrity on Douyin in June 2020, with 55.6 million followers.
She starred in the historical fantasy film “Saga of Light,” portraying the character Chang’e, further showcasing her range as an actress.
In 2021, Dilraba starred in the historical drama “The Long Ballad,” portraying the strong and determined character Li Changge. The series garnered widespread acclaim and further solidified Dilraba’s status as one of China’s top actresses.
Continuing her streak of successful projects, Dilraba starred in “You Are My Glory” alongside Yang Yang, a commercial success with billions of views throughout its run.
She further expanded her repertoire by joining the cast of “The Blue Whisper” and “Legend of Anle” in 2022, showcasing her versatility across different genres.
In 2023, Dilraba starred in the law drama “Prosecution Elites” alongside Tong Dawei, adding another compelling role to her impressive resume.
Other Works
Endorsements:
Dilraba is one of China’s most sought-after brand ambassadors, with numerous endorsements spanning various industries, from food and beverage to beauty and technology. She has endorsed international brands such as L’Oréal and Mikimoto, showcasing her global appeal. Dilraba’s endorsement deals have exceeded 60 since her debut, with 20 active brand endorsements as of March 2023.
Advocacy:
As a Uyghur from Xinjiang, Dilraba publicly voiced her support for cotton produced in Xinjiang amidst concerns of forced labor.
Her actions were part of a larger movement by Chinese celebrities to support local products and cut ties with international brands that had made decisions against Xinjiang cotton.
Recognition:
Dilraba’s talent and influence have garnered numerous awards and recognitions throughout her career, including the Golden Eagle Goddess award and Best New Actress awards.
She has also been featured on Forbes China’s 30 Under 30 Asia list, recognizing her impact and influence in the entertainment industry.
Dilraba Dilmurat continues to captivate audiences with her versatile performances, strong on-screen presence, and dedication to her craft.
As one of China’s most beloved actresses, she remains a prominent figure in the entertainment world, with a promising career ahead.