Pooja Batra
Model · American
Known for Pooja Batra Shah is an Indian-American actress, model, and beauty pageant titleholder primarily known for her work in Hindi films. She gained national prominence in 1993 when she was named runner-up at the Femina Miss India pageant and crowned Femina Miss India International 1993, going on to represent India at the Miss International 1993 competition.
About Pooja Batra
Pooja Batra Shah is an Indian-American actress, model, and beauty pageant titleholder primarily known for her work in Hindi films. She gained national prominence in 1993 when she was named runner-up at the Femina Miss India pageant and crowned Femina Miss India International 1993, going on to represent India at the Miss International 1993 competition.
Batra was born on 27 October 1975 to Ravi Batra, a colonel in the Indian Army, and Neelam Batra, a 1971 Miss India contestant. Growing up with two brothers, she lived in Ludhiana with her extended family during her youth. As a student, she was an athlete competing in 200-meter and 400-meter track events. She is related to Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, a martyr decorated with the Param Vir Chakra. Batra earned a degree in Economics from Fergusson College in Pune and holds an MBA in marketing from Symbiosis in Pune.
She began modelling as a part-time job at a young age and gained widespread popularity for her commercial for Liril soap. Batra became the first Indian face and spokesperson for Head & Shoulders in India and served as a brand ambassador for Parag Sarees. Emerging as one of India's top models, she walked the ramp in over 250 fashion shows in India and abroad and participated in more than 250 advertising campaigns and modelling events.
After declining initial acting offers to finish her education, Batra signed with Virasat Film Studio. Her debut project was the 1997 film Virasat, followed by Bhai. She went on to work in over 20 films, including Haseena Maan Jayegi, Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya, and Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye. Batra also appeared in South Indian cinema, acting in three Malayalam films and two Tamil films, including a cameo in Aasai (1995).
Her historical epic film, Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story, was shown at the Cannes Film Festival in 2004. In 2021, she played the role of Nandini Rajput in the film Squad. She is a life member of the International Film And Television Club of the Asian Academy of Film & Television, Noida.
Batra has volunteered time and money to charity, supporting AIDS awareness through the Mukti Foundation, homeless children, the Bombay Police Department, and injured soldiers from the Kashmir war. She performed pro bono work in the film My Little Devil (Bas Yari Rakho), directed by Gopi Desai and co-produced by NFDC-La Fete, to raise funds for poor children in India. The film screened at festivals in Montreal, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Malaysia between 2000 and 2005.
Batra married orthopaedic surgeon Sonu S. Ahluwalia on 9 February 2003 in New Delhi and moved to Los Angeles, California, before filing for divorce in January 2011. In July 2019, she married actor Nawab Shah in Delhi following Arya Samaj traditions.
Frequently asked about Pooja Batra
What is Pooja Batra known for?
Pooja Batra Shah is an Indian-American actress, model, and beauty pageant titleholder primarily known for her work in Hindi films. She gained national prominence in 1993 when she was named runner-up at the Femina Miss India pageant and crowned Femina Miss India International 1993, going on to represent India at the Miss International 1993 competition.
How old is Pooja Batra and what is their zodiac sign?
Pooja Batra is 49 years old (born 27 Oct 1976) and is a Scorpio.
Where is Pooja Batra from?
Pooja Batra is from Faizabad, India (born 27 October 1976).
Is Pooja Batra married or in a relationship?
According to public information, Pooja Batra’s relationship status is listed as Married to Nawab Shah.
