Amrita Rao

Rao has never publicised her birthday details.{{cite news |title=Amrita Rao Says She Has Been Receiving Birthday Wishes On Wrong Dates |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/amrita-rao-says-she-has-been-receiving-birthday-wishes-on-wrong-dates-2771961.html |access-date=5 April 2022 |work=News18 |publisher=Network18 Group |date=9 August 2020 |archive-date=5 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220405164918/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/amrita-rao-says-she-has-been-receiving-birthday-wishes-on-wrong-dates-2771961.html |url-status=live}} Hindustan Times reported her birthdate as 7 June.{{cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/happy-birthday-amrita-rao-here-s-how-she-reacted-to-becoming-mf-hussain-s-muse-after-madhuri-dixit-101622984058148-amp.html |title=Happy Birthday Amrita Rao: Here's how she reacted to becoming MF Hussain's muse after Madhuri Dixit |website=Hindustan Times |date=7 June 2021 |access-date=7 June 2021 |archive-date=7 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607031649/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/happy-birthday-amrita-rao-here-s-how-she-reacted-to-becoming-mf-hussain-s-muse-after-madhuri-dixit-101622984058148-amp.html |url-status=live }} She comes from a Konkani - speaking Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin family.{{cite web |title=Did you know Deepika Padukone and Amrita Rao are related to each other? |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/did-you-know-deepika-padukone-and-amrita-rao-are-related-to-each-other-1510875-2019-04-26 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109014109/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/did-you-know-deepika-padukone-and-amrita-rao-are-related-to-each-other-1510875-2019-04-26 |archive-date=9 November 2019 |access-date=26 April 2020 |website=India Today|date=26 April 2019 }}{{Cite web |date=17 September 2008 |title='We spoke in Konkani but there was no swearing' |url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2008/sep/17slid2.htm |access-date=5 March 2023 |website=Rediff.com |archive-date=5 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305080733/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2008/sep/17slid2.htm |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=16 September 2008 |title=From Mandi to Welcome to Sajjanpur |url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2008/sep/16sd3.htm |access-date=5 March 2023 |website=Rediff.com |archive-date=5 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305074338/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2008/sep/16sd3.htm |url-status=live }} Rao studied at Canossa Girls School, Andheri (Bombay) then to Sophia College (Mumbai) to pursue a graduate degree in Psychology but dropped out to pursue a modeling career. She has a younger sister Preetika Rao, who is also an actress.{{cite web |author=Moviebuzz |year=2010 |title=Preetika on her debut and her dreams |website=Sify |access-date=14 December 2010 |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/Preetika-on-her-debut-and-her-dreams-imagegallery-kollywood-kmnmyQcgdai.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101216012014/http://www.sify.com/movies/Preetika-on-her-debut-and-her-dreams-imagegallery-kollywood-kmnmyQcgdai.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 December 2010}}

Before starting her career as an actor, Rao along with her sister Preetika appeared in several commercials during her college days. Her first public appearance was in the music video for Alisha Chinai's song Woh Pyar Mera.{{cite web |title=Amrita Rao's Debut Hit |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGteXsoXE_I |via=YouTube |access-date=29 July 2014 |archive-date=5 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705053610/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGteXsoXE_I |url-status=live}}

