Akanksha Puri has emerged as one of the most versatile and dynamic personalities in the Indian entertainment industry. From her humble beginnings in Indore to becoming a recognized face across Hindi and South Indian cinema, her journey exemplifies perseverance and talent. This profile explores her multifaceted career, recent projects, and the impact she’s making in 2025’s entertainment landscape.
Table of Contents
Akanksha Puri: Early Life and Background
Born on July 26, 1988, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Akanksha Puri comes from a well-educated family. Her father, R.K. Puri, served as an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), while her mother, Chitra Puri, works as an astrologer. This unique blend of disciplined upbringing and spiritual influence has shaped her personality and approach to her career.
Akanksha completed her education in Madhya Pradesh before embarking on a career path that would eventually lead her to the entertainment industry. Before entering the world of acting, she briefly worked as an international cabin crew member for Kingfisher Airlines, which gave her exposure to different cultures and people.
Career Trajectory
Modeling and Early Acting Career
Akanksha began her professional journey as a model in 2010, appearing in various print advertisements and commercials. Her striking looks and camera presence quickly caught the attention of filmmakers, leading to her acting debut in the 2013 Tamil film “Alex Pandian.”
South Indian Cinema
Following her debut, Akanksha expanded her horizons by working in multiple South Indian film industries:
- Malayalam films: “Praise the Lord” (2014), “Samrajyam II: Son of Alexander” (2015)
- Kannada cinema: “Lodde” (2015)
- Tamil films: “Action” (2019)
Bollywood Entry
Her entry into Hindi cinema came with Madhur Bhandarkar’s “Calendar Girls” (2015), where she played the role of Nandita Menon. Though the film received mixed reviews, Akanksha’s performance was noticed.
Television Breakthrough
Akanksha’s career took a significant turn when she was cast as Goddess Parvati in the mythological TV series “Vighnaharta Ganesha” (2017-2020). This role brought her widespread recognition and established her as a household name across India.
Recent Projects (2024-2025)
Web Series Success
In 2024-2025, Akanksha has been making waves in the digital space with several notable projects:
- “Dons and Darlings” (Released December 2024): In this ALTT production, she plays Naaz, the daughter of a powerful don. The series, which also stars Manish Khanna and Imran Khan, has received positive reviews for its gripping narrative. As Akanksha described her role: “Naaz is very different from me, and that’s what made the role exciting. As an artist, I was fortunate to explore so many shades within one character. Naaz is a daughter, a wife, a lover, and part of the most powerful family. Yet, all she craves is love.”
- “Honey Trap Squad” (2023): This marked her first collaboration with ALTT, where she played Riya Roy. The series showcased her versatility and ability to portray complex characters.
- “Inspector Avinash” (2023): She portrayed the character of Meetu Punjaban in this crime drama.
Music Videos
Akanksha has also been featured in several music videos, expanding her artistic repertoire:
- “Latak Jaiba” with Khesari Lal Yadav and Shilpi Raj (2024)
- “Baarishon” with Udit Narayan and Payal Dev (2023)
- “Video Viral Hogaya” with Akasa Singh (2023)
Personal Life and Public Image
Akanksha maintains a relatively private personal life despite her public career. She has been linked to various personalities in the entertainment industry, but she typically keeps her relationships away from the media spotlight.
Her participation in reality shows like “Bigg Boss OTT 2” in 2023 gave audiences a glimpse into her personality beyond her acting roles. Though her stint on the show was brief (she was the 12th contestant to be eliminated), it increased her visibility and fan following.
Social Media Presence
With over 3.7 million followers on Instagram (@akanksha8000) and a significant presence on Twitter (@akanksha800), Akanksha actively engages with her fans, sharing glimpses of her professional projects and personal moments.
Future Projects
According to industry sources, Akanksha has several projects in the pipeline for late 2025, including a mystery thriller film and another web series. She continues to be selective about her roles, choosing characters that challenge her as an actress and resonate with audiences.
Impact and Legacy
At 37, Akanksha Puri has established herself as a versatile performer capable of seamlessly transitioning between different mediums and languages. Her journey from modeling to becoming a recognized actress across multiple Indian film industries and television showcases her adaptability and determination.
Her portrayal of strong, complex female characters has earned her respect in the industry, while her willingness to experiment with different genres demonstrates her commitment to growth as an artist.
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FAQs
What is Akanksha Puri famous for?
She is popular for playing the role of Goddess Parvati in “Vighnaharta Ganesha” and her appearances in films across multiple Indian languages.
What are Akanksha Puri’s recent projects?
Her recent projects include web series like “Dons and Darlings” (2024) and “Honey Trap Squad” (2023).