Esha Gupta
Esha Gupta (born 28 November 1985) is an Indian actress and model who primarily works in the Hindi-language film industry.[1][2][3] A former national-level under-16 volleyball player and winner of the Femina Miss India International title in 2007, Gupta transitioned from modeling to acting, debuting in the crime thriller Jannat 2 (2012) opposite Emraan Hashmi.[4][5][6] She has appeared in commercially successful films such as the supernatural horror Raaz 3 (2012), the action drama Baby (2015), and the courtroom drama Rustom (2016), earning recognition for roles that often highlight her screen presence amid mixed critical reception for her performances.[1][2] Gupta has faced professional controversies, including a heated on-set altercation with director Sajid Khan during the production of Humshakals (2014), where she accused him of abusive language, prompting her to walk off temporarily.[7][8] Her public image has also been shaped by social media backlash, such as accusations of racism in 2019 stemming from misinterpreted comments, which she publicly refuted as character assassination akin to criminal labeling.[9]Early life
Family background and education
Esha Gupta was born on 28 September 1985 in New Delhi, India, to a family of Punjabi descent.[2] Her father, Omkar Gupta, served as an officer in the Indian Air Force before retiring, while her mother, Lakshmi Gupta, is a homemaker.[10] [11] She has an elder sister named Neha Gupta and a younger brother named Karan Gupta.[2] [10] Gupta completed her schooling at Blue Bells International School in New Delhi.[6] [2] She later pursued higher education at the Manipal Institute of Communication, affiliated with Manipal Academy of Higher Education in Karnataka, where she earned a degree in mass communication.[6] [4] [10] During her studies, she began exploring interests in modeling and pageantry, which influenced her early career trajectory.[11]Initial modeling pursuits
Gupta began her modeling pursuits while studying mass communication at Manipal Institute of Communication.[12] She won the Miss Bombay title, marking her early entry into the field.[13] This achievement led to modeling assignments for several top brands, providing initial professional exposure.[13] At the time, Gupta noted being among the shorter and curvier models in the industry, which she embraced despite prevailing standards favoring taller, slimmer figures.[14] These experiences honed her poise and runway skills, including participation in fashion weeks like Lakmé Fashion Week, where she recalled her first audition as a pivotal moment.[15] Her early modeling efforts, characterized by persistence amid physical challenges, laid the groundwork for broader opportunities in pageantry and entertainment.[16]Pageantry and modeling career
Beauty pageant achievements
Gupta participated in the Femina Miss India 2007 contest, securing the Miss India International title as one of the primary winners.[3] This achievement qualified her to represent India at the international level.[17] She competed at Miss International 2007, held on October 15 in Tokyo, Japan, among 67 contestants from around the world.[18] No semifinalist or finalist placement was recorded for her in official results from the event.[17]Professional modeling work
Gupta transitioned into professional modeling following her 2007 Femina Miss India International win, initially based in Delhi before relocating to Mumbai for expanded opportunities.[19] Her modeling portfolio included print advertisements and brand campaigns, which she has stated paved the way for her acting career by providing industry visibility and connections.[16][20] She featured in the Spring/Summer 2016 campaign for Moda Elementi, showcasing contemporary fashion for independent women.[21] Gupta also participated in domestic fashion events as a showstopper, leveraging her pageant experience to highlight designer collections.[22] Described early in her career as one of the shorter and curvier models in the industry, she navigated these traits to build a distinctive presence in ramp and editorial work.[14] In recent years, Gupta expanded internationally, attending Paris Fashion Week in July 2025 for the Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2025/2026 shows. She wore a silver blazer-style dress by Tony Ward, performing a "Namaste" gesture that garnered attention for blending cultural elements with high fashion.[23] Additionally, she appeared front row at the Georges Hobeika presentation during the same event.[24] These appearances marked her engagement with global couture runways beyond Indian circuits.Film career