File:Amrita Rao still2.jpg

In 2002, Rao played her first leading role as Anjali Thapar in Raj Kanwar's fantasy thriller Ab Ke Baras alongside debutante Aarya Babbar.{{cite web |title=Ab Ke Baras- review, responses |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/cast/id/54463 |website=bollywoodhungama.com/ |access-date=29 July 2014 |archive-date=10 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810165831/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/cast/id/54463 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |title=Movie review- Ab Ke Baras |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2002/may/10ab.htm |website=rediff.com/ |publisher=Rediff.com |access-date=29 July 2014 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924141741/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2002/may/10ab.htm |url-status=live}} The film, which depicts the story of U.S based girl (played by Rao) having recurrent dreams of a parallel life in India, proved to be financially unsuccessful; however, Rao received a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut for her performance. Rao next starred alongside Ajay Devgn in the biographical period film The Legend of Bhagat Singh.{{cite web |title=The Legend of Bhagat Singh |url=https://www.jiocinema.com/movies/the-legend-of-bhagat-singh?type=0&id=12d26c508bf511eaae4f77cdf5f047e2 |publisher=Jio Cinema |access-date=30 March 2022 |archive-date=30 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330064543/https://www.jiocinema.com/movies/the-legend-of-bhagat-singh?type=0&id=12d26c508bf511eaae4f77cdf5f047e2 |url-status=live}} In the film, which narrates the story of Indian independence Freedom Fighter Bhagat Singh, she played the role of Mannewali (Bhagat's fiancé). The film did not perform well at the box office, grossing only ₹129 million (US$2.7 million in 2002).{{cite web |title=THE LEGEND OF BHAGAT SINGH |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=619 |access-date=17 June 2022 |archive-date=20 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320092303/https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=619 |url-status=live }} In May 2003, Rao starred in the coming-of-age romance film Ishq Vishk opposite Shahid Kapoor, in their first of several collaborations, as a college student. The film was a success at the box office proving to be a breakthrough for Rao. Both the film and Rao's performance received critical acclaim. Rao's portrayal earned her the IIFA Award for Star Debut of the Year – Female.{{cite web |title=IIFA Through the Years : Singapore |url=http://iifa.com/iifa-years/iifa-years-2004/ |publisher=International Indian Film Academy Awards |access-date=6 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171120085535/http://www.iifa.com/iifa-years/iifa-years-2004/ |archive-date=20 November 2017 |url-status=dead}}

In 2004, Rao starred in three films. Her first release of the year was Indra Kumar's adult comedy Masti, opposite Vivek Oberoi.{{cite web |title=Masti (2004) – Full Cast & Crew |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/Movies/movie_detail/masti#.U-Co4fmuknY |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=5 August 2014 |archive-date=19 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819152611/http://boxofficeindia.com/Movies/movie_detail/masti#.U-Co4fmuknY |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Amrita Rao is the Prettiest Woman Alive |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2004/apr/09masti.htm |website=rediff.com/ |publisher=Rediff.com |access-date=29 July 2014 |archive-date=10 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810203400/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2004/apr/09masti.htm |url-status=live}} The film featured an ensemble cast (Ajay Devgn, Vivek Oberoi, Riteish Deshmukh, Aftab Shivdasani, Lara Dutta, Tara Sharma, and Genelia D'Souza) and earned around {{INRConvert|34.14|c}} worldwide. The film received mixed reviews from critics and also did well at the box office.{{cite web |title=Masti at the box-office |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=210&catName=MjAwNA== |publisher=Box Office India |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014132208/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=210&catName=MjAwNA%3D%3D |archivedate=14 October 2013}} Rao's performance as the over-possessive wife was well received by critics.{{cite web |title=Masti Movie Review |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/masti/critic-review/masti-movie-review/ |website=Bollywood Hungama |date=9 April 2004 |access-date=30 March 2022 |archive-date=30 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330065802/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/masti/critic-review/masti-movie-review/ |url-status=live}} Rao next had a supporting role in the Farah Khan's masala film Main Hoon Na, where she co-starred alongside Shah Rukh Khan, Suniel Shetty, Sushmita Sen, and Zayed Khan. The film emerged as the second highest-grossing Indian film of 2004 with over {{INRConvert|84|c}} in revenue worldwide. Her role as an army officer's daughter Sanjana (Sanju) Bakshi received positive reviews and earned her a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress. {{cite web | title = "21 Years of Main Hoon Na" |publisher=Kovid Gupta Films| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnuejPGjgVI |date=2025| accessdate =29 April 2025|via=YouTube}} Her third and final release of 2004 was Milan Luthria's action drama Deewar. Rao had a minor role named Radhika, Akshaye Khanna's love interest.{{cite web |title=Amitabh Bachchan behaves like a newcomer: Satyagraha co-star Amrita Rao – Indian Express |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/amitabh-bachchan-behaves-like-a-newcomer-satyagraha-costar-amrita-rao/1095586/ |access-date=12 October 2020 |website=The Indian Express |archive-date=11 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411050309/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/amitabh-bachchan-behaves-like-a-newcomer-satyagraha-costar-amrita-rao/1095586/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Why was Deewaar made? |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2004/jun/25deewaar.htm |access-date=12 October 2020 |work=Rediff.com |archive-date=10 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610040555/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2004/jun/25deewaar.htm |url-status=live}}

