Amrita never really dreamed to be an actress because she thought that with no contacts in the film industry, it would be a tough battle to establish herself there. But not only has she made it to Bollywood, she is widely considered as the next big thing. Even though she has just acted in ten films so far, one of them is from Sooraj Barjatya. Her beauty bowled over acclaimed international painter M.F Husain and inspired him to make a series of paintings depicting her and her film "Vivah".
It all started when, while studying psychology at the Sophia College in Mumbai, she auditioned for "Fairever Cream" and to her surprise, got selected from among 60 other contestants. The close-up Ad campaign followed and it became a big success, granting her loads of offers. Within a year, she became one of the most sought-after models in India.
Her Cadbury's Perk and Nestle Bru Coffee advertisements fetched her offers from top directors, but she was apprehensive at first, as she wanted to complete her studies. After completing her studies, she signed Raj Kanwar's "Ab Ke Baras" which was also Raj Babbar's son Aarya's launch vehicle. The film didn't do as well as expected; she also got an offer to act in a historical film directed by Rajkumar Santoshi's "The legend of Bagath Singh", even though it was a small role.
"Ishq Vishk", with Shahid Kapur became a huge hit and earned her the girl-next-door image. She also won the best debutante award from Filmfare, Stardust and IIFA for the movie. She followed up the success with "Masti", a sex-comedy and "Main Hoon Na", which featured Shah Rukh Khan and gave her worldwide popularity. She also acted in "Deewaar", "Vaah! Life Ho To Aisi", "Shikhar", and "Pyare Mohan".
"Vivah", the Sooraj Barjatya movie is a big turning point of her career. Not only is the film a big success worldwide, but she has also gained a huge fan following of all ages through it. She and her co-star in the film, Shahid Kapur are considered the most promising pair after Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol.
The best thing about Amrita is that not only is she beautiful and talented,but she also has no hang-ups and is very down-to-earth, which makes her easy to work with. She has two films lined-up - "My Name is Anthony Gonsalves" and Telugu film "Athidhi". After "Vivah" she has lots of offers coming her way, but like before, she is taking it slow, waiting for the right scripts, because she knows "Slow and steady wins the race!"
Amrita Rao Trivia:
Daughter of Deepak Rao
Comes from a very well-to-do Saraswat Brahmin family
Has an identical twin sister
She became popular through ads and she did 30 commercials before coming to films.
Philosophy of life: Life is short and sweet, so make others happy and never let anyone down.
Brands modeled for: Hindustan Lever's - Close-up, Godrej - Nikhaar Soap (2 ads.), Nestle - Bru Coffee, Wringly Chewing Gum, Anne French, Fena Detergent, Jolen Bleach, 3 Roses Tea (South India), Johnson & Johnsons - Clean & Clear Face Wash, Procter & Gamble - Pantene Hair Wash, Cadbury's - Perk Chocolates, Parachute Jasmine - Hair Oil, Domino's Pizza, HMT Watches, Allukas Jewellery (South India), and Allapet Jewellery (South India).
Bowled by the Amrita's look in Sooraj Barjatya film Vivah, M F Hussain has plans to start a series of paintings inspired by Vivah and Amrita Rao.
Although her debut film was a flop, she had three hits in a row-Ishq Vishk, Masti and Main Hoon Na and Amrita Rao has come to be known as a lucky mascot.
She is a graduate in psychology
She got Best Debut Award from Filmfare, Stardust and IIFA for Ishq Vishk.
Amrita Rao Filmography: