Anushka Sharma-Indian Actress

Introduction to Anushka Sharma

Anushka Sharma, born on May 1, 1988, in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, is a renowned Indian actress and producer. Known for her impactful roles and versatility, she has become one of the most recognized faces in Hindi cinema. Her career is decorated with awards, including a Filmfare Award, and she has frequently appeared on Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list throughout the 2010s.

Early Life and Education

Raised in Bangalore, Anushka grew up in a disciplined environment as the daughter of Colonel Ajay Kumar Sharma, an army officer, and Ashima Sharma, a homemaker. Anushka attributes her resilience and grounded personality to her upbringing as an “army brat.” She completed her schooling at Army School in Bangalore before graduating in arts from Mount Carmel College. Initially, Anushka aspired to work in journalism or modeling, not acting.

Modeling Career Beginnings

Anushka’s journey in the entertainment world began with modeling. In 2007, she debuted at the Lakme Fashion Week for designer Wendell Rodricks, who selected her as the finale model for his Spring Summer Collection. She signed with Elite Model Management, where she was groomed by stylist Prasad Bidapa. Although modeling was her first career pursuit, her natural inclination for emoting and expressing soon led her to acting.

Transition to Acting

Anushka made her Bollywood debut in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008) opposite Shah Rukh Khan. Her performance set her on the path to fame. She gained further acclaim with roles in Band Baaja Baaraat (2010) and Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012). The latter earned her a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress. Over the years, she portrayed strong-willed characters in films like NH10 (2015), Dil Dhadakne Do (2015), Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016), and Sui Dhaaga (2018).

Commercial Success

Her versatility and on-screen charisma made her a favorite in high-grossing films like PK (2014), Sultan (2016), and Sanju (2018). However, after the underwhelming performance of Zero (2018), she took a break from acting, focusing instead on her other ventures.

Producer and Entrepreneur

In 2013, Anushka co-founded Clean Slate Filmz, a production company that has brought forth acclaimed projects like NH10, Paatal Lok (2020), and Bulbbul (2020). Apart from her film career, Anushka launched her own women’s clothing line, Nush, and is the brand ambassador for several products. She’s also actively involved in charitable causes, particularly those advocating for gender equality and animal rights.

Anushka Sharma, known for her versatility both on and off-screen, has left a substantial impact on Bollywood and beyond through her lifestyle choices, philanthropic efforts, and public image.

Personal Life and Values

In 2015, Sharma adopted vegetarianism, earning recognition from The Times of India as one of Bollywood’s “hottest vegetarian celebrities.” Her dedication to animal rights and environmental causes led to her being awarded “Person of the Year” by PETA multiple times. Alongside her spiritual practices as a Hindu, Sharma follows Transcendental Meditation, which she says helps her manage stress. She has also openly discussed her struggles with anxiety, sharing her journey to seek treatment, which further resonated with fans and increased awareness around mental health.

Anushka’s relationship with cricketer Virat Kohli became a focal point in Indian media, though she maintained a stance of privacy. They married in a quiet ceremony in Italy in 2017, later welcoming their daughter Vamika in January 2021 and son Akaay in February 2024. Sharma has been vocal about protecting her children’s privacy, notably confronting media outlets that shared unauthorized photos of her daughter.

Philanthropy and Activism

Sharma actively supports various social causes and organizations. She has walked the ramp for Shabana Azmi’s Mijwan Welfare Society and supported educational campaigns like NDTV’s “Our Girls, Our Pride” and India’s Right to Education initiative. After the 2014 Kashmir and Assam floods, she auctioned a personal jacket from Jab Tak Hai Jaan to aid in rebuilding efforts. Similarly, she launched donation drives for the victims of the 2015 Nepal earthquake.

In 2023, Anushka and Virat founded SEVVA, a philanthropic venture aimed at social welfare, with Vamika as a partner. Anushka’s advocacy extends to animal rights: she initiated campaigns like “Pawsitivity” to raise awareness about pollution’s impact on animals, condemned the Yulin Dog Meat Festival, and called for a ban on horse-drawn carriages in Mumbai.

Artistic Influence and Image: Anushka Sharma

Anushka’s performances have gained her a reputation for portraying confident, strong female characters. Her roles in NH10 and Pari showcase her range, from action to horror, often spotlighting unconventional themes. Critics have praised her as a “scene stealer,” with outlets like GQ describing her as “feisty and fearless.” Anushka has also addressed pay disparity in the film industry, advocating for gender equality in Bollywood.

As a fashion icon, Sharma’s style has often been lauded for its blend of high street and androgynous looks. She launched her own clothing line, Nush, in 2017, appealing to audiences with a taste for relaxed yet chic apparel.

Public Image and Influence: Anushka Sharma

Recognized as one of the most popular Bollywood celebrities on social media, Sharma engages with fans across multiple platforms, landing her on The Huffington Post’s list of “100 most influential women on Twitter” in 2015. She has consistently ranked on Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list and in Times Celebex’s Box Office Queen rankings. Her accolades include appearing on Fortune India’s “50 Most Powerful Women in Business” list in 2018 and 2019.