Rao co-starred in the 2005 drama Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi! alongside Shahid Kapoor.{{cite web |title=Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi! – Movie |url=https://boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=423 |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=5 April 2022 |archive-date=27 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127183717/https://boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=423 |url-status=live}} Critical response to the film was negative, although Rao garnered acclaim for her performance as a school teacher.{{cite news |last1=Bhowal |first1=Tiasa |title=Why there was nothing waah about Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi! On Wahiyat Wednesday |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/why-there-was-nothing-waah-about-vaah-life-ho-toh-aisi-on-wahiyat-wednesday-1752440-2020-12-23 |access-date=17 June 2022 |work=India Today |publisher=Living Media India Limited |date=23 December 2020 |archive-date=29 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429044246/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/why-there-was-nothing-waah-about-vaah-life-ho-toh-aisi-on-wahiyat-wednesday-1752440-2020-12-23 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi Movie Review |website=Bollywood Hungama |date=23 December 2005 |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/vaah-life-ho-toh-aisi/critic-review/vaah-life-ho-toh-aisi-movie-review/ |access-date=17 June 2022 |archive-date=29 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429044246/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/vaah-life-ho-toh-aisi/critic-review/vaah-life-ho-toh-aisi-movie-review/ |url-status=live }} That same year, Rao took the lead role in the John Matthew Matthan drama Shikhar, in which she portrayed Madhvi.{{cite web |title=Shikhar is very mediocre |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/dec/30shikhar.htm |access-date=12 October 2020 |work=Rediff.com |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924143135/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/dec/30shikhar.htm |url-status=live}} She then appeared in the 2006 comedy Pyare Mohan, a film loosely based on the 1989 American film See No Evil, Hear No Evil, and her second collaboration with Vivek Oberoi. The movie received mixed reviews from critics; Rajeev Masand wrote, "Amrita hit career lows, producing the low-fashion chemistry".{{cite web |title=Pyare Mohan review |url=https://rajeevmasand.com/admin/reviews/our-films/pyare-mohan-review/ |publisher=Rajeev Masand |access-date=30 March 2022 |archive-date=11 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411050320/https://rajeevmasand.com/admin/reviews/our-films/pyare-mohan-review/ |url-status=live}}

Rao played the female lead role in Sooraj R. Barjatya's romance Vivah (2006). The film depicted the journey of two individuals from engagement to marriage. In her fourth collaboration with Shahid Kapoor, Rao portrayed Poonam, a traditionally raised young woman. The film received mixed reviews by critics but became one of the highest-grossing films of the year, as well as Rao's biggest commercial success to date. {{cite web | title = "18 Years of Vivah" |publisher=Kovid Gupta Films| url =AMRITA RAO shares VIVAH SECRETS 🤫🎬|date=2024| accessdate =29 December 2024|via=YouTube}} Taran Adarsh wrote, "Amrita Rao gets a new lease of life with Vivah. She looks the character and is splendid all through."{{cite web |title=Vivah review- Bollywood Hungama |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/508666 |website=Bollywood Hungama |access-date=31 July 2014 |archive-date=27 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427040002/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/508666 |url-status=dead}} Rao received a nomination for the Screen Award for Best Actress for her performance in the film.{{cite web |title=13th Annual Star Screen Awards Nominations |url=http://www.asianoutlook.com/aoforum/showthread.php?t=6886 |publisher=Asian Outlook |access-date=5 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808044821/http://www.asianoutlook.com/aoforum/showthread.php?t=6886 |archive-date=8 August 2014}}

Rao was cast alongside Mahesh Babu in the 2007 Telugu action film Athidhi. The film was directed and co-written by Surender Reddy. She received mostly positive reviews, with critics praising the chemistry between Rao and Mahesh Babu. Radhika Rajamani for Rediff.com noted, "Amrita Rao, who makes her debut in Telugu films, makes a mark."{{cite web |title=Amrita Rao does well in Athidi |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/oct/18ssathidi.htm |website=rediff.com/ |publisher=Rediff.com |access-date=31 July 2014 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924144442/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/oct/18ssathidi.htm |url-status=live}} "Moviebuzz" for Sify wrote, "Amrita Rao is not only beautiful but also glamorous. She has proved that she could be yet another native girl of Tollywood. She emoted well with convincing histrionics fit for the Telugu screen."{{cite web |title=Glamorous girl charms Telugu audiences |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/athidi-review-telugu-14545552.html |website=Sify |access-date=31 July 2014 |archive-date=9 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809221707/http://www.sify.com/movies/athidi-review-telugu-14545552.html |url-status=dead}}

