Lara Dutta
Template:Short description Template:Use Indian English Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox person
Lara Dutta Bhupathi (Template:Nee Dutta; born 16 April 1978) is an Indian actress. The winner of Miss Intercontinental 1997 and Miss Universe 2000 pageants, she has since predominantly worked in Hindi films and series. Dutta is a recipient of a Filmfare Award and established herself as a prominent leading actress in the 2000s.
Dutta made her acting debut with Andaaz (2003), which won her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> She went on to star in several commercially successful films, including the comedies Masti (2004), No Entry (2005), Bhagam Bhag (2006), Partner (2007), Housefull (2010), and Chalo Dilli (2011), and the action film Don 2 (2011).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Following a hiatus, Dutta appeared in the British drama miniseries Beecham House in 2019 and portrayed Indira Gandhi in the film Bell Bottom (2021). She has since taken on roles in streaming series such as Hundred (2020), Kaun Banegi Shikharwati (2022) and Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond (2024).
In addition to her acting career, Dutta has hosted several award shows and has her own line of beauty care products. She is married to tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi, with whom she has a daughter.
Early life and background
Dutta was born 16 April 1978<ref name="NDTV_Lara_Dutta">Template:Cite web</ref> to a Punjabi Hindu father and an Anglo-Indian mother in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.<ref name="Seetharamaiah">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Her father was Wing Commander L. K. Dutta (retired) and her mother is Jennifer Maureen Dutta (née Storey).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Nitin Sawhney, who is a music composer and DJ is Dutta's cousin.<ref name="ns">Template:Cite web</ref>
Dutta moved to Bengaluru in 1981 where she completed high school at the St. Francis Xavier Girls' High School and Frank Anthony Public School. She graduated with a degree in economics and a minor in communications from the University of Mumbai.<ref name="IndiaToday">Template:Cite web</ref> She is fluent in English and Hindi and can also speak Punjabi and Kannada.<ref name="IndiaToday" />
Pageantry
Dutta won the annual Gladrags Manhunt and Megamodel Contest in 1995,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> thus winning the right to enter the 1997 Miss Intercontinental Pageant. She was later crowned Miss Intercontinental 1997.<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Dead link</ref> In 2000, she entered and won the Femina Miss India contest receiving the title of Femina Miss India Universe. This allowed her to represent India at the Miss Universe 2000.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Dutta won Miss Universe 2000 in Cyprus.<ref name=crown>Template:Cite web</ref> Dutta was crowned by the outgoing titleholder Mpule Kwelagobe of Botswana. In the same year, Priyanka Chopra and Dia Mirza won their respective Miss World and Miss Asia Pacific titles which gave India a rare triple victory in the world of beauty pageants.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> During her reign as Miss Universe, she visited 42 countries.<ref name=crown/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> She is the second woman from India to be crowned Miss Universe. She received the highest score in the swimsuit competition and her finale interview score is the highest individual score in any category in the history of the Miss Universe contest.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Dutta has been a United Nations Population Fund Goodwill Ambassador since 2001.<ref name="un">UNFPA Goodwill Ambassadors profile page, Available online</ref>Dutta has stated, "Celebrities with the power to affect their impressionable minds therefore have a moral responsibility to impart positive messages. I am committed to using any influence I may have to do just that as a Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Acting career
Debut and early work (2003–2004)
Dutta made her screen debut in 2003 with Andaaz, playing Kajal opposite Akshay Kumar. In the film, Dutta's voice was dubbed by Mona Ghosh Shetty as the filmmakers wanted two distinct characters for the female leads and they needed Kajal, Dutta's character, to have a high-pitched voice.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> According to Dutta, her role as the tomboy Kajal revealed a new and very private side of her on screen.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Andaaz became a major box office success and won her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Derek Elley of Variety noted that Dutta wins the acting stakes and handle her character reversals with aplomb.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> A critic of BBC opined that she "impresses" in emotional scenes.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Later the year, she played Kesar, a village girl opposite Abhishek Bachchan in Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Dutta started 2004 with a cameo appearance in Khakee,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> in the song "Aisa Jadoo", which went on to become a chartbuster upon release and earned her the Stardust Award for Exciting New Face.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> She then played Monica who lures three married men, in Masti which was a commercial success.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Priya Ganapati of Rediff.com stated that she plays her character well.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In Bardaasht which failed to do well at the box office, she played an advocat opposite Bobby Deol.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Subhash K. Jha noted, "As a lawyer Lara delivers her lines with conviction. One wishes there was more of her."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> She then appeared in the Tamil film, Arasatchi, which was supposed to be her debut release in 2002 but due to financial problems, it was postponed.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In her final film of the year, Aan: Men at Work she played a police officer's lover opposite Akshay Kumar.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Dutta revealed in an interview that she was offered a role in The Matrix franchise but turned down the offer due to her mother's illness at the time.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Breakthrough, success and acclaim (2005–2010)
