Upasana Singh

{{short description|Indian actress and stand-up comedian (born 1964)}}

{{for|Nepalese actress|Upasana Singh Thakuri}}

{{Use Indian English|date=February 2016}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2022}}

{{Infobox person

| name = Upasana Singh

| image = UpasanaSingh.jpg

| caption = Singh in 2009

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1975|06|29|df=yes}}

| birth_place = Hoshiarpur, Punjab, India

| nationality = Indian

| occupation = {{hlist|Actress|Comedian}}

| years_active = 1986–present

| spouse = {{marriage|Neeraj Bharadwaj|2009}}

| children =

| notable_works = Comedy Nights with Kapil (2013–2016)

| height_m =

}}

Upasana Singh (born 29 June 1975{{cite web |url=https://www.bhaskar.com/news/ENT-TV-upasana-singh-celebrated-her-42nd-birthday-5635516-PHO.html |title=Kapil Sharma Bua aka Upasana Singh Celebrated 42nd Birthday |website=Dainik Bhaskar |language=en |access-date=1 July 2019 |archive-date=30 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030135508/https://www.bhaskar.com/news/ENT-TV-upasana-singh-celebrated-her-42nd-birthday-5635516-PHO.html |url-status=live }}) is an Indian actress and stand-up comedian who works in Hindi and Punjabi language films.

Singh is known for her role as a deaf-mute in the 1997 film Judaai.{{cite web |date=18 November 2009 |title=Upasna Singh gets married |url=http://www.ndtv.com/photos/entertainment/upasna-singh-gets-married-991/slide/2 |publisher=NDTV |access-date=6 January 2014 |archive-date=14 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014023759/http://www.ndtv.com/photos/entertainment/upasna-singh-gets-married-991/slide/2 |url-status=live }} Later on, she got famous for her negative portrayal in Son Pari as Cruella/Kalipari, a dark fairy. Her comedic role as Gangaa in the patriotic sitcom on Doordarshan's Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani and the Zee thriller show Tamanna House. Later on, she played small roles in Priyadarshan's and David Dhawan's films as a regular cast.

She played the character of "Bua" (paternal aunt) in the TV show Comedy Nights with Kapil, which got her widespread critical acclaim. She is popular for her onscreen style and Punjabi and funny English dialogue delivery. She has done numerous Bollywood films as well as regional cinema such as Punjabi, Bhojpuri, Rajasthani, and Gujarati.

Career

She appeared in the 1988 film Bai Chali Sasariye, which was revolutionary for Rajasthani cinema. Since then, she has acted in many regional films and is a known face in the Punjabi, Gujarati, and Hindi film industries. She has also done numerous supporting roles for films such as Darr, Jawani Zindabad, Loafer, Judaai, Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Aitraaz, Old Is Gold, My Friend Ganesha, Golmaal Returns, and Hungama.

Singh is also known for her comic roles in films and television and she has also appeared in many popular series like Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat, Pari Hoon Main, Maayka, Ye Meri Life Hai, Bani - Ishq Da Kalma and Sonpari. Singh became a household name with her stint as Tarawanti on Nadaniyaan and the desperate "Bua" (paternal aunt) in the hit TV show Comedy Nights with Kapil, particularly for her trademark dialogue "Bittu, Kaun hai ye aadmi?" (Bittu, who is this man?).{{cite web |title=Nobody can replace Sunil as Gutthi: Upasana Singh |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/nobody-can-replace-sunil-as-gutthi-upasana-singh/439905-44-124.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219042049/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/nobody-can-replace-sunil-as-gutthi-upasana-singh/439905-44-124.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 December 2013 |publisher=IBN Live |access-date=16 December 2013}} Singh has also acted in Bollywood comedy movies such as Mujhse Shaadi Karogi and Golmaal Returns.{{Cite web |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/television/upasana-singh-to-play-mother-in-law/ |title=Upasana Singh to play cunning mother-in-law |date=3 August 2014 |website=The Indian Express |access-date=25 May 2018 |archive-date=25 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180525204922/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/television/upasana-singh-to-play-mother-in-law/ |url-status=live }} In 2015, she played the role of Manjeet in Chalk N Duster, alongside Juhi Chawla, Shabana Azmi and Girish Karnad.{{cite web |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/chalk-n-duster-team-throws-iftar-party/ |title='Chalk N Duster' team throws Iftar party |date=4 July 2015 |work=The Indian Express |access-date=25 May 2018 |archive-date=25 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180525204833/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/chalk-n-duster-team-throws-iftar-party/ |url-status=live }}