Rao had two major releases in 2008: drama My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves opposite newcomer Nikhil Dwivedi, and Shyam Benegal's comedy film Welcome to Sajjanpur. My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves received overwhelmingly negative reviews and performed poorly at the box office.{{cite web |title=Victory failed to perform well |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/Movies/movie_detail/my_name_is_anthony_gonsalves#.U9p-HvmuknY |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=31 July 2014 |archive-date=18 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140218205933/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/Movies/movie_detail/my_name_is_anthony_gonsalves#.U9p-HvmuknY |url-status=live}} Rao's performance as an orphan who lives a middle-class lifestyle was praised by a few critics; OneIndia Entertainment noted, "Amrita Rao looks gorgeous, but her role isn't substantial enough."{{cite web |title=Rao justifies her role. |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/bollywood/reviews/2008/my-name-is-anthony-gonsalves-review-110108.html |website=oneindia.in |access-date=31 July 2014 |archive-date=10 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810144157/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/bollywood/reviews/2008/my-name-is-anthony-gonsalves-review-110108.html |url-status=live}} In Welcome to Sajjanpur, Rao played the role of Kamala, a woman who is desperate for communication from her husband Bansiram (Kunal Kapoor), a laborer at a dockyard in Mumbai. Successful in creating an impact at the box office, the film obtained positive reviews from critics and earned {{INRConvert|20|m}}, making it the second-highest-grossing film in Rao's career. Hindustan Times noted, "Amrita Rao is sweetness personified."{{cite news |title=Review- Welcome to Sajjanpur |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/reviews/review-welcome-to-sajjanpur/article1-338966.aspx |access-date=31 July 2014 |work=Hindustan Times |publisher=HT Media |date=19 September 2008 |archive-date=8 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808061059/http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/reviews/review-welcome-to-sajjanpur/article1-338966.aspx |url-status=live}} She received the Stardust Award for Best Actress for her performance in the film.{{cite web |title=Amrita Rao poses with her Stardust Searchlight Best Actress Award for 'Welcome to Sajjanpur' during 'Max Stardust' awards held in Mumbai – Photogallery |url=https://photogallery.indiatimes.com/events/mumbai/stardust-awards/articleshow/4134807.cms |access-date=20 October 2020 |website=The Times of India |archive-date=22 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022022653/https://photogallery.indiatimes.com/events/mumbai/stardust-awards/articleshow/4134807.cms |url-status=live}} In the same year, Rao made a guest appearance as Nirja Rathore in the courtroom drama Shaurya.{{cite web |title=Amrita Rao makes a cameo appearance in Shaurya |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/amrita-rao-makes-a-cameo-appearance-in-shaurya/ |website=Bollywood Hungama |access-date=12 August 2010 |date=14 February 2008}}

File:Amrita Rao Archana Kochar.jpg 2012]]

Rao made her debut as a Judge with the 2009 television show Perfect Bride.{{cite news |title=Now a hunt for the 'Perfect Bride' begins on TV |publisher=Bollywood World |url=http://www.bollywoodworld.com/bollywood-news/now-a-hunt-for-the-perfect-bride-begins-on-tv-13191.html |url-status=dead |access-date=7 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091016084654/http://www.bollywoodworld.com/bollywood-news/now-a-hunt-for-the-perfect-bride-begins-on-tv-13191.html |archive-date=16 October 2009}} She Judged the show alongside Shekhar Suman and Malaika Arora. She next starred with Harman Baweja in the 2009 film Victory. The film faced competition from other films such as Raaz 2 and Dev.D and failed to do well. With a huge budget, it only managed to gross {{INRConvert|1|c}} and was declared a disaster by Boxoffice-India.{{cite web |title=Victory failed to perform well |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/Movies/movie_detail/victory |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=31 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150204121806/http://boxofficeindia.com/Movies/movie_detail/victory |archive-date=4 February 2015}} That same year, Rao took on the lead role in Neeraj Vora's comedy-drama Short Kut: The Con is On opposite Akshaye Khanna, produced by Anil Kapoor. The film stars Rao as Mansi, the girlfriend of Akshaye's character. Critical response towards the film and Rao's performance received negative reviews: The Indian Express's Shubhra Gupta noted: "Everything is loud and plastic, and the actors all chant their lines at the top of their voices."{{cite news |last1=Gupta |first1=Shubhra |title=Movie review: Shortkut, The Con Is On |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/movie-review-shortkut-the-con-is-on/ |access-date=8 April 2022 |work=The Indian Express |agency=Indian Express Group |date=11 July 2009 |archive-date=16 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816094143/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/movie-review-shortkut-the-con-is-on/ |url-status=live}} Gaurav Malini of The Times of India stated, "Amrita Rao tries too hard to look hot but lacks oomph in every possible angle".{{cite news |last1=Malani |first1=Gaurav |title=Movie Review: Short Kut: The Con is On |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/movie-review-short-kut-the-con-is-on/articleshow/4762188.cms?from=mdr |access-date=8 April 2022 |work=The Economic Times |agency=The Times Group |date=10 July 2009 |archive-date=8 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408065628/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/movie-review-short-kut-the-con-is-on/articleshow/4762188.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live}} Though having grossed its budget back, it was considered a financial disappointment.{{cite web |title=Victory failed to perform well |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/Movies/movie_detail/short_kut__the_con_is_on |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=31 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201054052/http://boxofficeindia.com/Movies/movie_detail/short_kut__the_con_is_on |archive-date=1 February 2014}}