Debut and initial films (2012–2014)
Gupta made her acting debut in the crime thriller Jannat 2, directed by Kunal Deshmukh and produced by Vishesh Films, where she portrayed Jhanvi Tomar, the love interest of the protagonist played by Emraan Hashmi.[6] The film, released on 4 May 2012, marked her entry into Bollywood following a three-film contract signed with Mahesh Bhatt's production house.[1] It achieved commercial success at the box office, driven by its sequel status to the 2008 hit Jannat and strong opening collections.[25] Following her debut, Gupta appeared in the supernatural horror film Raaz 3, directed by Vikram Bhatt, in which she played Sanjana, a rising actress entangled in a rivalry with Bipasha Basu's character.[26] Released on 7 September 2012, the film featured Gupta alongside Emraan Hashmi and became one of her early commercial hits, noted for its 3D format and strong performance in urban markets.[27] Her casting stemmed from impressing the Bhatt camp during Jannat 2, leading to this challenging role in the Raaz franchise.[26] Later in 2012, she took on a supporting role as IPS officer Rhea Menon in Prakash Jha's political thriller Chakravyuh, released on 24 October 2012.[27] Gupta prepared for the part by drawing inspiration from real-life figure Kiran Bedi and performing her own stunts, despite initial apprehensions about shifting from glamorous roles to a gritty cop character so early in her career.[28] [29] The film addressed Naxalite issues but underperformed commercially, with Gupta later attributing its muted response to its heavy, issue-based content overwhelming audiences.[30] In 2013, Gupta made a brief cameo appearance as Nisha in the romantic comedy Gori Tere Pyaar Mein, directed by Punit Malhotra and starring Imran Khan and Kareena Kapoor.[31] Her involvement was limited to a special song sequence, "Dhat Teri Ki," which featured energetic choreography.[32] The film, released on 22 November 2013, received mixed reviews and modest box office returns.[33] Gupta's initial phase concluded with the 2014 comedy Humshakals, directed by Sajid Khan, where she played Dr. Shivani Gupta opposite Saif Ali Khan, Riteish Deshmukh, and Ram Kapoor.[27] Released on 20 June 2014, the film marked her venture into slapstick humor but faced criticism for its script and execution, though it recorded a strong opening day collection.[27] During production, Gupta experienced tensions with the director, leading to on-set conflicts, but she completed the role.[34]Mid-career projects and commercial roles (2015–2017)
In 2015, Gupta appeared in the action thriller Baby, directed by Neerav Pandey and produced by Bhushan Kumar and Krishan Kumar, portraying a key supporting role opposite Akshay Kumar and Rana Daggubati.[27] The film, released on January 23, 2015, focused on an elite counter-terrorism unit and grossed approximately ₹143 crore worldwide.[27] That year, she also endorsed Splash Fashions as its brand ambassador for the Indian sub-continent, aligning with the apparel retailer's expansion strategy.[35] Gupta's 2016 releases included the period courtroom drama Rustom, directed by Tinu Suresh Desai, in which she played Preety Makhija, the wife of the protagonist portrayed by Akshay Kumar; the film, inspired by the 1959 Nanavati murder case, premiered on August 12, 2016, and earned over ₹218 crore globally.[27] She followed with Tutak Tutak Tutiya (also released internationally as Naidu Bhabhi), a horror-comedy directed by Vijay Guttedar, featuring her as a lead alongside Farah Khan and Prabhudheva, which hit theaters on October 7, 2016.[27] Commercially, in June 2016, she was appointed brand ambassador for Hazoorilal by Sandeep Narang, a jewelry house specializing in diamonds, gold, polki, and kundan pieces, to enhance its appeal in the luxury market.[36] By 2017, Gupta featured in Commando 2: The Previous Engagement, an action sequel directed by Deven Bhojani, reprising a combative role as Maria alongside Vidyut Jammwal, released on March 3, 2017.[27] Later that year, she starred as Sanjana in the heist thriller Baadshaho, directed by Milan Luthria and led by Ajay Devgn, which opened on September 1, 2017, and collected around ₹81 crore nett in India.[27] She also appeared in the Telugu-Tamil bilingual Veedevadu (dubbed as Yaar Ivan in Tamil), playing Shruti in a supporting capacity.[37] These projects marked a mix of action-oriented and commercial cinema, alongside selective endorsement deals that leveraged her image in fashion and luxury goods.[38]Expansion into diverse roles and recent developments (2018–present)