In 2017, Singh bagged a role in Judwaa 2, alongside Varun Dhawan, Jacqueline Fernandez and Taapsee Pannu.{{cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/judwaa-2-movie-review-varun-dhawan-has-big-shoes-to-fill/story-7WDYbxdhQv6upqSp4VdXnN.html |title=Judwaa 2 movie review: Doesn't make much sense but Varun Dhawan is Salman Khan 2.0 |first=Rohit |last=Vats |work=Hindustan Times |date=30 September 2017 |access-date=25 May 2018 |archive-date=19 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190519210038/https://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/judwaa-2-movie-review-varun-dhawan-has-big-shoes-to-fill/story-7WDYbxdhQv6upqSp4VdXnN.html |url-status=live }}

She has also been a part of the sequel of the popular Punjabi film Carry On Jatta, which was one of the highest grossing Punjabi films in India. The movie stars Gippy Grewal, Sonam Bajwa and Jaswinder Bhalla. She is currently playing the role of Panchami (Bebe), Pancham's mother SAB TV's comedy serial Jijaji Chhat Per Hain.{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/punjabi/movies/news/carry-on-jatta-2-the-trailer-of-the-hysterical-flick-will-be-out-tomorrow/articleshow/64001529.cms |title='Carry on Jatta 2': The trailer of the hysterical flick will be out tomorrow |work=The Times of India |date=2 May 2018 |access-date=25 May 2018 |archive-date=22 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722095003/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/punjabi/movies/news/carry-on-jatta-2-the-trailer-of-the-hysterical-flick-will-be-out-tomorrow/articleshow/64001529.cms |url-status=live }} She returned to television in Gangs of Filmistan.

Filmography

=Films=

class="wikitable" border="1"