Rao's only film of 2011 was Love U...Mr. Kalakaar! and her second collaboration with Rajshri Productions.{{cite news |title=Rao back on the big screen. |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/big-banners-matter-says-amrita-104948 |access-date=7 August 2014 |agency=Press Trust of India |publisher=NDTV movies |date=11 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810062254/http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/big-banners-matter-says-amrita-104948 |archive-date=10 August 2014 |url-status=dead}} The movie generated mostly negative reviews and emerged as a commercial failure. Though, her performance as the daughter of a businessman was praised by the critics. Nikhat Kazmi of The Times of India wrote, "Amrita Rao at best, but the film is so predictable and so long, it loses impact".{{cite news |title=Love U... Mr. Kalakaar: Movie Review |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news-interviews/Love-U--Mr-Kalakaar-Movie-Review/articleshow/8267310.cms |access-date=31 July 2014 |work=The Times of India |agency=The Times Group |date=13 May 2011 |archive-date=17 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150917213322/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news-interviews/Love-U--Mr-Kalakaar-Movie-Review/articleshow/8267310.cms |url-status=live}} In later years, Rao made special appearances in comedy-drama Heyy Babyy (2007), romantic-comedy Life Partner (2007), and science fiction romance Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai (2010).

In 2013, Rao starred in the national award-winning, courtroom, comedy-drama Jolly LLB. She played the lead role of Sandhya, the girlfriend of Arshad Warsi's character. The film received positive reviews and won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.{{cite web |title=61st National Film Awards For 2013 |url=http://www.dff.nic.in/List%20of%20Awards.pdf# |publisher=Directorate of Film Festivals |date=16 April 2014 |access-date=16 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416181218/http://www.dff.nic.in/List%20of%20Awards.pdf |archive-date=16 April 2014}} Rao with limited performance in the film received average applause. Mohar Basu of Koimoi commented, "Amrita Rao could have been avoided in the film altogether. Though she is immensely pleasant, she and her role have nothing to contribute to the film".{{cite news |last1=K Jha |first1=Subhash |title=Review: 'Jolly LLB'—An engaging courtroom drama enlivened by sparkling performances |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/review-review-jolly-llb-an-engaging-courtroom-drama-enlivened-by-sparkling-performances-1811880 |access-date=1 August 2014 |work=Daily News and Analysis |agency=Dainik Bhaskar |publisher=Deepak Rathi |date=16 March 2013 |archive-date=9 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809203329/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/review-review-jolly-llb-an-engaging-courtroom-drama-enlivened-by-sparkling-performances-1811880 |url-status=live}}