Anushka Sharma’s journey reflects her commitment to using her platform for good while consistently pushing boundaries in her career. She remains a prominent and influential figure both within the Indian film industry and as a socially conscious public personality.

Career: Anushka Sharma

Acting Career and Breakthrough (2008–2013)

Anushka Sharma made her acting debut in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008) opposite Shah Rukh Khan, where she played the role of Tani Sahni, a young bride. The film was a commercial success, earning her nominations for Best Actress and Best Female Debut. Sharma’s next film, Badmaash Company (2010), received mixed reviews, but she gained recognition for her role in Band Baaja Baaraat (2010), which earned her widespread praise and a second Filmfare nomination. She further established herself withJab Tak Hai Jaan (2012) and Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola (2013), though the latter underperformed at the box office.

Success and Expansion into Film Production (2014–2016)

Sharma’s career took off in 2014 with the success of PK, which became the highest-grossing Bollywood film at the time. She also expanded her career into production, founding Clean Slate Filmz, which produced the thriller NH10 (2015). Sharma’s portrayal of a strong, vulnerable character in the film was widely praised. In Bombay Velvet (2015), despite mixed reviews, Sharma’s performance stood out, particularly in the song “Dhadaam Dhadaam.” The same year, she also appeared in Dil Dhadakne Do and received another Filmfare Award nomination for her performance. Her 2016 roles in Sultan and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil were highly successful, with Sultan becoming one of the highest-grossing films of the year, cementing Sharma’s place as one of Bollywood’s top actresses.

Career Fluctuations and Production Focus (2017–2022)

Sharma’s career faced a brief dip with the box office failures of Phillauri (2017) and Jab Harry Met Sejal (2017), despite her comedic performances in both films. However, she continued to take on diverse roles, starring in the horror film Pari (2018), which she also produced. Critics appreciated her performance in the film, even if the movie itself received mixed reviews. In the following years, Sharma maintained her focus on production and balancing acting roles, and her efforts in creating fresh content were acknowledged, despite a quieter film release schedule.

Basic Information: Anushka Sharma

Full Name: Anushka Sharma
Date of Birth: May 1, 1988
Age: 36 years (as of 2024)
Birthplace: Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India
Nationality: Indian
Hometown: Bengaluru, India
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Height: 5′ 9″ (175 cm)
Weight: Approximately 55 kg (121 lbs)
Eye Color: Hazel Brown
Hair Color: Black
Food Habit: Vegetarian

Achievements and Honors

Anushka has received numerous awards throughout her career, including:
Filmfare Awards: Best Supporting Actress for Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2013) and Best Actress for Band Baaja Baaraat (2011).
International Indian Film Academy Awards: Recognized for her roles in various films, including winning the Best Actress award for Band Baaja Baaraat.
Various Accolades: She has been consistently featured in lists like “India’s Most Beautiful Woman,” “Most Desirable Woman,” and “Forbes Celebrity 100.”
Anushka has also been honored for her philanthropic work and her impact on the film industry.

Controversies

Tribute to Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam: Anushka faced backlash for mistakenly spelling Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s name in a tribute on Twitter. She corrected it after receiving criticism, highlighting the scrutiny public figures often face.
Relationship Turmoil: There was a brief rift in her relationship with Virat Kohli in early 2016, reportedly due to financial disagreements following the box office failure of her film Bombay Velvet. However, they reconciled after a few months.

Interests and Hobbies

Favorites: Anushka enjoys a variety of films, both Bollywood and Hollywood. Some of her favorites include Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, The Shawshank Redemption, and Life Is Beautiful.
Travel and Lifestyle: She has a love for travel, with the Himalayas and Goa being among her preferred destinations.
Food Preferences: As a vegetarian, her favorite foods include a variety of dishes, showcasing her diverse palate.

Net Worth and Assets

Anushka Sharma’s net worth is estimated to be around ₹255 crores as of 2023, making her one of the wealthiest actresses in India. She earns approximately ₹13-15 crores per film and owns valuable properties, including an eight-acre land in Alibaug, purchased with her husband.

Lesser-Known Facts About Anushka Sharma

Bengaluru Roots: Anushka Sharma grew up in Bengaluru, India, where she developed her early interests in modeling and acting.
Schooling Background: She attended St. Mary’s School in Margherita, Assam, for her primary education. Notably, she was classmates with Sakshi Dhoni, the wife of cricketer M.S. Dhoni.
Initial Move to Mumbai: Anushka moved to Mumbai with her then-boyfriend Zoheb, who aspired to become a model. However, after he faced challenges in securing modeling opportunities, he returned home, leading to the end of their relationship due to long-distance difficulties.
Career Aspirations: Initially, Anushka aimed for a career in modeling or journalism and did not initially consider acting. Upon arriving in Mumbai, she joined Elite Model Management under Prasad Bidapa’s guidance and pursued modeling.
Fashion Week Debut: In 2007, Anushka made her debut at Lakme Fashion Week for Wendell Rodricks’s Les Vamps Show. This marked the beginning of her successful modeling career.
First Film Audition: During her audition for her debut film Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008), producer Aditya Chopra referred to her as a “not-so-beautiful actress.” Despite this, she secured the role and gained popularity.
Shah Rukh Khan’s Acknowledgment: After Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi became a hit, Shah Rukh Khan publicly credited Anushka’s performance for the film’s success, emphasizing her significant contribution.
Recognition in Films: Anushka gained recognition for her roles in Badmaash Company (2010) and Band Baaja Baaraat (2010), which, although receiving mixed reviews, helped establish her as a rising star in Bollywood.

