Anushka Sharma is one of the most recognizable and respected figures in Indian cinema. Over the years, she has built a career defined by strong performances, thoughtful film choices, and an independent outlook. From her early days as a model to becoming a successful actress and film producer, Anushka’s journey reflects determination, adaptability, and growth.
In addition to her professional achievements, she is also known for her marriage to Indian cricketer Virat Kohli and for maintaining a balanced public and private life. This article explores Anushka Sharma’s life in detail, including her background, career, personal life, finances, controversies, and lasting impact.
Biography and Early Life
Anushka Sharma was born on May 1, 1988, in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India. She grew up in an army family, which influenced her disciplined upbringing and strong sense of independence.
Her father, Colonel Ajay Kumar Sharma, served in the Indian Army, while her mother, Ashima Sharma, is a homemaker. Anushka has an elder brother, Karnesh Sharma, who later entered the film industry and became a producer.
Due to her father’s transferable job, Anushka spent her childhood in different cities, including Bangalore, where she completed most of her education.
Education
Anushka attended Army School, Bangalore, and later pursued a degree in Arts from Mount Carmel College. She was not initially interested in acting and did not dream of becoming a film star. Instead, she was more inclined toward modeling and journalism.
Entry into Modeling and Films
Anushka moved to Mumbai to pursue modeling and quickly found success. She worked with well-known fashion designers and appeared in various advertising campaigns. Her confidence and natural presence helped her stand out despite having no background in acting.
Her big break came unexpectedly when she was selected for a lead role in a major Hindi film, marking the beginning of her acting career.
Career Overview
Acting Career
Anushka Sharma made her film debut in 2008 with Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, starring opposite Shah Rukh Khan. The film was a major commercial success, and her performance was praised for its freshness and authenticity.
Following her debut, she appeared in several successful films, including:
- Band Baaja Baaraat
- Jab Tak Hai Jaan
- PK
- Sultan
- Ae Dil Hai Mushkil
- NH10
- Zero
Anushka became known for choosing roles that portrayed strong, realistic women. She avoided being typecast and often experimented with different genres, including romance, drama, thriller, and comedy.
Film Production
In 2014, Anushka co-founded a production company called Clean Slate Filmz with her brother Karnesh Sharma. The company focused on producing meaningful, content-driven films and web series.
Some notable projects under the banner include:
- NH10
- Phillauri
- Pari
- Web series like Paatal Lok and Bulbbul
As a producer, Anushka received praise for supporting unconventional stories and new talent.
Personal Life
Anushka Sharma married Virat Kohli in December 2017 in a private ceremony in Italy. Their relationship has been widely followed, yet the couple has consistently maintained dignity and privacy.
They are parents to two children:
- Vamika Kohli, born in 2021
- Akaay Kohli, born in 2024
Anushka and Virat have consciously kept their children away from public exposure and media attention.
Controversies and Criticisms
Anushka Sharma has occasionally faced criticism, mostly related to public statements or social media incidents.
One notable controversy occurred when a video surfaced showing her confronting a man for throwing garbage on the road. While many supported her stand for cleanliness, others criticized the public confrontation.
She has also faced online trolling, particularly during periods when Virat Kohli experienced poor performance on the cricket field. Anushka addressed such criticism with dignity, often speaking about mental health, sexism, and unnecessary blame culture.
Despite controversies, she has maintained a strong public image and continued her work without major setbacks.
Net Worth and Financial Overview
Anushka Sharma is among the highest-paid actresses in India. Her income comes from multiple sources, including films, brand endorsements, production ventures, and investments.
Estimated Net Worth
As of recent estimates, Anushka Sharma’s net worth is believed to be around ₹250–300 crore.
Sources of Income
- Acting fees from films
- Film production profits
- Brand endorsements
- Business investments
- Real estate holdings
She endorses several major national and international brands and is known for being selective about her associations.
Legacy and Significance
Anushka Sharma’s legacy lies in her ability to balance commercial success with creative integrity. She challenged traditional norms by taking control of her career, producing content-driven projects, and speaking openly about issues like mental health and gender equality.
She is remembered not only as a successful actress but also as a woman who redefined how female artists can shape their own narratives in the film industry. Her transition into production further strengthened her influence behind the scenes.
Even with fewer acting appearances in recent years, her impact on Indian cinema remains strong.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Anushka Sharma’s age?
Anushka Sharma was born on May 1, 1988. She is 37 years old as of 2025.
2. Who is Anushka Sharma married to?
She is married to Indian cricketer Virat Kohli.
3. How many children does Anushka Sharma have?
She has two children, a daughter named Vamika and a son named Akaay.
4. What was Anushka Sharma’s first film?
Her debut film was Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi in 2008.
5. Is Anushka Sharma also a producer?
Yes, she co-founded the production company Clean Slate Filmz.
6. What is Anushka Sharma’s estimated net worth?
Her net worth is estimated to be between ₹250 and ₹300 crore.
7. Why is Anushka Sharma admired?
She is admired for her acting talent, independent career choices, and willingness to support meaningful storytelling.
Disclaimer: This biography is compiled from publicly available information and is meant solely for informational purposes. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, certain details may vary or be open to interpretation.