Anil Sharma's action drama Singh Saab the Great was her next release. Co-starring alongside Sunny Deol, Rao played a journalist Shikha Chaturvedi.{{cite news |title=Amrita pairs with Sunny Deol in next |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Amrita-pairs-with-Sunny-Deol-in-next/articleshow/16710574.cms?referral=PM |access-date=1 August 2014 |work=The Times of India |date=8 October 2012 |archive-date=17 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150917042308/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Amrita-pairs-with-Sunny-Deol-in-next/articleshow/16710574.cms?referral=PM |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Singh Saab the Great runs into trouble |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/sunny-deols-singh-saab-the-great-runs-into-trouble/1168698/ |access-date=1 August 2014 |work=The Indian Express |agency=Indian Express Group |publisher=Indian Express Group |date=13 September 2013 |archive-date=23 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140523153326/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/sunny-deols-singh-saab-the-great-runs-into-trouble/1168698/ |url-status=live}} The film was largely panned by critics but Rao's performance earned positive reviews.{{cite news |title=Movie Review: Singh Saab The Great a major disappointment |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/movie-review-of-singh-saab-the-great-by-faheem-ruhani-218432-2013-11-23 |access-date=17 June 2022 |work=India Today |publisher=Living Media India Limited |date=23 November 2013 |archive-date=17 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617072512/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/movie-review-of-singh-saab-the-great-by-faheem-ruhani-218432-2013-11-23 |url-status=live }} Namrata Joshi of Outlook said, "Amrita Rao plays a role that feels like something she has already done, all the emotional support".{{cite news |last1=Joshi |first1=Namrata |title=Singh Saab The Great: Public review |url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article/Singh-Saab-The-Great/288690 |access-date=1 August 2014 |work=Outlook |publisher=Outlook Publishing India Pvt. Ltd. |date=23 December 2013 |archive-date=4 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150204123650/http://www.outlookindia.com/article/Singh-Saab-The-Great/288690 |url-status=live}} The film received predominately negative reviews, nevertheless was an above-average grosser at the box office with revenues of {{INRConvert|29|c}}. Later that year, she appeared alongside Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, and Manoj Bajpai in Prakash Jha's political drama Satyagraha. Rao played the role of Sumitra, the daughter-in-law of Amitabh Bachchan's character. Rao was praised in particular; Resham Sengar of Zee News wrote, "Ms. Rao has the sweetly cherubic looks. She is convincing in most of the emotional scenes. But again, her scope of performance is just limited to mouthing a few important dialogues."{{cite news |title=Rao's character weightage |url=http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/bollywood/satyagraha-review-a-mission-left-unaccomplished_141848.html |access-date=1 August 2014 |work=Zee News |agency=Zee News Ltd |date=31 August 2013 |archive-date=13 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140213193559/http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/bollywood/satyagraha-review-a-mission-left-unaccomplished_141848.html |url-status=live}} The film was poorly received by critics and failed to make a profit at the box office.{{cite news |title=Satyagraha movie review |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/movie-reviews/satyagraha-movie-review-863 |access-date=1 August 2014 |publisher=New Delhi Television |date=29 August 2013 |archive-date=30 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130830204307/http://movies.ndtv.com/movie-reviews/satyagraha-movie-review-863 |url-status=live}} Despite having moderate reviews, the film grossed over {{INRConvert|60|c}} at the domestic box office.{{cite news |title=Challenging roles for Amrita |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/post-satyagraha-amrita-rao-looking-for-challenging-roles-417250 |access-date=3 August 2014 |publisher=NDTV |date=11 September 2013 |archive-date=10 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810060026/http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/post-satyagraha-amrita-rao-looking-for-challenging-roles-417250 |url-status=live}}

Rao made her television acting debut in 2016 with &TV's Meri Awaaz Hi Pehchaan Hai portraying the elder sister Kalyani Gaikwad. The story showed three generations of two sisters whose lives revolve around music.{{cite news |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-amrita-rao-to-make-tv-debut-with-meri-awaaz-hi-pehchaan-hai-2164443 |title=Amrita Rao to make TV debut with 'Meri Awaaz Hi Pehchaan Hai' |date=10 January 2016 |newspaper=Daily News and Analysis |access-date=14 February 2016}} Her character's older version was played by Deepti Naval.{{cite news |title=Deepti Naval to play Amrita Rao's older version in 'Meri Awaz Hi Pehchan Hai' after time leap |url=https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/television-news/article/deepti-naval-to-play-amrita-rao-s-older-version-in--meri-awaz-hi-pehchan-hai--after-time-leap-17420161 |access-date=17 June 2022 |work=Mid-Day |publisher=Mid-Day Infomedia |date=11 July 2016 |archive-date=17 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617072747/https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/television-news/article/deepti-naval-to-play-amrita-rao-s-older-version-in--meri-awaz-hi-pehchan-hai--after-time-leap-17420161 |url-status=live }}

After a five-year absence from the screen, Rao played leading role in Abhijit Panse's 2019 film Thackeray, a biopic based on a right-wing pro-Marathi politician Balasaheb Thackeray. Rao played the role of Meena Thackeray, wife of Balasaheb Thackeray. The film as well as Rao received mixed to negative reviews from critics. Shilpa Jamkhandikar of Reuters wrote, "Amrita Rao, who plays Thackeray's wife, has the cosmetic role of providing endless cups of tea to visitors and gaze at her husband dotingly".{{cite news |last1=Jamkhandikar |first1=Shilpa |title=Movie Review: Thackeray |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/movie-review-thackeray-idUSKCN1PJ15G |access-date=8 April 2022 |work=Reuters |date=25 January 2019 |archive-date=8 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408132757/https://www.reuters.com/article/movie-review-thackeray-idUSKCN1PJ15G |url-status=live}}

