Debut and early roles (2005–2012) After receiving his L.L.B., Sheikh began working for a law firm, after which he started a career as a photographer. He then went on to do modelling. Sheikh's first prominent role came in 2009 with
Kya Mast Hai Life. He portrayed Veer, a teenager who loves music opposite
Nazneen Ghaani. In 2010, he portrayed
Nana Sahib in
Jhansi Ki Rani, replacing
Satyajeet Dubey. From 2011 to 2012, Sheikh appeared in
Navya..Naye Dhadkan Naye Sawaal, which proved to be his breakthrough. He portrayed Anant, a college student and traditional boy opposite
Saumya Seth. The series received positive response and earned him the
ITA Award for GR8! Performer of the Year. In 2011, Sheikh also portrayed Ritesh opposite
Sheena Bajaj in
Best Of Luck Nikki. In 2012, Sheikh appeared in an episode of the telefilm
Teri Meri Love Stories opposite
Mahhi Vij.
Success with Mahabharat and acting in Indonesia (2013–2015) Sheikh's career marked a turning point with
Swastik Productions'
Mahabharat. From 2013 to 2014, he portrayed
Arjuna, the third
Pandava opposite
Pooja Sharma and
Veebha Anand. His chemistry with Sharma was extremely appreciated and became highlight of the show. To prepare for the role, he underwent intense training for almost eight months, including fitness, horse riding and weapons training.
Mahabharat was a huge critical and commercial success and earned him nominations for
ITA Award for Best Actor – Popular and
Indian Telly Award for Best Actor in a Lead Role.
Mahabharat established Sheikh as a popular personality in Indonesia, where he was often credited as the "SRK of the country". This recognition led to Sheikh shifting his focus to a career in Indonesia. In 2014, he hosted Indonesian reality television
Panah Asmara Arjuna and a variety show
The New Eat Bulaga! Indonesia along with his costars from
Mahabharat. In 2015, he co-hosted the television talent show ''
Asia's Got Talent with Marc Nelson. He also featured in a romantic drama, Cinta di Langit Taj Mahal, alongside Nabila Syakieb and Ravi Bhatia as Reehan Syahputra, a calm and composed guy. In 2015, Sheikh landed a lead role in the romantic comedy film Turis Romantis'' opposite actress
Kirana Larasati. He played Azan Khan, a handsome photographer from India who befriended Nabil, a tough and beautiful tourist guide in
Yogyakarta.
Established actor (2016–2021) Sheikh returned to Indian television in 2016 with
Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi, where he portrayed Devrath, a business tycoon opposite
Erica Fernandes. Sheikh's performance and his onscreen chemistry with Fernandes was well appreciated, making the series a success. The series had a second season in 2017, where he reprised his role. His performance earned him another nomination for ITA Award for Best Actor – Popular, while he and Fernandes won the
Gold Award for Best Onscreen Jodi. Alongside
Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi, he performed in episodic roles and made guest appearances in many Indonesian television series, in 2016. He was seen as Raden Petir in
Roro Jonggrang, as Salman in
Malaikat Kecil Dari India, as Aladin/Ali Besar in
Aladin & Alakadam, as Prince Zamzaman
Jinny Oh Jinny Datang Lagi, as Mr. Thakur in
Gara Gara Duyung, as Rahul in
Tuyul & Mba Yul Reborn and made a guest appearance in
I-KTP. In 2016, he also starred opposite
Masayu Anastasia in the Indonesian telefilm
Namaku Yusuf, playing the titular role of Yusuf. In 2017, Sheikh began working on an Indonesian feature film
Maipa and Datu Museng, an action-based periodic love story in which Sheikh played the role of Datu Museng, a warrior. The film was released on 11 January 2018. From 2018 to 2019, Sheikh portrayed Mughal emperor
Salim in
Dastaan-E-Mohabbat Salim Anarkali opposite
Sonarika Bhadoria. Sheikh further established his career with
Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke. From 2019 to 2020, he portrayed Abir, a vagabond opposite
Rhea Sharma. Producer Rajan Shahi stated his role was dynamic. The series, his role and chemistry with Sharma received positive response, making it a success. His performance earned him nomination for
Gold Award for Best Actor in a Lead Role, while he and Sharma won the Gold Award for Best Onscreen Jodi. In 2020, Sheikh made his web debut with
Paurashpur, portraying a warrior Veer. In 2021, he reprised the role of Devrath in
Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi: Nayi Kahaani, the series third season opposite Erica Fernandes. The story progressed from where it left off in the second season. In the same year, he appeared in another web series
Pavitra Rishta: Its Never Too Late. He portrayed Manav opposite
Ankita Lokhande, a character played by
Sushant Singh Rajput, in the original series. The series opened to positive reviews.
Career expansion and progression (2022–present) Sheikh started 2022 with the short film
Yatri Kripya Dhyan De opposite
Shweta Basu Prasad. Rishita Roy Chowdhury stated, "Sheikh plays his part well. His expressions of bewilderment as the journey progresses are convincing." From 2022 to 2023, Sheikh portrayed Krishna, a vlogger who turns responsible following his brother's death in
Woh Toh Hai Albelaa opposite
Hiba Nawab. Sheikh expanded to Hindi films in 2024, with
Netflix's
Do Patti. He portrayed Dhruv, a paragliding company owner and an abusive husband, opposite
Kriti Sanon. Rishabh Suri of
Hindustan Times noted, "Shaheer has got a meaty role in the film. Menacing as a cold-hearted husband, and just a MCP in general, he makes a well-written character extremely watchable." Vineeta Kumar of
India Today stated, "Shaheer's Dhruv is a complete revelation and a testimony of his prowess as a versatile actor. He adds value to the narrative and engages you in the story." It eventually emerged as the most watched Indian web film of the year. == Other work and public image ==