Winning the Godrej Cinthol Supermodel Contest in 1996 marked the beginning of a professional trajectory that transitioned from high-fashion runways in Miami to the center of the Hindi film industry. Through a career spanning over two decades, this Delhi-born performer established herself as a consistent presence in thrillers, horror films, and major box-office commercial productions.
Early Development and Modelling
Born in New Delhi in 1979 to parents Hirak and Mamta, the future actor spent her early years in the capital before her family moved to Kolkata. She attended Bhavan's Gangabux Kanoria Vidyamandir, where she served as head girl. Her professional life began after being spotted at a Kolkata hotel by model Mehr Jesia Rampal. This introduction led to the 1996 supermodel victory and subsequent international exposure at the Ford Models Supermodel of the World contest. During her transition to screen work, she navigated various media appearances, including a notable commercial for Calida that drew significant public attention.
Cinematic Breakthrough
The year 2001 marked her formal entry into feature film acting with the thriller Ajnabee, directed by Abbas–Mustan. Her performance in this project secured a Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. She followed this initial success with the 2002 supernatural thriller Raaz, which became a significant commercial hit and earned her a Filmfare nomination for Best Actress. This project solidified her status within the industry, positioning her as a primary choice for dark and dramatic narrative roles throughout the mid-2000s.
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Throughout the 2000s and into the 2010s, she participated in a variety of high-grossing commercial films, including Dhoom 2, No Entry, and the thriller Race. Her portfolio includes diverse projects such as the drama Corporate and the comedy Phir Hera Pheri. Later, she shifted focus back toward the horror genre with appearances in films like Raaz 3D, Aatma, Creature 3D, and Alone. Beyond feature films, she explored television as a host for the series Darr Sabko Lagta Hai in 2015 and appeared in the 2020 thriller series Dangerous.
Professional Versatility and Public Profile
Beyond her acting credits, she is recognized for her consistent interest in fitness, frequently appearing in instructional videos. Her professional output includes both Hindi and Bangla language projects, alongside a brief foray into Telugu cinema with the film Takkari Donga. Her public and personal life has remained a frequent subject of media reporting, including her 2016 marriage to actor Karan Singh Grover, with whom she has a daughter. She remains noted for her financial standing among Indian celebrities.
Fast facts
- Born: 1979, New Delhi
- Citizenship: India
- Education: Bhawanipur Education Society College
- Acting Debut: Ajnabee (2001)
- Notable Award: Filmfare Award
- Spouse: Karan Singh Grover
- Net Worth: 150 Crore INR
- Languages: Hindi, Bangla
Questions readers ask
What was her debut film role?
She debuted in the 2001 action thriller Ajnabee, playing a negative role.
How did she enter the modeling industry?
She was spotted at a hotel in Kolkata by model Mehr Jesia Rampal in 1996, leading her to win the Godrej Cinthol Supermodel Contest.
Is she still active in the film industry?
She has maintained an intermittent career, with her most recent noted work being the 2020 thriller series Dangerous.
Achievements
- Worked as actor, model and film actor