In 2018, Gupta appeared in Paltan, a war drama directed by J. P. Dutta depicting the 1962 Sino-Indian War, where she portrayed Savita Singh, the wife of Lieutenant Colonel Rai Singh Yadav (played by Arjun Rampal), in a supporting role that highlighted the personal sacrifices of military families.[39][40] The film received mixed reviews for its patriotic theme but was noted for its ensemble cast including Sunny Deol and Jackie Shroff.[41] Gupta expanded into thriller and comedy genres in 2019. She played Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Laxmi Rathi, a determined Crime Branch officer investigating extrajudicial killings, in One Day: Justice Delivered, a vigilante action film directed by Rajiv Pillai and starring Anupam Kher.[42][43] Her portrayal emphasized a strong, authoritative female lead, marking a departure from earlier glamorous roles, though the film earned average box office returns of approximately ₹8.5 crore nett in India.[44] Later that year, she made a special appearance as Prachi in the ensemble comedy Total Dhamaal, directed by Indra Kumar, which grossed over ₹150 crore worldwide and featured chaotic antics involving a treasure hunt with stars like Ajay Devgn and Madhuri Dixit.[45] Post-2019, Gupta's film output decreased, with selective projects reflecting a focus on genre versatility amid Bollywood's competitive landscape. She took an uncredited guest role in the 2025 comedy Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, directed by Shashank Khaitan.[38] Upcoming releases include a more substantial role opposite Ajay Devgn in Dhamaal 4, the fourth installment of the comedy franchise set for Eid 2026 release, where production wrapped principal shooting in September 2025 and emphasized her integration into the film's humorous ensemble dynamic.[38][46] She is also slated for the romantic comedy Desi Magic in 2025, signaling continued diversification into lighter, commercially oriented fare.[47] This phase underscores her transition from lead action-thrillers to supporting comedic parts in high-profile franchises, adapting to industry demands for multi-starrer formats.Other media engagements
Television and web series
Gupta made her digital debut in 2020 with the second season of the ZEE5 series RejctX, portraying Officer Rene, a determined police investigator probing a college murder amid themes of youthful rebellion and intrigue.[48][49] In 2021, she starred as Sub-Inspector Aditi Amre in the MX Player crime thriller Nakaab, a role centered on unraveling a suspicious death involving deception and justice, alongside co-stars Mallika Sherawat and Gautam Rode.[50] Her subsequent web appearance came in 2022 as Sonia in Aashram Season 3 on MX Player, depicting a strategic image consultant aiding the protagonist's public persona amid political and criminal elements, noted for its bold narrative elements.[51][52] On traditional television, Gupta has primarily featured in guest capacities, including multiple episodes of The Kapil Sharma Show as herself for promotional segments.[53] She also made a special appearance in the 2018 ALTBalaji series Bar Code, a drama exploring fractured friendships driven by ego.[54] These roles mark her selective expansion into serialized formats beyond feature films, emphasizing investigative and dramatic characters.Music videos and endorsements
Gupta first gained visibility in independent music videos with her appearance in "Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon" by Armaan Malik, released on November 23, 2015, which featured her alongside Emraan Hashmi and amassed millions of views.[55] She followed this in 2019 with "Get Dirty," a dance track presented by Break Bounce and featuring vocals by Ishika Bakshi, where she performed bold choreography.[56] In 2021, Gupta starred as the female lead in the Punjabi song "Booha" by Shree Brar, with music by Jatinder Shah and a special appearance by Mankirt Aulakh, released on April 3.[57]| Year | Title | Primary Artist(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon | Armaan Malik |
| 2019 | Get Dirty | Ishika Bakshi |
| 2021 | Booha | Shree Brar |
| 2025 | Maniac | Yo Yo Honey Singh |
| 2025 | Ishq Mera | Jubin Nautiyal |
Activism and philanthropy
Environmental and animal welfare efforts
