Anushka Sharma

Anushka Sharma is an Indian film actress and producer who predominantly works in Hindi cinema. Emerging as a prominent leading actress during the 2010s, she gained widespread recognition for her performances in major commercial hits and critically acclaimed dramas. Throughout her career, she has received numerous accolades, including a Filmfare Award and three IIFA Awards. Her public standing is further reflected by her appearances in Forbes India's Celebrity 100 list and her inclusion in Forbes Asia's 30 Under 30 list in 2018.

Born on 1 May 1988 in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, Sharma was raised in a military household. Her father served as an army officer, while her mother is a homemaker, and her elder brother later became a film producer after serving in the Merchant Navy. Her upbringing as a military child involved living in different locations; she attended primary school in Assam before completing her secondary education at the Army School in Bangalore. She subsequently earned a degree in arts from Mount Carmel College in Bangalore.

Initially aiming for a career in modeling or journalism, Sharma moved to Mumbai to pursue modeling opportunities professionally. She made her runway debut in 2007 for fashion designer Wendell Rodricks and appeared in several brand campaigns. After taking acting lessons, she landed her screen debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in the 2008 romantic drama Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, which became a major box-office success. She established herself in Hindi cinema through prominent roles in Yash Raj Films productions, including Band Baaja Baaraat in 2010 and Jab Tak Hai Jaan in 2012, winning a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress for the latter.

Over the following years, Sharma achieved significant commercial success and critical acclaim for portraying strong-willed characters. She starred in several top-grossing Hindi releases, including the religious satire PK in 2014, the sports drama Sultan in 2016, and the drama Sanju in 2018. Her acting range was further highlighted in films such as the crime thriller NH10 in 2015, the ensemble comedy-drama Dil Dhadakne Do in 2015, the romance Ae Dil Hai Mushkil in 2016, and Sui Dhaaga in 2018. Following the release of Zero in 2018, she entered a period of hiatus from acting.

Beyond acting, Sharma co-founded the production company Clean Slate Filmz, through which she produced the film NH10 as well as streaming projects like Paatal Lok and Bulbbul in 2020. She has expanded her business ventures by launching her own women's apparel brand, Nush, alongside serving as a commercial ambassador for various products. Off-screen, Sharma actively supports social causes, including gender equality and animal rights. She is married to cricketer Virat Kohli, with whom she has two children.