Biography Daddy

Anushka Sharma Indian Actress Introduction

Anushka Sharma is one of the most successful and versatile actresses in the Indian film industry. Known for her sharp intellect, bold film choices, and natural acting, Anushka has carved out a unique space in Bollywood. Beyond acting, she has also made significant contributions as a producer and entrepreneur. From her modeling days in Bengaluru to becoming one of India’s most influential celebrities, Anushka’s journey is a blend of ambition, risk-taking, and creativity.

Anushka Sharma Early Life and Background

Anushka Sharma was born on May 1, 1988, in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India. She hails from a military family. Her father, Colonel Ajay Kumar Sharma, is an army officer, and her mother, Ashima Sharma, is a homemaker. She has an elder brother, Karnesh Sharma, who is a former Merchant Navy officer and now a film producer.

Anushka grew up in various army cantonments due to her father’s profession, which exposed her to diverse cultures and instilled in her a strong sense of discipline. She was educated at Army School, Bengaluru, and later graduated with a degree in arts from Mount Carmel College.

Interestingly, Anushka never harbored dreams of becoming an actress. She initially aimed to pursue a career in modeling or journalism. However, fate had other plans.

Modeling Career

Anushka Sharma’s journey to stardom began when she moved to Mumbai to pursue modeling. She was signed by Elite Model Management and trained by style consultant Prasad Bidapa. She gained attention almost instantly and walked the ramp for acclaimed fashion designer Wendell Rodricks at Lakme Fashion Week in 2007.

She soon appeared in several high-profile ad campaigns for brands like Silk & Shine, Whisper, and Fiat Palio. Her poise, grace, and camera-friendly looks made her a standout in the modeling world.

But it was a chance audition that opened the gates of Bollywood for her.

Bollywood Debut and Breakthrough (2008–2011)

Anushka Sharma made her acting debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008), directed by Aditya Chopra and produced by Yash Raj Films (YRF). Despite being a newcomer, Anushka held her ground against the Bollywood superstar and impressed critics with her natural performance. The film was a massive box-office success and launched her into the limelight.

Following her debut, she signed a three-film deal with Yash Raj Films. Her second film, Badmaash Company (2010) with Shahid Kapoor, was a moderate success. However, it was her role in Band Baaja Baaraat (2010) opposite Ranveer Singh that proved to be a game-changer. Playing a feisty wedding planner, Anushka received critical acclaim and several award nominations.

In Patiala House (2011) with Akshay Kumar and Ladies vs Ricky Bahl (2011) with Ranveer Singh, she continued to showcase her charm and screen presence, proving she was here to stay.

Rise to Stardom (2012–2015)

The next phase of Anushka’s career saw her taking on more challenging and diverse roles.

• Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012): Reuniting with Shah Rukh Khan under Yash Chopra’s final directorial, Anushka played a lively documentary filmmaker. Her performance was praised, and the film was a hit.
• Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola (2013): Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, Anushka played an eccentric and rebellious character, further broadening her acting credentials.
• PK (2014): One of the biggest hits in Indian cinema, Rajkumar Hirani’s PK starred Anushka alongside Aamir Khan. Her role as Jagat “Jaggu” Janini was widely loved and helped the film earn over ₹800 crore globally.
• NH10 (2015): Marking her debut as a producer under the banner Clean Slate Filmz, NH10 was a gritty thriller that received widespread critical acclaim. Anushka’s performance as a woman caught in a violent road trip won her accolades. The film’s success established her as a risk-taking producer willing to support unconventional cinema.

Critical Acclaim and Experimentation (2015–2018)

During this phase, Anushka Sharma demonstrated her range as an actress by choosing varied and offbeat roles.

• Dil Dhadakne Do (2015): A multi-starrer ensemble film by Zoya Akhtar, where she played a free-spirited dancer. Her chemistry with Ranveer Singh was appreciated.
• Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016): Directed by Karan Johar, Anushka played a complex character caught in a one-sided love story. Her performance earned her a Filmfare nomination for Best Actress.
• Sultan (2016): Opposite Salman Khan, Anushka portrayed a wrestler named Aarfa. She underwent rigorous physical training and her portrayal was widely praised. The film was one of the biggest blockbusters of the year.
• Phillauri (2017): A romantic comedy co-produced by her, where she played a friendly ghost. Though the film received mixed reviews, her performance and production skills stood out.
• Pari (2018): A bold move, Anushka produced and starred in this supernatural horror film. Her eerie performance and the film’s experimental theme were appreciated by critics, even if it didn’t perform well at the box office.
• Sui Dhaaga (2018): Paired with Varun Dhawan, Anushka played a simple rural woman in this heartwarming film about self-reliance. The film was a commercial success and praised for its strong social message.
• Zero (2018): Her third collaboration with Shah Rukh Khan. Though the film didn’t fare well, her role as a scientist with cerebral palsy was appreciated for its sensitivity.