The year 2005 marked a turning point in her career with six releases. Dutta first played a journalist in Insan opposite Ajay Devgn and a criminal's lover opposite John Abraham in Elaan, both of which were box office failures.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Dutta then played Sanjana, who marries for money and frame her husband for her fake death in Jurm, opposite Bobby Deol.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Vivek Fernandes stated, "Lara has a meaty role; she sizzles in the first half, goes a bit over the top toward the end but overall turns in a commendable performance."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In Kaal, she played Ishika opposite Vivek Oberoi. The film was a moderate success at the box office.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Dutta then appeared in No Entry opposite Anil Kapoor, which went on to become the biggest success of the year.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> She played Kajal, a suspicious wife and Taran Adarsh felt she played the character to "perfection", in one of her most uninhibited works.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Her final release that year, Dosti: Friends Forever saw her pair opposite Bobby Deol, and play an NRI.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Patcy N stated that she looks "good", but her role is far too short.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> No Entry earned her a nomination for IIFA Award for Best Supporting Actress.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
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In 2006, Dutta first appeared in Zinda as a taxi driver opposite John Abraham.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> She then had a special song appearance in Alag.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Dutta then played Aditi / Munni, a lady with suicidal tendencies opposite Akshay Kumar in Bhagam Bhag, which was a box office success.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> A critic of Idlebrain found her to be just "adequate".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> She then had a cameo appearance as Zeenat in Fanaa.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Dutta started 2007 with Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, playing double-role of Anaida and Laila, opposite Bobby Deol and Abhishek Bachchan. The film was a moderate success.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Rajeev Masand found her to be hilarious in the post-interval portions.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Dutta then played Naina, a single mother and reporter opposite Salman Khan in Partner, one of the year's highest-grossing film.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Syed Firdaus Ashraf was appreciative of her chemistry with Khan.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> She then made a special appearance in Om Shanti Om,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and later presented a documentary film titled Sold: An MTV EXIT Special by Charmaine Choo which followed the tragedy of trafficking in South Asia where thousand of young girls and boys are sold into modern-day slavery.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2008, Dutta voiced Sonia, a female elephant in the animated film, Jumbo opposite Akshay Kumar.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> She made a special appearance in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi in the song "Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte" where she paid tribute to actress Helen.<ref>Abele, Robert. "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (A Match Made by God)," Los Angeles Times</ref> Dutta started 2010 with Billu Barber opposite Irrfan Khan, playing Bindiya, a poor barber's wife. The film was a moderate success at the box office.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> For her performance, she earned Stardust Award for Best Actress nomination.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Dutta then played a supermodel opposite Govinda in Do Knot Disturb<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and a businessman's wife in Blue opposite Sanjay Dutt, both of which were commercial failures.<ref name="sify.com">Template:Cite web</ref> For Blue, Taran Adarsh stated, "Lara has never looked so good before. Though the story revolves around the guys, you can't overlook her small but significant contribution to the film."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In her only release of 2010, Dutta played a Gujarati bartender opposite Riteish Deshmukh, in Housefull. The film emerged a major commercial success and collected Template:INRConvert at the box office.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Gaurav Malani from IndiaTimes found Dutta to be "alluring".<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Komal Nahta stated that Dutta proves that she can be fantastic in comedies.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Her performance in the film earned her a nomination for Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Female.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Sporadic work and expansion (2011–2020)
Dutta's first film of 2011 was Chalo Dilli, her first film as a producer. She played Mihika, an investment banker alongside Vinay Pathak.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The film was a moderate success, as it was made on a modest budget of Template:INRConvert.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Taran Adarsh found her performance to be "convincing" despite some rough edges. She earned another Stardust Best Actress nomination for the film.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> She next appeared alongside Shah Rukh Khan in Don 2, playing one of his companion. She also sang "Zara Dil Ko Thaam Lo" for the film.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It emerged as one of the highest-grossing films of the year.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Following her post-pregnancy break from acting, Dutta appeared in the 2013 Hindi film David, playing a mother, Neelam, this film was partially reshot in Tamil in the same title where Dutta's character name was Gayathri.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In 2015, she played Emily, a translator alongside Akshay Kumar in Singh Is Bliing, which emerged a financial success, grossing over Template:INR 1.16 billion worldwide.<ref>Special Features: Box Office: Worldwide Collections of Singh Is Bliing – Box Office, Bollywood Hungama Template:Webarchive. Bollywoodhungama.com. Retrieved on 28 October 2015.</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Tushar Joshi from Daily News and Analysis was appreciative of her comic timing.<ref>Singh is Bliing review: Despite the rehashing and repackaging, Lara Dutta steals the show from Akshay Kumar! Template:Webarchive. DNA. Tushar Joshi. 2 October 2015</ref>
