Lara Dutta (born 16 April 1978) is an Indian actress who won the Miss Universe competition in 2000. She has a Filmfare Award for her work in Hindi films and series, and she was a renowned Bollywood leading lady in the 2000s.
Dutta made her acting debut in the 2003 film Andaaz, for which she received the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. She appeared in several commercially successful films, including Masti (2004), No Entry (2005), Bhagam Bhag (2006), Partner (2007), Housefull (2010), and Chalo Dilli (2011), as well as the action thriller Don 2 (2011).
Following a hiatus following her marriage to tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi in 2011, Dutta returned to the screen in 2019 in the British drama miniseries Beecham House. Since then, she has been in the comedy web series Hundred (2020) and Kaun Banegi Shikharwati (2022). She portrays Indira Gandhi in the film Bell Bottom in 2021.
Childhood and education
Dutta was born in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, to a Hindu father and an Anglo-Indian mother. Wing Commander L. K. Dutta (retired) is her father, and Jennifer Dutta is her mother. Sabrina, her older sister, and Cheryl, her younger sister, have both served in the Indian Air Force. Dutta's cousin is music composer and DJ Nitin Sawhney.
In 1981, the Dutta family relocated to Bangalore, where she graduated from St. Francis Xavier Girls' High School and the Frank Anthony Public School. She graduated from the University of Mumbai with a degree in economics and a minor in communications. She can communicate in English, Hindi, Punjabi, and Kannada.
Private life
Lara Dutta was married to actor and model Kelly Dorji for nine years. She then dated American professional baseball player Derek Jeter for a short time.
Mahesh Bhupathi, an Indian tennis star, proposed to her in September 2010. They married on February 16, 2011, in a civil ceremony in Bandra, and then on February 20, 2011, in a ceremony at Sunset Point in Goa. Dutta announced her pregnancy with their first child on August 1, 2011. Saira Bhupathi, their daughter, was born on January 20, 2012.
Pageantry
Dutta won the annual Gladrags Megamodel India competition in 1995, earning her the privilege to compete in the Miss Intercontinental Pageant in 1997. She went on to win Miss Intercontinental 1997. She competed in the Femina Miss India pageant in 2000. In the grand finale, all of her fellow Top 5 delegates were asked the same question: "If you were a police officer in the Garden of Eden, who would you punish for the original sin: Adam, Eve, or the serpent?" Dutta responded: "If you were a police officer in the Garden of Eden, who would you punish for the original sin: Adam, Eve, or the serpent?"
If I were a cop in Eden, I would arrest all three of them. Every person faces temptation, but you must be able to decide for yourself, make your own decisions, and live by your own rules. Above all, respect God, for he is everywhere.
After this round, it was revealed that the scores of some of the Top 5 participants were tied, thus all of the delegates were asked a common question to break the tie: "If ignorance is bliss, why do we seek knowledge?"", to which Dutta responded:
Every man is endowed with knowledge, and it is up to him to make use of it. Every individual is driven by a thirst for knowledge. They say that every man dies, but only a few men truly live. What is life if not knowledge? Would you live your life without leaving something to your children?
She won first place and the title of Femina Miss India Universe at the end of the event, winning the chance to represent India at the 49th Miss Universe pageant.
Miss Universe Pageant
She won the swimsuit competition at Miss Universe 2000 in Cyprus, and her finalist interview score was the highest individual score in any category in the Miss Universe contest's history, with a majority of the judges awarding her the maximum 9.99 marks.
During the final question and answer round, the host, Sinbad, presented the top three contestants the same question: "Right now, there is a protest outside the stadium posing pageants as an affront to women. Convince them that they are wrong." Dutta responded, saying:
Pageants like Miss Universe provide a platform for young women to break into and advance in their chosen industries, whether it's entrepreneurship, the military services, or politics. It provides us with a platform to express our choices and thoughts, and it helps us to become the strong and independent individuals we are today.
