Amrita Rao

Amrita Rao (born 17 June 1981) is an Indian actress and model.

Amrita made her acting debut with Ab Ke Baras (2002) which won her the IFFA Face of the Year. She then starred in Ken Ghosh's blockbuster romantic film Ishq Vishk (2003) which earned her a Filmfare nomination in the "Best Female Debut" category. She won the Stardust Searchlight Best Actress Award for Welcome to Sajjanpur in 2009.

Amrita was born to a Mangalorean Brahmin family in Mumbai, India. Her father owns an advertising company in Mumbai and also turned author in 2008. She speaks Hindi, English, Marathi, besides her mother tongue, Konkani. She attended the Canossa Convent High School (Mahim) in Mumbai, and later enrolled in Sophia College to pursue a degree in Psychology. Her younger sister, Preetika Rao, is a model and well-known film journalist and columnist.

Amrita made her acting debut in Ab Ke Baras (2002) alongside Arya Babbar. She went on to star with Shahid Kapoor in his debut film, Ishq Vishk (2003) and became an overnight star after the success that film for her portrayal of Payal. She followed this up in 2004 with Masti, Main Hoon Na with Shahrukh Khan and Zayed Khan, and Deewaar. The year 2005 saw her performing as Priya in Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi! and Madhvi in Shikhar. In 2006, she starred in Pyare Mohan alongside Vivek Oberoi, and Sooraj R. Barjatya's blockbuster Vivah opposite Shahid Kapoor.