Amrita Rao (born June 7, 1981) is an Indian actress renowned for her performances in Hindi cinema, often recognized for her portrayal of the quintessential girl-next-door characters. Throughout her career, Rao has earned several accolades, including an IIFA Award and two Stardust Awards. She has also been nominated for two Filmfare Awards, marking her prominence in the industry.
Rao made her film debut in 2002 with Ab Ke Baras, which earned her a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. However, it was her performance in the 2003 romantic drama Ishq Vishk that earned her widespread recognition and the IIFA Award for Star Debut of the Year – Female. She followed this success with roles in films such as Main Hoon Na (2004), Vivah (2006), Masti (2004), and Welcome to Sajjanpur (2008), the latter of which won her a Stardust Award for Best Actress. Her career, however, faced a downturn after a string of less successful films.
Despite the setbacks, Rao made a successful comeback with the critically acclaimed Jolly LLB (2013), which also earned her recognition at the box office. She continued to play supporting roles in films such as Singh Saab the Great (2013), Satyagraha (2013), and the biographical drama Thackeray (2019). In addition to her film career, Amrita expanded her horizons into television, starring in the soap opera Meri Awaaz Hi Pehchaan Hai (2016), where she played the role of a singer, showcasing her versatility across mediums.