Dutta was named Miss Universe 2000 by departing titleholder Mpule Kwelagobe of Botswana at the end of the contest. Dutta's victory earned her the position of UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador in 2001. In the same year, Priyanka Chopra and Dia Mirza won Miss World and Miss Asia Pacific, respectively, giving India a unique three-peat in the world of beauty pageants. She traveled to 62 countries during her tenure as Miss Universe.
She is only the second Indian lady to be crowned Miss Universe. She won the swimsuit competition, and her final interview score is the highest individual score in any category in the Miss Universe contest's history.
Since 2001, immediately after becoming Miss Universe, she has served as a UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador. "Celebrities with the power to influence their impressionable minds have a moral responsibility to impart positive messages," Dutta said, "and I am committed to using any influence I may have as a Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to do just that."
Career as an actor
Beginnings and early work (2001-2004)
She signed on for the Tamil film Arasatchi in 2002, but it wasn't released until mid-2004 due to financial issues. She made her Hindi debut in 2003 with the box office success Andaaz, for which she received a Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. However, because the filmmakers wanted two separate personas for the female stars and needed Kajal, Dutta's role, to have a high-pitched voice, Mona Shetty dubbed Dutta's voice in the film. Dutta had a cameo appearance in Khakee in the song "Aisa Jadoo" in early 2004, which went on to become a chartbuster upon release. She then went on to star in Bardaasht, which bombed at the box office. Her second film, Aan: Men at Work, likewise bombed in India. Insan, Elaan, and Jurm all underperformed at the box office. She later appeared in the box office success Masti.
In an interview, Lara Dutta said that she was given a role in The Matrix franchise but turned it down owing to her mother's condition at the time.
Dutta first appeared in a music video for artist Abhijeet Bhattacharya's song ''Tu Chalu Hai Re'' before making her film debut.
Success and breakthrough (2005-2010)
Dutta made her film debut in 2005 with Kaal, which was a moderate box office hit. Dutta then starred in No Entry alongside Anil Kapoor, Salman Khan, Fardeen Khan, Bipasha Basu, Esha Deol, and Celina Jaitley, which went on to become the year's biggest blockbuster. She then starred in Dosti: Friends Forever, which was a modest hit in India but became the year's biggest blockbuster in other markets. On November 13, 2005, Dutta and Sania Mirza appeared as celebrity guests on Kaun Banega Crorepati (season 2).
Lara Dutta had a cameo appearance in Yash Raj Films' Fanaa in a scene with both Aamir Khan and Kajol. In an interview, Dutta claimed that she accepted to appear in Fanaa after previously declining a cameo in Yash Raj's Hum Tum (2004). In December 2006, Dutta co-starred with Akshay Kumar in Bhagam Bhag, a film that became one of the year's biggest hits, grossing over 400 million rupees (US$5.0 million) in India alone.
Shaad Ali's Jhoom Barabar Jhoom was her debut release in 2007. Dutta played both Anaida and Laila, love interests of Rikki Thukral (played by the film's primary star, Abhishek Bachchan). The picture was a modest domestic hit, but it performed well overseas, particularly in the United Kingdom. Dutta's acting in the film was praised.
Her following film, Partner, in which she co-starred with Salman Khan, was a box office success in India, becoming the year's third highest grosser. In Om Shanti Om, Dutta made a cameo appearance. Dutta also screened Charmaine Choo's documentary film Sold: An MTV EXIT Special, which explored the horror of human trafficking in South Asia, where thousands of young girls and boys are sold into modern-day slavery.
Dutta provided her voice for the animated film Jumbo in 2008. However, the picture did not perform well at the box office. She had a cameo appearance in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi in the song "Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte" in which she paid respect to Helen, colorfully adorned, with jewels and feathers in a high hair bun. "O Haseena Zulfon Wale Jaan-e-Jahaan" from the 1966 film Teesri Manzil serves as the underlying melody.