Hiatus and Personal Life

After 2018, Anushka Sharma took a conscious break from acting. She expressed her desire to focus on her production company, personal life, and other ventures.

On December 11, 2017, Anushka married Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli in a private ceremony in Italy. Their relationship had been in the public eye for years, and the wedding became a major media event.

In January 2021, the couple welcomed their daughter Vamika Kohli, choosing to keep her out of the public eye to ensure privacy.

Production House: Clean Slate Filmz

Anushka Sharma co-founded Clean Slate Filmz in 2013 along with her brother Karnesh Sharma. The company aimed to produce content-driven and unconventional stories that mainstream Bollywood often overlooked.

Notable productions:

• NH10 (2015): A powerful female-led thriller that established the banner.
• Phillauri (2017): A unique take on love and afterlife.
• Pari (2018): A psychological horror, rare in Indian cinema.
• Bulbbul (2020): A Netflix original film that combined feminist themes with folklore horror. The film received global praise.
• Paatal Lok (2020): A critically acclaimed Amazon Prime series that became one of India’s most talked-about shows for its gritty realism and complex storytelling.
• Mai (2022): Another Netflix series starring Sakshi Tanwar, dealing with maternal revenge.

In 2022, Anushka stepped away from active involvement in Clean Slate Filmz to focus on her acting comeback and other business ventures. However, the company continues to grow under Karnesh Sharma’s leadership.

Business Ventures and Brand Endorsements

Anushka Sharma is also known for her keen business sense and savvy endorsements.

NUSH Clothing Line

In 2017, Anushka launched her fashion label NUSH, catering to young women with a sense of style and affordability. It quickly became popular for its comfort, chic designs, and accessibility.

NUSH reflects Anushka’s personal fashion — easygoing, modern, and vibrant. It has been retailed through online platforms and major fashion chains like Shoppers Stop and Myntra.

Endorsements

Anushka is among the top brand endorsers in India. Over the years, she has been the face of:

• Nivea
• Pantene
• Elle 18
• Pepsi
• Manyavar
• Rajnigandha Pearls
• Lavie
• Kerovit by Kajaria
• Google Pixel

Her combination of elegance, confidence, and relatability has made her a favorite among brands targeting young Indian consumers.

Philanthropy and Social Advocacy

Anushka Sharma has used her fame to support various social causes.

• Animal Rights: Anushka is a well-known animal lover and often advocates against animal cruelty. She supports animal welfare organizations and is involved in initiatives to rescue and rehabilitate stray animals.
• Gender Equality: Through her films and interviews, she has consistently spoken out against gender discrimination in the film industry. Her production choices also reflect a feminist sensibility.
• COVID-19 Relief: During the pandemic, she and Virat Kohli launched fundraising campaigns and donated to various COVID relief programs.

Return to Cinema and Future Plans

After a four-year break, Anushka is set to make her acting comeback with “Chakda ‘Xpress” (2024), a biopic based on Indian cricketer Jhulan Goswami. The film is being produced by Clean Slate Filmz and is scheduled for release on Netflix.

Her transformation for the role, including training in cricket, has already generated buzz and is expected to be a career-defining performance.

Anushka has also hinted at a renewed interest in taking up selective acting projects, collaborating with international platforms, and exploring global cinema.

Awards and Recognition

Anushka Sharma has received numerous accolades for her work, including:

• Filmfare Awards: Several nominations and one win.
• IIFA Awards, Zee Cine Awards, and Star Guild Awards.
• Featured multiple times in Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list.
• Included in Fortune India’s Most Powerful Women in Business (2021).

Legacy and Impact

Anushka Sharma is more than just a Bollywood actress. She represents the new-age woman in Indian cinema — strong, independent, and multifaceted. Whether it’s producing thought-provoking films, endorsing progressive values, or balancing her personal life with a high-profile career, she continues to inspire millions.

By taking charge of her narrative and making bold professional choices, Anushka has redefined the parameters of stardom in the Indian film industry.

Conclusion

Anushka Sharma’s journey from an army kid in Bengaluru to one of Bollywood’s most powerful actresses and entrepreneurs is a story of passion, persistence, and purpose. With a successful acting career, a thriving production house, a fashion brand, and a supportive role in India’s first family of cricket, she has become a symbol of modern Indian womanhood — dynamic, fearless, and inspirational.

As she returns to the big screen, all eyes are on what the next chapter of her career will bring. Whatever it may be, Anushka Sharma is poised to continue breaking boundaries and creating lasting impact — both on and off-screen.