Akanksha Puri is a name that has slowly yet steadily carved a niche for itself in Indian cinema and television. With her striking looks, strong screen presence, and dedication to her craft, Akanksha has managed to leave a mark across multiple entertainment mediums — including regional films, Bollywood, mythological serials, reality TV, and music videos. In an industry as dynamic and competitive as Indian entertainment, her journey is a testament to resilience, versatility, and grace.
Early Life and Modeling Days
Born on July 26, 1988, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Akanksha Puri grew up in a disciplined household. Her father, R.K. Puri, was a senior police officer, while her mother, Chitra Puri, is a well-known astrologer. This mix of discipline and spirituality can often be seen reflected in Akanksha’s own personality — grounded, ambitious, yet thoughtful in her choices.
Before stepping into the limelight, Akanksha had a successful career as a cabin crew member for Kingfisher Airlines. Her glamorous persona and polished demeanor eventually led her to modeling. She quickly gained attention in the fashion world, appearing in several print ads, brand endorsements, and fashion shows. Her transition into acting was a natural progression, as casting directors took note of her camera-friendliness and expressive face.
The Big Screen Debut Tamil and Malayalam Film Industries
Akanksha made her acting debut in 2013 with the Tamil action film “Alex Pandian”, starring opposite Karthi. Though her role was small, it marked her entry into the South Indian film industry and opened up opportunities in other languages.
She found greater success in the Malayalam film industry, especially with her role in the 2014 film “Praise the Lord”, where she starred alongside Mammootty, one of Malayalam cinema’s biggest superstars. Her performance was well received, and critics noted her comfort with the Malayalam language and her screen presence, which is no small feat in a regional industry known for its high standards of acting.
Following this, she played a central role in “Samrajyam II: Son of Alexander” (2015), the sequel to the cult classic “Samrajyam” (1990). This film gave her more visibility and helped her gain a fan following in Kerala.
In the Kannada film industry, she appeared in “Lodde” (2015), showcasing her versatility and willingness to take on diverse roles across different linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
Bollywood Breakthrough “Calendar Girls”
In 2015, Akanksha made her much-awaited Bollywood debut in Madhur Bhandarkar’s film “Calendar Girls”. The film revolved around the lives of five models navigating the highs and lows of fame, glamor, and the harsh realities of the entertainment world.
Akanksha portrayed Nandita Menon, a South Indian girl with conservative roots trying to balance ambition with personal values. The film did moderately well at the box office, but it was Akanksha’s poised and emotive performance that caught the attention of both audiences and filmmakers. Her ability to bring depth to a character in a commercial setup proved she was more than just a pretty face.
Despite the exposure from Bollywood, Akanksha did not aggressively pursue roles in mainstream Hindi cinema. Instead, she focused on picking projects that allowed her to grow as an actor, even if they weren’t blockbusters.
Mythological Television Stardom “Vighnaharta Ganesh”
One of Akanksha’s most defining roles came in the world of television, where she played the role of Goddess Parvati in “Vighnaharta Ganesh” on Sony Entertainment Television. This mythological show, based on Hindu epics and religious stories, required actors to perform with grace, authority, and a divine aura.
Her portrayal of Goddess Parvati from 2017 to 2020 became immensely popular among viewers of all age groups. Her expressions, dialogue delivery, and screen presence were widely appreciated. Playing a mythological character demands a certain level of conviction and serenity, which she delivered consistently.
Her look as Parvati — complete with elaborate costumes, traditional jewelry, and spiritually charged dialogues — became iconic and further established her as a household name. This role not only brought her widespread fame but also positioned her as a talented actress capable of handling emotionally and spiritually intense roles.
Reality TV and Public Attention
Akanksha’s next big splash came in the world of reality television, where she allowed audiences to see her off-screen personality.