Rao will next reprise Sandhya in Jolly LLB 3 opposite Arshad Warsi. The film marks her return to cinema after six years hiatus.{{cite news|date=9 June 2024|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/htcity/cinema/exclusive-amrita-rao-joins-akshay-kumar-arshad-warsi-huma-qureshi-in-jolly-llb-3-101717909463968.html|title=Exclusive: Amrita Rao joins Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi in Jolly LLB 3|work=Hindustan Times|access-date=10 June 2024|archive-date=10 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240610014859/https://www.hindustantimes.com/htcity/cinema/exclusive-amrita-rao-joins-akshay-kumar-arshad-warsi-huma-qureshi-in-jolly-llb-3-101717909463968.html|url-status=live}}

After seven years of dating, Rao married her boyfriend, Anmol Sood, a Radio Jockey on 15 May 2016 in Mumbai.[http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/amrita-rao-gets-married-to-rj-anmol-2801940/ Amrita Rao's husband RJ Anmol announces their marriage on Facebook; read here] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160516094810/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/amrita-rao-gets-married-to-rj-anmol-2801940/ |date=16 May 2016 }}. The Indian Express (15 May 2016).i Retrieved on 15 May 2016. She gave birth to a baby boy, Veer on 1 November 2020.{{Cite web |title=Amrita Rao opens up about her son Veer's first birthday celebration and their thoughtful gift to him |work=Pinkvilla |date=1 November 2021 |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/news/amrita-rao-opens-about-her-son-veer-s-first-birthday-celebration-and-their-thoughtful-gift-him-930884?amp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516181009/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/news/amrita-rao-opens-about-her-son-veer-s-first-birthday-celebration-and-their-thoughtful-gift-him-930884?amp |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 May 2022 }} In February 2023, the couple launched their book "Couple of Things", and they own a YouTube channel with the same name.{{Cite web |title=Amrita Rao and RJ Anmol's labour of love 'Couple of Things' unveiled by Deepika and Ranveer |url=https://theprint.in/features/amrita-rao-and-rj-anmols-labour-of-love-couple-of-things-unveiled-by-deepveer/1366207/%3famp |access-date=12 February 2023 |work=The Print }}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

File:Amrita Rao still3.jpg]]

Rao has been part of many successful films and is often cited by the media as Bollywood's "quintessential girl-next-door".{{Cite web |title=I enjoy playing the girl-next-door: Amrita Rao |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/i-enjoy-playing-the-girl-next-door-amrita-rao/story-EtjEhPY9Zmu8lHXs97RDZL_amp.html |date=9 September 2008 |access-date=16 May 2015 |work=Hindustan Times |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304100029/http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/i-enjoy-playing-the-girl-next-door-amrita-rao/story-EtjEhPY9Zmu8lHXs97RDZL_amp.html |url-status=live }} Kalwyna Rathod of Femina termed Rao a "darling of the audience".{{Cite web |title=Three Cheers for Amrita Rao; |url=https://www.femina.in/trending/in-the-news/three-cheers-for-birthday-girl-amrita-rao-268081.amp |date=7 June 2023 |access-date=16 September 2023 |work=Femina |author=Kalwyna Rathod}} In the Times Most Desirable Women list, Rao has been placed 24th in 2009, 16th in 2010 and 23rd in 2011.{{Cite web |title=Times Most Desirable Women 2009: Amrita Rao at No 24 |work=The Times of India |date=10 February 2012 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/celebs/2009-most-desirable-women-amrita-rao-no-24/videoshow/11837121.cms |access-date=16 May 2022 |archive-date=16 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516185143/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/celebs/2009-most-desirable-women-amrita-rao-no-24/videoshow/11837121.cms |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Times 50 Most Desirable Women 2010 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/times-50-most-desirable-women/articleshow/7241772.cms |website=Times of India |date=9 January 2011 |access-date=23 January 2014 |archive-date=19 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219033210/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/times-50-most-desirable-women/articleshow/7241772.cms |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Times 50 Most Desirable Women of 2011 : The Winners |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Times-50-Most-Desirable-Women-of-2011-The-Winners/articleshow/11753716.cms |access-date=1 August 2014 |work=The Times of India |date=4 February 2012 |archive-date=13 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913224903/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Times-50-Most-Desirable-Women-of-2011-The-Winners/articleshow/11753716.cms |url-status=live}} Femina further placed her in its "50 Most Beautiful Women" list.{{cite web |title=50 Most Beautiful Indian Women |url=http://abhisays.com/india/top-50-most-beautiful-indian-women-part-1.html |access-date=17 August 2018 |archive-date=17 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180817055952/http://abhisays.com/india/top-50-most-beautiful-indian-women-part-1.html |url-status=live }}