Gupta has endorsed animal welfare initiatives, particularly through collaborations with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India. In July 2013, she appeared in a PETA advertisement campaign titled "Go Green: Go Vegetarian," posing in a moss-green bikini to promote plant-based diets as a means to reduce environmental impact and spare animal lives, stating that "being a vegetarian really saves lives."[66][67] In a 2014 PETA promotion, she portrayed a "guardian angel" for animals, emphasizing adoption over purchasing pets, and disclosed rescuing her dog Crystal as a puppy to underscore the rewards of sheltering strays.[68] She has opposed practices involving animal exploitation, blogging for PETA in February 2016 against Jallikattu bull-taming and similar events, describing them as cruel.[69] Gupta adopted a vegan lifestyle by 2020, publicly discussing its benefits for animal rights and health alongside actress Mallika Sherawat, while urging compassion for strays during the COVID-19 pandemic by advocating provision of food and water to birds and animals.[70][71] On environmental fronts, Gupta has participated in conservation activities including beach cleanups, mangrove preservation walks, and forest protection drives.[72][73] In June 2019, she championed anti-plastic efforts and broader protection measures, aligning with her advocacy for recycling and waste management.[72] That August, as the first Indian actor to attend the Mabel Green Cup—a sustainability-focused tennis event in Spain—she positioned herself as an environmental ambassador, emphasizing collective planetary responsibility over national boundaries.[74][75] In interviews, she has highlighted small actions like mindful consumption to combat climate crises, warning against taking nature for granted.[73][76]Other charitable involvements
In 2016, Gupta supported a charity initiative aimed at aiding drought-affected farmers in Maharashtra by endorsing efforts to provide relief and resources amid severe water shortages.[77][78] She served as Goodwill Ambassador for Touching Little Heart, an organization facilitating free heart surgeries for underprivileged children under age 16, a role she assumed in October 2016 to promote awareness and fundraising for pediatric cardiac care.[79][80] In January 2018, Gupta initiated a fundraising campaign by auctioning personal items such as clothes and bags to establish a football academy for aspiring sportswomen in rural Indian villages, addressing gaps in training facilities and basic amenities for female athletes from underserved areas.[81][82] Gupta participated in the 2022 edition of Project Nanhi Kali's Proud Fathers for Daughters event, contributing to efforts that raised funds to support the education of 358 underprivileged girls across India through sponsorships for schooling and supplies.[83][84]Personal life
Relationships and dating history
Gupta's earliest publicly reported relationship was with entrepreneur Armaan Gujral, spanning from 2009 to 2013.[85][86] The pair reportedly grew close enough to consider marriage before parting ways, with Gupta traveling to Boston to visit Gujral during his studies there.[85] Subsequent rumors linked her to figures such as actor Randeep Malik in 2013 and footballer Héctor Bellerín in 2016, though these lacked confirmation and were dismissed by associates in contemporary reports.[87] In 2018, speculation arose regarding costume designer Nikhil Thampi, fueled by social media posts, but no verified relationship materialized.[88] That same year, Gupta engaged in months-long conversations with cricketer Hardik Pandya, which she later described as exploratory but never advancing to formal dating due to incompatibility.[89][90] Gupta has recounted a past relationship with an unnamed Bollywood director, characterized by his insecurity; she alleged he sent abusive emails and verbal insults, leading to the relationship's deterioration.[91] Since approximately 2019, she has been in a long-distance relationship with Spanish businessman Manuel Campos Guallar, which she made public via Instagram in April 2020.[92] The couple, aware of the distance from the outset, has expressed intentions to marry and start a family, with Gupta residing partly in Spain during the COVID-19 pandemic.[93][94] As of 2025, the relationship remains ongoing.[95]Health challenges and personal growth