Dutta played Leena, in her first film of 2016, Fitoor. Rachit Gupta of Filmfare praised her supporting part.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> She then played an advocate in Azhar.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Mehul S Thakkar of Deccan Chronicle found her performance to be "controlled yet aggressive".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Both of her releases were commercial failures.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Post this, Dutta played Sophie in the 2018 film Welcome to New York, a box office failure.<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Dead link</ref>
Dutta ventured into television series with the 2019 ITV English series, Beecham House. where she played Begum Samru.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> She expanded to web shows in 2020, with Hundred, playing a police inspector Soumya.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Divyanshi Sharma of India Today stated, "Lara Dutta makes an impressive web-series debut with the show. The actress lets her eyes do the talking in various scenes and delivers every dialogue with finesse."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Streaming projects (2021–present)
Dutta started 2021 with her portrayal of former Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi in the spy film Bell Bottom alongside Akshay Kumar.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The film became a commercial failure,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> but Monika Rawal Kukreja was appreciative of her performance and termed her "terrific".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> She then played Vasudha, a divorcee and single mother on a fun ride, in the series Hiccups and Hookups.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The following year, Dutta played Devyani, princess of a dyfunctional royal family in the series Kaun Banegi Shikharwati opposite Cyrus Sahukar.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Nandini Ramnath of Scroll.in opined that she was fine as a comedienne and "ably aided" the cast.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In 2023, Dutta first appeared in the anthology film Ishq-e-Nadaan, playing an industrious Ramona. The film received mixed reviews and was released on JioCinema.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> She then played a semi-classical vocalist Wilayat, in the series Charlie Chopra & The Mystery Of Solang Valley.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Pratikshya Mishra of The Quint stated that despite limited screen time, Dutta maintains her character's mystery.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In her first release of 2024, Dutta played Manisha, National Security Bureau head in the series, Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Vinamra Mathur of Firstpost noted, "The actress brims with a certain sense of vibrancy, especially in her scene with Shergill."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> She received nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series at the Filmfare OTT Awards.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Other ventures
Television
Dutta has hosted the International Indian Film Academy Awards five times.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> She first hosted the 3rd IIFA Awards in 2002 and subsequently the 7th IIFA Awards with Fardeen Khan in 2006, 8th IIFA Awards with Boman Irani in 2007 and the 10th IIFA Awards and 11th IIFA Awards in 2009 and 2010, respectively. The last two times she co-hosted with both Boman Irani and Riteish Deshmukh.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In 2018, Dutta turned a talent judge on the reality show High Fever.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Philanthropy and other work
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Dutta is active in pre-natal yoga on YouTube<ref name=Youtube>Template:Cite web</ref> During her pregnancy in 2012, she launched a DVD consisting of pre-natal routines and meditation techniques.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Dutta was appointed as a UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador in 2001.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2017 Dutta began mentoring contestants at the Miss Diva contest. She stated "It's exciting to be a part of this journey in finding the perfect representative who is the Indian face of beauty, who possesses elegance, confidence, poise and intelligence. This journey has always been close to my heart and I hope this season is the one that brings us that exceptional girl who will bring the Miss Universe crown back to India".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2011, Dutta initiated a campaign called "Kick For Change", for underprivileged kids.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Later, she participated in Kaun Banega Crorepati to raise funds for an acid attack victim.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2019, Dutta launched her own vegetarian beauty care product brand called Arias.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In the media