Blue, her 2009 release, was one of the most expensive films in Indian cinema. Dutta first declined the assignment because it was totally shot in the ocean and she didn't know how to swim. However, the male lead, Akshay Kumar, encouraged her to learn to swim and she immediately began training with a specialized teacher. Blue debuted on October 16, 2009. "The moment I found out about it, I called Akshay and told him that I wouldn't be able to accept the assignment. He knew the reason behind my decision. Not many people are aware that I nearly drowned while shooting for Andaaz, and Akshay had rescued me. When I reminded him that I couldn't swim, he told me to forget my phobia and learn swimming pronto," Dutta said. "Today, I feel Blue has not only helped me overcome my fears, but has also taught me something that I will remember for the rest of my life." Despite a promising start, the picture underperformed at the box office.
She also appeared in Do Knot Disturb, which had a solid start at the box office but plummeted in the following days and did poorly. Housefull, her 2010 release, was a huge economic success in India. She appeared in the film alongside Akshay Kumar, Deepika Padukone, Arjun Rampal, Jiah Khan, and Riteish Deshmukh. It was the country's sixth largest hit at the time, grossing 1.14 billion (US$14 million) at the box office.
(2011-present) hiatus and web series
Chalo Dilli, her debut film as a producer, was released in 2011. The film was a decent success despite its low budget of $50 million (US$630,000). Furthermore, critics complimented the film and Dutta's performance. She performed an item number in the song "Zara Dil Ko Thaam Lo" with Shah Rukh Khan, as well as an extended special appearance in Don 2, and the film was a huge hit, particularly Lara's item number.
Following her post-pregnancy hiatus from Hindi cinema, Dutta inked a deal for the film David. Filming began in August 2012. The film was released on February 1, 2013 to mediocre reviews. She agreed to sign a sequel to No Entry called No Entry Mein Entry.
She appeared in the 2015 film Singh Is Bliing. The film was a commercial success, generating more than 1.16 billion dollars worldwide. Critics commended her humorous timing in the flick. In the 2016 film Fitoor, she plays the part of Leena Becker. In the sports drama film Azhar, she plays an important supporting part. She starred in the 2018 film Welcome to New York.
In June 2019, Dutta starred as Begum Samru in the ITV drama Beecham House, which aired across six episodes.
Dutta appeared in the spy film Bell Bottom in 2021, alongside Akshay Kumar, Vaani Kapoor, and Huma Qureshi, as former Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi. "The film is about a hijacking that occurred during Mrs Gandhi's tenure," said Dutta. The film garnered mixed-to-negative reviews from critics, but Dutta's acting and makeover for the character received critical accolades.
Lara made her web debut in 2020 as ACP Saumya Shukla in Hotstar's Hundred. She was praised for her performance. In 2021, she played Vasudha, a divorcee and single mother on a wonderful ride, in the eccentric Hiccups and Hookups.
In ZEE5's Kaun Banegi Shikhrawati (2022), she plays Rajkumari Devyani, a member of a dysfunctional royal dynasty. Both critics and viewers have praised the series.
Appearances on talk shows
Lara Dutta appeared in the show Rendezvous with Simi Garewal, hosted by actress Simi Garewal, in 2006. Dutta has appeared on three episodes of Koffee with Karan, which is hosted by film producer and director Karan Johar. She first appeared in the first season alongside Bipasha Basu, and then again in the second season alongside Katrina Kaif. Her most recent appearance on the show was in 2010 with her spouse Mahesh.
Lara Dutta also appeared opposite Rani Mukerji in the season one finale of 10 Ka Dum, hosted by Salman Khan.
Other assignments
Lara Dutta has five times hosted the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards. She hosted the third IIFA Awards in 2002, the seventh with Fardeen Khan in 2006, the eighth with Boman Irani in 2007, and the tenth and eleventh IIFA Awards in 2009 and 2010, respectively. She has previously co-hosted alongside Boman Irani and Riteish Deshmukh.
She was a talent judge on the reality show High Fever. In 2001, Dutta was also named a UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador.