In 2020, Gupta experienced significant emotional distress following her mother's diagnosis with cancer, which she described as deeply upsetting, though her mother subsequently recovered.[96] This period coincided with broader challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, during which Gupta contracted the virus in January 2022 and reported heightened paranoia and mental strain from isolation and recovery.[97] She has publicly advocated for taking depression seriously, noting its stigmatization and the need for greater awareness, drawing from personal encounters with emotional lows.[96] To address these difficulties, Gupta turned to therapy, which she credited in October 2025 for helping her process 13 years of career challenges in Bollywood, maintain focus on physical and mental health, and foster resilience.[98] She integrated yoga into her routine around 2020 as a primary tool for overcoming an "emotional roller coaster," emphasizing its role in self-recovery and balance amid personal and global uncertainties.[99] Her fitness practices evolved to include boxing, Pilates, weightlifting, and circuit training, which she adopted to challenge her body and mind, promoting adaptability and strength.[100] Proactively managing reproductive health, Gupta froze her eggs in 2017 at age 31, a decision she later described as forward-thinking before entering her relationship with Manuel Campos Guallar.[101] Reflecting on turning 38 in November 2024, she characterized her life as a "rollercoaster of experiences," expressing pride in her kindness and growth through faith during her lowest phases, which provided guidance and comfort.[102] These efforts underscore her emphasis on mental and physical discipline as foundations for sustained personal development.[103]Public image and reception
Critical assessments and career critiques
Gupta's acting performances have received mixed critical reception, with reviewers frequently highlighting her visual appeal and screen presence while noting limitations in emotional depth and refinement. In her debut film Jannat 2 (2012), critic Taran Adarsh praised her for enchanting audiences with captivating charm but observed that she appeared "a tad unrefined at places," though she handled her role adequately overall.[104] Similarly, for Raaz 3 (2012), assessments described her as awkward and self-conscious in initial scenes, improving to hold certain sequences more gracefully later.[105] Her role in the political thriller Chakravyuh (2012) drew more favorable commentary for its substance, contrasting with the glamour-focused parts that dominated her early career.[106] Career critiques often center on the commercial underperformance of several projects, which stalled her momentum despite initial successes. Gupta herself acknowledged that the 2014 comedy Humshakals, a major box-office flop, caused her career to regress, leaving her disheartened and leading to fewer leading roles thereafter.[107] This setback was compounded by on-set tensions, including a reported fallout with director Sajid Khan during Humshakals production, where creative disagreements highlighted mismatches in vision.[34] As a self-described outsider without industry nepotism, she has emphasized that survival in Bollywood demands patience exceeding mere talent, reflecting broader challenges in securing consistent opportunities amid typecasting and selective project choices driven by financial or artistic fulfillment.[108][109]Public persona, media scrutiny, and controversies
Esha Gupta has cultivated a public persona characterized by outspoken confidence and unapologetic self-expression, particularly through her social media presence where she frequently shares bold, revealing photographs that emphasize her physical fitness and sensuality. With over 18 million Instagram followers as of 2025, she has stated in interviews that she posts such content because she enjoys it and aims to be remembered for her work or her images, regardless of public reaction.[110] This approach has positioned her as a figure who challenges conventional expectations of female restraint in Indian entertainment, though it has drawn criticism for prioritizing aesthetics over substance in her career.[111] Media scrutiny of Gupta has often focused on her appearance and personal choices rather than her professional output, with frequent commentary on her skin tone, cosmetic enhancements, and dating rumors. In 2017, she faced racist trolling for being labeled "Kaali" due to her darker complexion, prompting her to denounce the hypocrisy in a society that idolizes fairness while claiming inclusivity.[112] Speculation about lip augmentation peaked in 2018 after public photos, which she dismissed with a gesture of defiance, urging an end to obsessive focus on celebrities' features.[113] Gupta has also rejected endorsement deals for skin-whitening products, citing persistent cultural bias toward lighter skin in Bollywood as evidenced by industry preferences for "fair girls" in roles and advertising.