Swayamvar – Mika Di Vohti (2022)
In 2022, she participated in the unique reality dating show “Swayamvar – Mika Di Vohti”, where singer Mika Singh was on a quest to find a life partner. The show gained massive TRPs due to its blend of romance, competition, and celebrity culture.
Akanksha Puri emerged as the winner of the show and was chosen by Mika as his bride-to-be. Although their relationship did not progress into marriage, the show gave her immense media coverage and positioned her as a charismatic, candid individual with a strong screen presence even outside scripted content.
Bigg Boss OTT 2 (2023)
In 2023, Akanksha entered the Bigg Boss OTT 2 house, another major platform that tests not just entertainment skills but emotional strength and real-life dynamics under 24/7 surveillance. Known for being vocal, confident, and mature, Akanksha managed to grab headlines for her interpersonal interactions and unfiltered opinions. Her time on the show highlighted her intelligence and emotional quotient, further strengthening her bond with her fanbase.
Music Videos A New Era of Stardom
As digital platforms and music videos surged in popularity, Akanksha adapted quickly to this format as well. She starred in several hit music videos, combining performance with glamour. These videos allowed her to explore different looks, moods, and expressions — all within a few minutes of screen .
Some of her most popular music videos include:
- “Jaa Rahe Ho” (2022): A romantic heartbreak song that showcased her emotional depth.
- “Bewafa Tera Muskurana” (2021): A song about betrayal and loss, where she portrayed vulnerability with elegance.
- “Main Jis Din Bhula Doon” (2021): A classic-style duet filled with melodrama and beautiful visuals.
- “Dancing Doll” (2019): A peppy dance number that highlighted her glamorous avatar.
- “Chitthi” (2019): A soulful track filled with nostalgic emotions.
These songs collectively contributed to her digital fame and kept her relevant among a younger audience.
Acting Style and Public Persona
One of Akanksha Puri’s key strengths is her adaptability. Whether it’s switching between regional languages or toggling between mythological roles and reality shows, she brings authenticity to each character. Her screen presence is marked by elegance and poise, and she often opts for characters that carry emotional depth or spiritual gravitas.
She is also known for maintaining a clean, controversy-free image (barring a few exceptions due to her relationships), and fans admire her for being articulate and grounded in interviews.
Personal Life and Media Coverage
Akanksha’s personal life has often made headlines, especially her relationship with Paras Chhabra, a fellow actor and reality TV contestant. The two dated for several years, but their breakup, which played out in public, was a talking point across tabloids and entertainment portals.
She later made news for her connection with Mika Singh, especially after winning the show Mika Di Vohti. Although they reportedly remained friends after the show, it gave fans a glimpse into her personal preferences and values when it came to relationships.
Despite the scrutiny, Akanksha has managed to handle media attention with grace, never allowing her personal controversies to define her professional career.
Awards and Recognition
Though she hasn’t yet won mainstream Bollywood awards, Akanksha has received several accolades for her performances in television and music videos. Her role as Parvati remains one of the most celebrated portrayals of a mythological character in recent times. She has also been recognized in fashion and beauty circuits for her style and elegance.
Future Projects and Aspirations
Akanksha Puri continues to explore new avenues in entertainment. She has hinted at working in more Hindi films and web series that offer challenging roles. With the rise of OTT platforms, there is ample scope for her to expand into genres like thriller, drama, and even biopics.
She has also expressed interest in producing content, potentially branching into behind-the-scenes roles in the future.
Conclusion
Akanksha Puri’s journey in the Indian entertainment industry is far from over — in fact, she’s just getting started. From her early days in regional cinema to her breakout in Bollywood and her acclaimed role on television, she has shown a willingness to evolve and adapt. Her ventures into reality TV and music videos have only strengthened her brand.
With talent, beauty, and a calm, focused demeanor, Akanksha Puri continues to be a name to watch in Indian cinema and television. Her story is one of perseverance, reinvention, and quiet success — qualities that ensure she will remain a compelling presence on our screens for years to come.