Commenting on Dutta's career and her roles, Subhash K. Jha noted, "Lara is subtle yet upfront, strong but fragile, she encompasses the best of both worlds - feminine and aggressive, within her personality."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Sweta Kaushal of Forbes India stated, "Dutta has always been very clear about her choices. She always knew what were her priorities."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Rajiv Vijayakar of Bollywood Hungama finds her to be "versatile".<ref name="LDBSB">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In Rediff.comTemplate:'s "Best Bollywood Actresses" list, Dutta was placed 10th in 2007.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> She was further placed 4th in its "Top OTT Actresses" list of 2020.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In the Times Most Desirable Women list, Dutta was placed 6th in 2009 and 28th in 2010.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In 2009, she was also placed 9th in MaximTemplate:'s "Hot 100" list.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Times of India also placed her 24th in its "50 Beautiful Faces" list.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Dutta is known for her eloquent speaking skills.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> She has been a vocal supporter of the Me Too movement in India. Dutta stated that "I think it is about time. It is fantastic as I feel the difference today is that women are standing up for women. I think that comes from a generation shift. The older generation was largely taught that women should be quiet and don't speak up; that they don't come to the forefront because they should be homemakers. Women today still do all of that. We always manage the home, take care of family, we are still the troubleshooters, we wear multiple hats in a day, we juggle a million works, and we don't let any of them drop. But now this generation of women have become more vocal, and they are empowering each other, which is a much better situation. I cannot stress enough about how essential it is to have a sisterhood, to support other women that are speaking up. Be unafraid and be unapologetic about the stand that you take, especially against male entitlement."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Personal life
Dutta briefly dated American professional baseball player Derek Jeter.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> She had a nine-year relationship with actor and model Kelly Dorji.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In 2008, she briefly dated actor and supermodel Dino Morea, but they broke up in 2009.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In September 2010, became engaged to Indian tennis player, Mahesh Bhupathi.<ref name=bollywood>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name=bollygraph>Template:Cite news</ref> They married on 16 February 2011 in a civil ceremony in Mumbai and followed it with a Christian ceremony on 20 February 2011 at Sunset Point in Goa.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In August 2011, Dutta announced her pregnancy. On 20 January 2012, she gave birth to their daughter Saira Bhupathi.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Filmography
- All films are in Hindi unless otherwise noted.
Films
| Year | Film | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Andaaz | Kajal | <ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | |
| Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost | Kesar | |||
| 2004 | Khakee | Herself | Special appearance in the song "Aisa Jado" | |
| Masti | Monica Singh | |||
| Bardaasht | Advocate Payal | |||
| Arasatchi | Lara | Tamil film | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Aan: Men at Work | Kiran Kumar | |||
| 2005 | Insan | Meghna Malhotra | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Elaan | Sonia Singh | |||
| Jurm | Sanjana Malhotra | |||
| Kaal | Ishika Malhotra | |||
| Ek Ajnabee | Adult Anamika | (special appearance) | ||
| No Entry | Kaajal Singhania | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | ||
| Dosti: Friends Forever | Kajal Sharma | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | ||
| 2006 | Zinda | Jenny Singh | ||
| Alag | Herself | Cameo appearance in the song "Sabse Alag" | ||
| Bhagam Bhag | Aditi Desai / Nisha Chauhan / Munni / SheetalTemplate:Efn | <ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | ||
| Fanaa | Zeenat | Special appearance | ||
| 2007 | Jhoom Barabar Jhoom | Anaida Raza / LailaTemplate:Efn | ||
| Partner | Naina Sahani | |||
| Om Shanti Om | Herself | Special appearance in song "Deewangi Deewangi" | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 2008 | Jumbo | Sonia | Voice only | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi | Herself | Special appearance in song "Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte" | ||
| 2009 | Billu Barber | Bindiya Rao Pardesi | ||
| Do Knot Disturb | Dolly | |||
| Blue | Mona | <ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | ||
| Satyameva Jayate | Herself | Telugu film; special appearance in the song "Aisa Jadoo" | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 2010 | Housefull | Hetal Patel | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 2011 | Chalo Dilli | Mihika Banerjee | Also producer | |
| Don 2 | Ayesha | |||
| 2013 | David | Neelam | <ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | |
| David | Gayathri | Tamil film | ||
| 2015 | Singh Is Bliing | Emily | ||
| 2016 | Fitoor | Leena Becker | Special appearance | |
| Azhar | Advocate Meera Verma | |||
| 2018 | Welcome To New York | Sophia | ||
| 2021 | Bell Bottom | Indira Gandhi | ||
| 2023 | Ishq-e-Nadaan | Ramona Singh | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 2026 | Template:Pending film | Template:TableTBA | Filming | <ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| TBA | Template:Pending film | Avantika | Completed | <ref>Template:Cite news</ref> |
| TBA | Template:Pending film | Kaikeyi | Filming | <ref>Template:Cite news</ref> |
Television
| Year | Film | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Beecham House | Begum Samru | English series | |
| 2020 | Hundred | ACP Saumya Shukla | ||
| 2021 | Hiccups and Hookups | Vasudha | ||
| 2022 | Kaun Banegi Shikharwati | Devyani Shikharwat Goel | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 2023 | Charlie Chopra & The Mystery Of Solang Valley | Wilayat Hussain | <ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | |
| 2024 | Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond | Manisha Bharadwaj | <ref>Template:Cite news</ref> |
Accolades
Dutta is a recipient of Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut for Andaaz.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
See also
Notes
References
External links
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- 1978 births
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- Living people
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