[114] Paparazzi practices have further intensified scrutiny; in 2024, she expressed distress over an intrusive video capture that violated her privacy.[115] Key controversies include on-set clashes and personal disclosures. In June 2025, Gupta recounted a heated confrontation with director Sajid Khan during the 2014 filming of Humshakals, where he allegedly used abusive language toward her, leading her to retort and briefly leave the set before returning under pressure.[7] [116] She has also addressed rumored romances, such as with cricketer Hardik Pandya in 2016, confirming brief mutual interest that ended without commitment and criticizing his public comments on gender roles as dismissive of equality.[117] [118] Additionally, in 2021, she revealed encountering casting couch propositions twice early in her career, attributing the phenomenon's rarity among "industry kids" to protective family influence rather than ethical norms.[119] These incidents, often amplified by tabloid coverage, have fueled debates on her resilience amid Bollywood's demands, though entertainment media accounts vary in detail and lack independent corroboration beyond her statements.Filmography and discography
Feature films
Esha Gupta entered the Hindi film industry with her debut in the 2012 crime thriller Jannat 2, directed by Kunal Deshmukh, co-starring Emraan Hashmi and Randeep Hooda as the female lead. The film achieved commercial success at the box office.[25][6] Later that year, she appeared in the supernatural horror film Raaz 3: The Third Dimension, which performed strongly commercially, and the political thriller Chakravyuh directed by Prakash Jha, where her acting received mixed reviews though the film garnered attention for its thematic depth.[27][120] In 2013, Gupta took a cameo role in the romantic comedy Gori Tere Pyaar Mein!. Her 2014 release, the ensemble comedy Humshakals directed by Sajid Khan, featured her alongside Saif Ali Khan and Riteish Deshmukh but failed to resonate with audiences despite a strong opening day.[33][27] She played a supporting role in the 2015 action thriller Baby, contributing to its acclaim as a taut espionage narrative. Gupta's performance as Preety Makhija in the 2016 period courtroom drama Rustom, opposite Akshay Kumar, helped propel the film to blockbuster status with significant box office earnings. Wait, no, avoid IMDb for claim, use boxoffice. Actually, replace. Correction in thought: For Rustom success [27] She also starred in the 2016 horror-comedy Tutak Tutak Tutiya (dubbed from Telugu Kanchana 2) and the 2017 heist action film Baadshaho, the latter of which received average box office returns. Wait, snippet has it. In 2018, Gupta appeared in the war film Paltan. Her 2019 projects included the comedy Total Dhamaal, a major hit grossing over ₹150 crore nett in India, the vigilante thriller One Day: Justice Delivered which was a box office disaster, and the Telugu action film Vinaya Vidheya Rama.[27][53] Following these, her feature film output decreased, with focus shifting toward digital platforms.[121]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Jannat 2 | Lead | Debut; commercial hit.[25] |
| 2012 | Raaz 3 | Lead | Box office success.[27] |
| 2012 | Chakravyuh | Supporting | Mixed reviews for performance.[120] |
| 2013 | Gori Tere Pyaar Mein! | Cameo | Minor appearance.[33] |
| 2014 | Humshakals | Dr. Gupta | Underperformed commercially.[27] |
| 2015 | Baby | Farah Taskeen | Positive contribution to action thriller.[122] |
| 2016 | Rustom | Preety Makhija | Blockbuster hit.[27] |
| 2016 | Tutak Tutak Tutiya | Reva | Horror-comedy remake.[123] |
| 2017 | Baadshaho | Sanjana | Average performer.[124] |
| 2019 | Total Dhamaal | Prachi | Major commercial success.[27] |
| 2019 | One Day: Justice Delivered | Laxmi Rathi | Box office flop.[27] |
| 2019 | Vinaya Vidheya Rama | Sharanya | Telugu film.[53] |
Awards and nominations
Esha Gupta received a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut for her performance in the 2012 film Jannat 2.[3] She earned additional nominations at the Stardust Awards, including Superstar of Tomorrow – Female for Jannat 2 and Best Actress for Chakravyuh (2012).[125]| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Filmfare Awards | Best Female Debut | Jannat 2 | Nominated[3] |
| 2012 | Stardust Awards | Superstar of Tomorrow – Female | Jannat 2 | Nominated[125] |
| 2012 | Stardust Awards | Best Actress | Chakravyuh | Nominated[125] |
| 2018 | Brand Vision Summit Awards | Extraordinaire Award | N/A | Won[126] |
| 2024 | Brand Vision Summit Awards | Leading Lady of Influence of the Year | N/A | Won[126] |