Lara Dutta does yoga and has a lot of pre-natal yoga videos available on YouTube. During her pregnancy in 2012, she released her own DVD with prenatal workouts and meditation techniques.
Lara Dutta started guiding Miss Diva contestants in 2017. "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," she said, "and I hope this season brings us that exceptional girl who will bring the Miss Universe crown back to India."
In 2019, Lara Dutta launched Arias, a vegetarian beauty line, with her own collection of beauty care products. Her experiences as an actor, model, and mother inspired the creation of the brand.
Public perception
Dutta is widely recognized as one of Bollywood's most fashionable and socially concerned actresses. Her modeling background provided her the opportunity to play not only attractive but also character-driven roles in films such as Billu. She is also well-known for her brilliant public speaking abilities.
Dutta has also been a staunch supporter of India's Me Too movement. "I think it's about time. It's fantastic because I feel the difference today is that women are standing up for women," Dutta said. "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."
 | Denotes films that have not yet been released |
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Andaaz | Kajal | |
| Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost | Kesar | ||
| 2004 | Khakee | Special appearance in song "Aisa Jado" | |
| Masti | Monica Mehta | ||
| Bardaasht | Advocate Payal | ||
| Arasatchi | Lara | Tamil film | |
| Aan: Men at Work | Kiran | ||
| 2005 | Insan | Meghna | |
| Elaan | Sonia | ||
| Jurm | Sanjana Malhotra | ||
| Kaal | Ishika Malhotra | ||
| No Entry | Kaajal | ||
| Dosti: Friends Forever | Kajal Sharma | ||
| 2006 | Zinda | Jenny Singh | |
| Alag | Cameo appearance in the song "Sabse Alag" | ||
| Bhagam Bhag | Munni/Nisha/Aditi | ||
| Fanaa | Zeenat | Cameo | |
| 2007 | Jhoom Barabar Jhoom | Anaida Raza/Laila | |
| Partner | Naina | ||
| Om Shanti Om | Herself | Special appearance in song "Deewangi Deewangi" | |
| 2008 | Jumbo | Sonia | Voice only |
| Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi | Herself | Special appearance in the song "Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte" | |
| 2009 | Billu Barber | Bindiya Rao Pardesi | |
| Do Knot Disturb | Dolly | ||
| Blue | Mona | ||
| 2010 | Housefull | Hetal Patel | |
| 2011 | Chalo Dilli | Mihika Banerjee | Also producer |
| Don 2 | Ayesha | ||
| 2013 | David | Neelam | |
| 2013 | David | Gayathri | Tamil film |
| 2015 | Singh Is Bliing | Emily | |
| 2016 | Fitoor | Leena Becker | Special appearance |
| Azhar | Meera Verma | ||
| 2018 | Welcome To New York | Sophia | |
| 2021 | Bell Bottom | Indira Gandhi | |
| TBA | Ishq-e-Nadaan | TBA | Completed |
| Year | Title | Role | Platform | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Beecham House | Begum Samru | ITV | |
| 2020 | Hundred | ACP Saumya Shukla | Hotstar | |
| 2021 | Hiccups and Hookups | Vasudha | Lionsgate Play | |
| 2022 | Kaun Banegi Shikharwati | Rajkumari Devyani | Zee5 | |
| TBA | Charlie Chopra & The Mystery Of Solang Valley | TBA | SonyLIV | Filming |
| Year | Award | Category | Film | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Filmfare Awards | Best Female Debut (joint winner with Priyanka Chopra) | Andaaz | Won |
| IIFA Awards | Star Debut of the Year – Female | Nominated | ||
| Screen Awards | Most Promising Newcomer - Female | Won | ||
| Zee Cine Awards | Best Female Debut | Nominated | ||
| 2005 | Stardust Awards | Exciting New Face | Khakee | Won |
| 2006 | IIFA Awards | Best Supporting Actress | No Entry | Nominated |
