Amrita Rao was bornin Pune, Maharashtra, India. She never revealed her date of birth. [1] In an interview, she said,
I have been a very private person, so when it comes to my personal details, I like to keep it away from the public glare. I don’t celebrate my birthday with the media. So, whenever the media asked me about my age, I used to give those Shakuntala Devi type of answers, like never ask a woman her age and a man his wage. I have never disclosed the details.”
She traces her roots back to Mangalore, Karnataka, India. She joined Canossa Convent Girls School, Mumbai. She went to Sophia College for Women, Mumbai for her graduation in Psychology but dropped out due to modelling offers.
After getting three years training in classical singing, she became a skilled Hindustani Classical Singer.
Amrita was born into a Brahmin family. Her father is Deepak Rao who runs an advertising agency in Mumbai. Her mother’s name is Kanchan rao.
Amrita Rao with her father, Deepak Rao
Amrita Rao with her mother
She has a twin sister, Preetika Rao, who is an actress.
Amrita Rao with her sister, Preetika Rao
She is married to Anmol Sood who is a Radio Jockey. They got married on 15 May 2016 after seven years of long relationship. The couple has a son named Veer.
Amrita Rao with her husband RJ Anmol
In an interview, she revealed that she got married to RJ Anmol in a secret wedding in 2014, and it was that time when she was not feeling comfortable in doing kissing scenes that caused her to decline some big-budget films. She also revealed that before marriage, RJ Anmol had asked her to quit the film industry. [2] She said,
At that point, Anmol could see I was declining some huge movie offers only because I wasn’t comfortable doing kissing scenes and lovemaking sequences on screen. Hence, he thought it was the right time to focus on exploring a beautiful personal life and tying the knot. He did ask me to quit my career and I was completely shattered. However, in a day or two, he told me that in hindsight, he realised that demand was unreasonable and that he was sorry about it.”
In April 2022, the couple talked about their lost child via surrogacy. Amrita said,
Aspiring parents, I don’t think you need to be so emotional. This is not in our hands.”
Career
Amrita began her career as a model along with her sister, Preetika Rao. She has modeled at various fashion shows. She got her big break with the TV commercial for Fairever Face Cream. Since then, there has been no looking back for her; she has appeared in commercials for Close-up, Godrej No. 1, Jolen Creme Bleach, Wrigley Chewing Gum, Fena Detergent, Anne French, etc.
Amrita Rao ramp walk at Jaipur Couture Show Season 2
In 2002, she was seen in Alisha Chinoy’s music video, Woh Pyar Mera Woh Yaar Mera.
In the same year, she debuted with the Bollywood film, “Ab Ke Baras,” paired opposite Arya Babbar.
Amrita Rao Bollywood film debut Ab Ke Baras 2002
She fetched recognition after playing the role of Poonam in the successful Bollywood film, “Vivah.”
She made an entrance in the Telugu cinema with the movie named “Athidhi” in 2007.
Amrita Rao Telugu film debut Athidhi 2007
In 2009, she judged the contestants of the Indian reality TV show, Perfect Bride that aired on STAR Plus.
Next, she worked in the TV serial, Meri Awaaz Hi Pehchaan Hai, in which she represented the character of Kalyani Gaikwad.
Controversies
Esha Deol and Amrita Rao were involved in fights during the shoot of the film, “Pyare Mohan” (2006). In an interview, Esha explained “Yes, I slapped Amrita. One day after pack-up, she abused me in front of my director, Indra Kumar and my cameraman and I thought that was totally out of line. To protect my self-respect and dignity, in the heat of the moment, I slapped her. I have no regrets because she totally deserved it for her behavior towards me at that point in time. I just stood up for myself and my dignity.”
In 2007, Amrita denied an offer of a film from Yash Raj Films, where she had to kiss Ranbir Kapoor on-screen. As a result, there was a conflict between Amrita and Ranbir Kapoor.
In 2015, it was rumored that she and RJ Anmol got married in a secret ceremony.
She was surrounded by controversy in 2018 when she criticized Wikipedia on her twitter account for mentioning wrong information on their website.
Amrita Rao’s wikipedia controversy
Awards & Achievements
International Indian Film Academy Award – Star Debut of the Year Female – “Ishq Vishk” in 2004
Stardust Award – Superstar of Tomorrow Female – “Ishq Vishk” in 2004
Sansui Award – Best Female Debut – “Ishq Vishk” in 2004
GR8 Women Award – Young Achiever – “Vivah” in 2007
Dadasaheb Phalke Award – “Vivah” in 2007
Anandalok Award – Most Promising New Talent – “Vivah” in 2007
Sports World Award – Jodi of the Year (along with Shahid Kapoor) – “Vivah” in 2007
Stardust Award – Best Actress – “Welcome to Sajjanpur” in 2009
ERTC Herald Global Award – 50 Most Inspirational Women of Maharashtra in 2017
Kolkata Kalakar Award – Best Actress Category (Bollywood) – “Love U…Mr. Kalakaar!” in 2012
Songs: Main Zindagi Ka Saath Nibhata Chala Gaya, Aap Yun Hi Agar Humse Milte Rahe, Abhi Na Jaao Chhodkar Ke Dil Abhi Bhara Nahin, Tum Mujhe Yun Bhula Na Paoge
Colors: Pink, Beige
Designer: Jerry D’Souza
Destination: Goa
Facts
Amrita Rao hails from a traditional Konkani family.
She is a vegetarian.
She likes reading short stories and singing.
She was named Amrita after her grandfather, Amrit Rao, who was a freedom fighter.
She has family relations with Guru Dutt; as her grandfather and Guru Dutt were second cousins.
Amrita Rao’s relative Guru Dutt
She mentioned in one of her interviews that she went to a strict school. Even if a button was missing here and a clip missing there, they were punished. She had to always be obedient.
In her teenage, she had a huge crush on Indian cricketer, Nayan Mongia.
Amrita Rao’s first crush, Nayan Mongia
She is commonly acknowledged as the “Girl-Next-Door of Bollywood.”
In 2010, she accepted the offer of Chandraprakash Dwivedi’s film, “The Legend of Kunal,” also starring Amitabh Bachchan and Tabu. However, the film did not release.
In 2010, Amrita worked in a film alongside Neil Nitin Mukesh, directed by Ken Ghosh. Nevertheless, the film was again not released.
Amrita Rao was considered for the role of Salman Khan‘s sister in the Bollywood film, “Prem Ratan Dhan Payo.” She declined the role because of its negative characteristics and had no interest in performing the role of his sister.
She refused to work in the Hollywood film “A Knight With The King.”
After Madhuri Dixit, the renowned painter “M. F. Husain” chose her as his second inspiration and the subject of his paintings.
Amrita Rao with M.F Husain
She can speak easily in different languages like English, Hindi, Marathi, and Konkani.