Fashion Show Tribute:

Fashion Show Tribute: In September 2013, she walked the ramp in a fashion show honoring late filmmaker Yash Chopra, showcasing her commitment to the film industry.
Advocacy for Girls’ Education: Anushka pledged her support for the education of young girls in India by participating in NDTV’s “Our Girls, Our Pride” fundraiser in 2013.
Meeting Virat Kohli: Anushka met cricketer Virat Kohli while filming a shampoo commercial in 2013. Their chemistry led to a romantic relationship that garnered significant media attention.
Commercial Success: She achieved commercial success with major films like PK (2014) and Sultan (2016), both of which earned her critical acclaim and accolades.
Surgery for Appearance: In 2014, Anushka underwent facial plastic surgery, which attracted media attention and discussions about beauty standards in Bollywood.
Animal Rights Activism: Anushka is a passionate advocate for animal rights. She auctioned her leather jacket from Jab Tak Hai Jaan on eBay in December 2014 to raise funds for flood victims in Kashmir and Assam.
Personal Interests: Anushka has a keen interest in shoes, hair masks, shampoos, and conditioners, often sharing her favorites on social media.
Production Venture: She ventured into film production with Clean Slate Filmz, producing successful films like NH10 (2015) and Pari (2018).

Pay Equity Advocacy:

Pay Equity Advocacy: In 2015, Anushka advocated for equal pay for actresses. She raised awareness about gender disparities in the film industry.
Support for Film Festivals: She supports the annual Mumbai Film Festival. In 2015, she contributed financially to its initiatives.
Dietary Choices: Anushka became a vegetarian in 2015, after being a non-vegetarian. PETA India recognized her with the Hottest Vegetarian Award, shared with Aamir Khan.
Campaigning for Cause: Anushka participated in various campaigns. She helped fundraise for victims of the 2015 Nepal earthquake and denounced the Yulin Dog Meat Festival in China.
Transgender Band Support: She supported India’s first transgender band, the 6-Pack Band, by providing a voice-over for their debut single, “Hum Hain Happy” (2016).
Fashion Line Launch: In October 2017, Anushka launched her clothing line, Nush. It showcased her sense of style and entrepreneurial spirit.
Web Series Production: She produced acclaimed web series like Paatal Lok and Bulbbul. These streamed on Amazon Prime Video and Netflix, respectively.
Music Video Appearance: In 2020, Anushka appeared in the music video of “Kudi Nu Nachne De” by Vishal Dadlani and Sachin-Jigar. She showcased her versatility.

PETA Recognition

PETA Recognition: Anushka has been honored multiple times as the Person of the Year by PETA for her advocacy in animal rights.
Mental Health Advocacy: She has openly discussed her struggles with anxiety disorder, encouraging others to seek treatment and prioritize mental health.
Spiritual Practices: Anushka and her family are followers of Anant Dham Atmabodh Ashram in Haridwar, reflecting her spiritual inclinations.
Shy Personality: Despite her on-screen confidence, Anushka describes herself as shy. She feels less confident in personal interactions and takes time to open up.
Animal Lover: Anushka loves animals. She frequently shares pictures of her pets and efforts to care for street animals.
Public Image Concerns: On June 14, 2022, Anushka spoke out against the Times Group. They posted a picture of her daughter from a vacation without her consent, highlighting her protective nature as a mother.
Puma Brand Ambassador: In December 2022, Anushka became the brand ambassador for Puma. She had previously criticized the brand for using her images without permission.
Philanthropic Initiative: In 2023, Anushka and Virat Kohli launched their philanthropic project, SeVVA. Their daughter Vamika joined them as a partner, showcasing their commitment to giving back.

Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol Consumption: Anushka has been spotted enjoying alcoholic beverages at various events, highlighting her balanced approach to socializing.
Mijwan Welfare Society Support: Anushka regularly walks the ramp to support Shabana Azmi’s Mijwan Welfare Society. The organization promotes women’s empowerment and education.
Traffic Violation Fine: In 2023, Anushka received a ₹10,500 fine for riding a bike without a helmet on Mumbai roads. This incident highlighted the everyday challenges of celebrity life.
Limited Edition Watch Collection: In 2024, Anushka collaborated with Michael Kors to launch a limited edition watch collection. This addition expands her entrepreneurial ventures.
Spiritual Influence: In October 2024, reports revealed that Anushka and Virat Kohli follow Krishna Das. He is an American vocalist inspired by Neem Karoli Baba’s teachings, marking their spiritual journey.