| 2008 | Zee Cine Awards | Jhoom Barabar Jhoom | Nominated | |
| Stardust Awards | Nominated | |||
| Rajiv Gandhi Awards | Contribution to Film Cinema | Won | ||
| 2009 | Stardust Awards | Best Actress | Billu | Nominated |
| 2011 | Zee Cine Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Housefull | Nominated |
| Stardust Awards | Best Actress in an Ensemble Cast | Nominated | ||
| 2012 | Searchlight Awards – Best Actress | Chalo Dilli | Nominated | |
| 2015 | BIG Star Entertainment Awards | Most Entertaining Actor in a Comedy Role – Female | Singh Is Bliing | Nominated |
| 2021 | Invertis University | Honorary Doctorate | Won | |
| 2022 | IIFA Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Bell Bottom | Nominated |
| Bio/Wiki | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lara Dutta Bhupathi |
| Nickname | Khoti (fondly called by her father) |
| Profession(s) | Actress, Model, Entrepreneur |
| Physical Stats & More | |
| Height (approx.) | in centimeters- 173 cm in meters- 1.73 m in feet inches- 5’ 8” |
| Weight (approx.) | in kilograms- 65 kg in pounds- 143 lbs |
| Figure Measurements (approx.) | 34-28-34 |
| Eye Colour | Brown |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Personal Life | |
| Date of Birth | 16 April 1978 |
| Age (as in 2023) | 45 Years |
| Birthplace | Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Aries |
| Signature |  |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Hometown | Bengaluru, Karnataka, India |
| School(s) | St. Francis Xavier Girls' High School, Bengaluru Frank Anthony Public School, Bengaluru |
| College/University | University of Mumbai, Mumbai |
| Educational Qualification | Degree in Economics and a Minor in Communications (Distance Education) |
| Debut | Film: Andaaz (2003, Bollywood) Arasatchi (2004, Tamil) TV: Mission Ustaad (2007, as a judge) Producer: Chalo Dilli (2011) |
| Religion | She was born to a Hindu father and Christian mother |
| Caste | Kayastha |
| Food Habit | Non-Vegetarian |
| Address | Shailja Apartments in Pali Hill, Bandra, Mumbai |
| Hobbies | Cooking, Writing, Doing yoga, Water rafting, Para gliding, Bungee jumping |
| Awards/Achievements | 1995- Gladrags Megamodel India 1997- Miss Intercontinental 1997 2000- Miss Universe 2000 2004- Filmfare Best Female Debut Award (joint winner with Priyanka Chopra) 2008- Rajiv Gandhi Award for her contribution to film cinema 2012- FICCI Young Achievers Award |
| Boys, Affairs and More | |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Marriage Date | 16 February 2011 |
| Marriage Place | Bandra, Mumbai |
| Family | |
| Husband/Spouse | Mahesh Bhupathi (m. 2011-present) |
| Children | Son- None Daughter- Saira Bhupathi (born in 2012) |
| Parents | Father- L.K. Dutta (Retired Army Personnel) Mother- Jennifer Dutta |
| Siblings | Brother- None Sisters- Sabrina Dutta (Elder, Indian Air Force), Cheryl Dutta (Younger) |
| Favourite Things | |
| Favourite Food(s) | Rajma chawal, South Indian cuisine, Tiramisu |
| Favourite Actor(s) | Shah Rukh Khan, Sanjeev Kumar, Nana Patekar |
| Favourite Actresses | Madhuri Dixit, Vyjayanthimala |
| Favourite Film(s) | Bollywood- Sholay, 1942 – A Love Story Hollywood- Gone with the Wind |
| Favourite Colour(s) | Black, Brown |
| Favourite Perfume(s) | Thierry Mugler Angel, Tom Ford Black Orchid, Heaven Scent |
| Favourite Hotel | Hotel Imperiale in Rome |
| Favourite Destination(s) | Goa, Italy |
| Style Quotient | |
| Cars Collection | Audi A8L, Mercedes E-Class |
| Money Factor | |
| Net Worth (approx.) | ₹53 crore or $8 million |
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