On the occasion of Anushka Sharma’s birthday, it’s worth revisiting the journey of an actor who arrived in Bollywood with a dream launch, quickly rose to stardom, faced notable setbacks, and eventually built a parallel identity as a producer and public figure with a life closely followed by fans.
A dream launch opposite Shah Rukh Khan
Anushka Sharma made a striking debut with Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, starring opposite Shah Rukh Khan under the direction of Aditya Chopra. Playing Taani, a simple young bride navigating an arranged marriage, she impressed audiences with her natural screen presence and emotional sincerity. For a newcomer, sharing the screen with SRK and holding attention was a strong statement of intent.
Rapid rise with major successes
Band Baaja Baaraat
This romantic comedy-drama marked her first major breakthrough as a leading actress. She played Shruti Kakkar, an ambitious Delhi college student who starts a wedding planning business with her partner, played by Ranveer Singh.
The film was both a critical and commercial hit. It established Anushka as a strong performer capable of portraying modern, independent female characters with ease.
PK
In this blockbuster directed by Rajkumar Hirani, Anushka played Jagat “Jaggu” Janani, a journalist who helps an alien (played by Aamir Khan) understand human society.
The film became one of the highest-grossing Indian movies of all time. Even though Aamir Khan led the narrative, Anushka’s role was central in driving the emotional and storytelling arc.
Sultan
A sports drama starring Salman Khan, Anushka played Aarfa, a strong-willed wrestler who inspires the protagonist’s journey.
The film was a huge box-office success. Her performance was widely appreciated for portraying a powerful, disciplined sportswoman, breaking away from typical glamorous roles.
Ae Dil Hai Mushkil
Directed by Karan Johar, this romantic drama featured Anushka in a pivotal role alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
She played Alizeh, a character dealing with unrequited love and emotional complexity. The film performed well commercially and showcased her ability to handle emotionally layered roles.
Jab Tak Hai Jaan
Directed by legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra, this romantic drama starred Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, and Anushka Sharma in key roles.
Anushka played Akira Rai, a young, energetic Discovery Channel journalist who uncovers the love story of SRK’s character. Her role added freshness and modernity to the narrative, balancing the film’s intense emotional core.
The film was a commercial success and received appreciation for its music, direction, and emotional storytelling. Anushka’s performance stood out for its confidence, charm, and contemporary appeal, proving her versatility in ensemble casts alongside major stars.
Jhulan Goswami
Jhulan Goswami is a legendary Indian fast bowler and one of the greatest players in women’s cricket history. She represented India from 2002 to 2022 and became the highest wicket-taker in Women’s ODIs.
Known for her pace and consistency, she also captained the Indian women’s team and played a key role in strengthening women’s cricket in India. Over her career, she earned major honours like the Arjuna Award and Padma Shri.
Jhulan retired in 2022, leaving behind a powerful legacy as a true icon of Indian cricket.
Setbacks and criticism
Bombay Velvet
Directed by Anurag Kashyap, this period drama was one of the biggest commercial disappointments of the year. Despite a strong cast including Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma, the film failed at the box office due to its high budget and weak audience response.
Jab Harry Met Sejal
Starring opposite Shah Rukh Khan and directed by Imtiaz Ali, this romantic drama did not connect with audiences. Despite heavy promotions, it underperformed commercially and received mixed-to-negative reviews.
Zero
A high-profile film directed by Aanand L. Rai, featuring Shah Rukh Khan, Anushka Sharma, and Katrina Kaif. The film was expected to be a big hit but turned out to be a major box-office failure.
Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola
Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, this political satire starring Pankaj Kapur and Anushka Sharma failed to perform commercially despite critical expectations and strong performances.
Virushka: How Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma Found Their Forever
The love story of Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma began in 2013 when they met during a shampoo commercial shoot. What started as a professional interaction slowly turned into friendship and then a relationship.
They were often spotted together, which sparked media attention, and over time they became more open about their bond. Despite public scrutiny, they supported each other through the highs and lows of their respective careers.
After dating for several years, the couple got married in December 2017 in a private ceremony in Italy. Today, they are one of India’s most admired celebrity couples.
Now lovingly called “Virushka” ❤️, their bond is built on friendship, respect, and constant support. Since 2017, they have handled fame with grace while keeping their personal life grounded and private. The couple are parents to two children: their daughter Vamika (2021) and their son Akaay (2024).
A career still evolving
As she celebrates another birthday, Anushka Sharma stands as more than just a film star. She is an actor who began with a dream debut, navigated major hits and notable failures, and later expanded into production while maintaining a strong personal identity.
Her journey reflects evolution rather than stagnation—one that continues to resonate with audiences who have watched her grow from a debutante opposite SRK to a respected name in Indian entertainment.