Vivah is termed as a significant success in Rao's career and is noted among her best roles.{{Cite web |url=https://www.ptcpunjabi.co.in/celebrity-special/amrita-rao-42nd-birthday-special-5-must-watch-films-highlighting-her-versatile-talent-415310 |title=Amrita Rao Special: 5 must-watch films highlighting her versatile talent |website=PTC Punjabi |date=7 June 2023 |accessdate=28 September 2023 |archive-date=27 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927151752/https://www.ptcpunjabi.co.in/celebrity-special/amrita-rao-42nd-birthday-special-5-must-watch-films-highlighting-her-versatile-talent-415310 |url-status=live }} Bollywood Hungama placed her and Shahid Kapoor in its list of the top 10 best romantic couples of the decade.{{cite web|last=Ramsubramaniam|first=Nikhil|title=10 Best Onscreen Romantic Couples of the Decade|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/slideshow/type/view/id/789|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023062308/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/slideshow/type/view/id/789|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 October 2013|website=Bollywood Hungama}} M. F. Husain pronounced Rao as his second muse, 11 years after he painted Madhuri Dixit and made several paintings dedicated to the actress's role in Vivah (2006).{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/eyecatchers/story/20061225-painter-m-f-hussain-on-amrita-rao-of-being-her-inspiration-for-painting-after-tabu-and-madhuri-781800-2006-12-25 |title=Painter MF Husain becomes actress Amrita Rao's fan after Sooraj Barjatya's Vivaah |website=India Today |access-date=29 July 2018 |archive-date=29 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729230557/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/eyecatchers/story/20061225-painter-m-f-hussain-on-amrita-rao-of-being-her-inspiration-for-painting-after-tabu-and-madhuri-781800-2006-12-25 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/want-to-work-in-films-which-remain-memorable-amrita-rao/ |title=Want to work in films which remain memorable: Amrita Rao |date=30 August 2015 |work=The Indian Express |access-date=14 January 2016 |archive-date=29 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129171721/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/want-to-work-in-films-which-remain-memorable-amrita-rao/ |url-status=live}} On her career, Rao said, "I have done some unforgettable films that I believe will hold relevance for a very long time. Perhaps many newcomers today haven't even seen the back-to-back success that I have seen right from the start of my career. My journey has been easy, yet difficult, because I had to carve my own path by trial and error. But the taste of being self-made is the sweetest."{{Cite web |title=When Amrita Rao said 'newcomers today haven't seen back-to-back success' like hers: 'My acceptance wasn't PR planned' |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/when-amrita-rao-said-newcomers-today-haven-t-seen-back-to-back-success-like-hers-my-acceptance-wasn-t-pr-planned-101654537824465-amp.html |access-date=12 July 2022 |work=Hindustan Times |date=7 June 2022 |archive-date=25 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625033115/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/when-amrita-rao-said-newcomers-today-haven-t-seen-back-to-back-success-like-hers-my-acceptance-wasn-t-pr-planned-101654537824465-amp.html |url-status=live }} In 2023, Rao turned author, and published her memoir "Couple of Things", along with her husband.{{Cite web |title=Amrita Rao and RJ Anmol turn authors, announce their first book- Couple of Things |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/amrita-rao-and-rj-anmol-turn-authors-announce-their-first-book-couple-of-things-11999672.html/amp |access-date=11 August 2023 |work=Hindustan Times|date=17 January 2023}}

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• {{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20210813222615/https://amritarao.website/}}
• {{IMDb name}}
• {{BH person|amrita-rao}}

{{IIFA AwardBestFemaleDebut}}

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Category:Indian film actresses

Category:Female models from Mumbai

Category:Living people

Category:21st-century Indian actresses

Category:Actresses in Hindi cinema

Category:Sophia College for Women alumni

Category:Konkani people

Category:Actresses from Mumbai

Category:International Indian Film Academy Awards winners

Category:1981 births