Amrita Rao Amrita Rao (Hindustani pronunciation: [əmrɪt̪aː ˈraːu]) born 17 June 1981[citation needed] in Mumbai, India, is an Indian model and actress who appears in Bollywood films. Beginning her career as a model, Rao made her acting debut with Ab Ke Baras (2002). She then starred in Ken Ghosh's romantic film Ishq Vishk (2003) which earned her a Filmfare nomination in the "Best Female Debut" category. Personal life Amrita was born in Mumbai to a Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin family.[1] She speaks Hindi, English, Marathi, besides her mother tongue, Konkani.[2] She attended Canossa Convent Girls School (Mahim) in Mumbai, and later enrolled in Sophia College to pursue a degree in psychology. Her sister, Preetika Rao, is a model, columnist and a South Indian film actress. Career Modeling Rao walking the ramp for Archana Kochar at Lakme Fashion Week 2012- Day 5 While studying in Sophia College, Amrita auditioned for an advertisement for Fairever Face Cream. She filmed many commercials and did numerous photo shoots. Her appearance in Cadbury’s Perk Karwa Chaut ad and the Bru Coffee advertisement helped her receive offers from film directors in Bollywood. She also appeared in numerous music videos by artists such as Alisha Chinoy. Even after becoming a well- known actress in Bollywood, she continues do model and wal ramps for designers, as a celebrity guest. Acting Rao with Indian boxer Vijender Singh in 2009. 2002–2006 Amrita made her acting debut in Ab Ke Baras (2002) alongside Arya Babbar. She went on to star with Shahid Kapoor in Ishq Vishk (2003) and became an overnight star after the success that film for her portrayal of Payal. She followed this up in 2004 with Masti, Main Hoon Na with Shahrukh Khan and Zayed Khan, and Deewaar. The year 2005 saw her performing as Priya in Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi! and Madhvi in Shikhar. In 2006, she starred in Pyare Mohan alongside Vivek Oberoi, and Sooraj R. Barjatya's blockbuster Vivah opposite Shahid Kapoor.[3] 2007- Present Her first part in 2007 was a special appearance for the song "Heyy Babyy" in the eponymous film, Heyy Babyy. She then made her debut in the Telugu film industry with Athidhi opposite Mahesh Babu.[4] Amrita's movies in 2008 include My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves with Nikhil Dwivedi and Welcome to Sajjanpur with Shreyas Talpade. The following year, she portrayed Nandini in Victory and Mansi in Shortkut opposite Arshad Warsi. Her only release in 2011 was Love U...Mr. Kalakaar!, in which she played Ritu, the main role, alongside Tusshar Kapoor.[5] She acted in Hook Yaa Crook, which is still shelved. Amrita Rao is currently working in two films ,which will be released in 2013.[6][7] Awards and nominations This section of a biography of a living person does not include any references or sources. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living people that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed Filmfare Awards Nominated 2004: Filmfare Best Female Debut Award for Ishq Vishk 2005: Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award for Main Hoon Na Star Screen Awards Nominated 2003: Star Screen Award Most Promising Newcomer - Female for Ab Ke Baras 2004: Star Screen Award Most Promising Newcomer - Female for Ishq Vishk 2007: Star Screen Award Best Actress for Vivah[8] 2007: Star Screen Award Jodi No. 1 along with Shahid Kapoor for Vivah[9] Zee Cine Awards Nominated 2004: Zee Cine Award Best Female Debut for Ishq Vishk International Indian Film Academy Awards Winner 2004: IIFA Awards, Best Female Debut for Ishq Vishk Stardust Awards Winner 2004: Stardust Superstar of Tomorrow - Female for Ishq Vishk 2009: Stardust Searchlight Best Actress Award for Welcome to Sajjanpur Other awards won 2004: Sansui Awards — Best Debut - Female for Ishq Vishk 2007: GR8 Women Awards — Young Achiever 2007: Anandalok Puroshkar Awards — Most Promising New Talent for Vivah 2007: Sports World Awards — Jodi of the Year along with Shahid Kapoor for Vivah 2007: Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Award for Vivah Filmography Rao in 2008. Year Title Role 2002 Ab Ke Baras Anjali Thapar/ Nandini The Legend of Bhagat Singh Mannewali 2003 Ishq Vishk Payal Mehra 2004 Masti Aanchal Mehta Main Hoon Na Sanjana (Sanju) Bakshi Deewaar Radhika 2005 Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi! Priya Shikhar Madhvi 2006 Pyare Mohan Piya Vivah Poonam 2007 Heyy Babyy Special appearance in song "Heyy Babyy" Athidhi Amrita 2008 My Name is Anthony Gonsalves Riya Shaurya Neerja Rathode Welcome to Sajjanpur Kamla 2009 Victory Nandini Short Kut: The Con is On Mansi Life Partner Anjali Kumar 2010 Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai Tara's sister 2011 Love U...Mr. Kalakaar! Ritu 2013 Jolly LLB[7] [11] 2013 Singh Saheb The Great[6]