! style="background-color:#CCCCCC" | Year

! style="background-color:#CCCCCC" | Film

! style="background-color:#CCCCCC" | Role

! style="background-color:#CCCCCC" | Language

! style="background-color:#CCCCCC" | Note

1988

| Bai Chali Sasariye

| Laxmi

| Rajasthani

|

1989

| Paap Ki Saza

|

| Hindi

|

1990

| Jawani Zindabad

| Rosie

| Hindi

|

1991

|Subedaar

|

| Punjabi

|

1991

| Badla Jatti Da

| Laali

| Punjabi

|

rowspan="5"| 1992

| Main Hoon Geeta

| Geeta

| Hindi

| rowspan="3" | Lead role

Ganga Ki Vachan

| Ganga

| Hindi

Ramwati

| Ramwati

| Hindi

Sanam Tere Hain Hum

|

| Hindi

|

Insaaf Ki Devi

| Chandramukhi

| Hindi

|

rowspan="5" | 1993

| {{Lang|hi-latn|Aaj Ki Taaqat}}

|

| Hindi

| Lead role

Dosti Ki Saugandh

|

| Hindi

|

Bedardi

| Mane sote diya jagay

| Hindi

| Cameo

Khoon Ka Sindoor

| Police Inspector Asha Sharma

| Hindi

| Lead role

Darr

| Dancer at Marriage ceremony

| Hindi

|

rowspan="2" | 1995

| Ab To Jeene Do

|

| Hindi

|

Ashique Mastana

| Esha

| Hindi

|

rowspan="2" | 1996

| Loafer

| Woman flirted with Bhiku

| Hindi

|

Bhishma

| Bharti Verma

| Hindi

|

rowspan="5" | 1997

| Ganga Maange Khoon

|

| Hindi

|

Judaai

| Vaani

| Hindi

|

Krishna Arjun

| Meera

| Hindi

|

Deewana Mastana

| Neha's Aunt

| Hindi

|

Mr. and Mrs. Khiladi

| Pratap's Girlfriend

| Hindi

|

1998

| Sarbans Dani Guru Gobind Singh

|

| Punjabi

1999

| Sarfarosh

| Mala

| Hindi

|

rowspan="5" | 2000

| Kothewali

|

| Hindi

|

Bhai Thakur

| Janki

| Hindi

|

Badal

| Guler Mehndi's Wife

| Hindi

|

Bidhatar Khela

| Shikha

| Bengali

| Special appearance

Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai

|

| Hindi

|

rowspan="4" | 2002

| Ek Aur Visphot

| Mala

| Hindi

|

Haan Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya

| Kismis Khajoora

| Hindi

|

Angaar -The Fire

|

| Hindi

|

{{Lang|hi-latn|Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani}}

| Nikki

| Hindi

|

rowspan="5" | 2003

| Talaash: The Hunt Begins...

| Herself

| Hindi

| Cameo

Hum Hain Pyar Mein

| Herself

| Hindi

|

Ishq Vishk

| Kamlabai

| Hindi

|

Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon

| Secretary

| Hindi

|

Hungama

| Dulari

| Hindi

|

rowspan="4" | 2004

| Mujhse Shaadi Karogi

| Mrs. Surya Prakash

| Hindi

|

Mysteries Shaque

| Paramjeet

| Hindi

|

Aitraaz

| Kanchan

| Hindi

|

Hulchul

| Mrs. Surya

| Hindi

|

rowspan="6" | 2005

| Naari Ek Khilona?

| Janki Madam

| Hindi

|

Model - The Beauty

|

| Hindi

|

Mahiya - Call of Love

|

| Hindi

|

Jalwa - Fun In Love

| Manjit Kaur 'Munnu'

| Hindi

|

Raja Bhai Lagey Raho

| Herself

| Hindi

| Cameo

Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi!

| Mrs. Vishal Sharma

| Hindi

|

rowspan="6" | 2006

| Love In Japan

| Barkha Rani

| Hindi

|

Chand Ke Paar Chalo

| Lajjo

| Hindi

|

Humko Deewana Kar Gaye

| Paramjeet G. Ghuggi

| Hindi

|

Aatma

| Shanta

| Hindi

|

Iqraar by Chance

| Kalawati 'Kal' Talwar

| Hindi

|

Hota Hai Dil Pyaar Mein Paagal

|

| Hindi

|

rowspan="2" | 2007

| Old Is Gold

| Neha

| Hindi

|

My Friend Ganesha

| Gangu Tai

| Hindi

|{{cite magazine |last=Chopra |first=Anupama |author-link=Anupama Chopra |date=23 July 2007 |title=Movie review of Rajiv Ruia's My Friend Ganesha |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/your-week/story/20070723-film-review-of-my-friend-ganesha-a-movie-by-rajiv-s-ruia-748192-2007-07-22 |magazine=India Today |location=New Delhi |publisher=Living Media |access-date=18 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218221651/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/your-week/story/20070723-film-review-of-my-friend-ganesha-a-movie-by-rajiv-s-ruia-748192-2007-07-22 |archive-date=18 December 2023}}

rowspan="9" | 2008

| Mr. Black Mr. White

| Sardar's wife

| Hindi

|

Don Muthu Swami

| Barkha

| Hindi

|

Hastey Hastey

| Mrs. Malhotra

| Hindi

|

Good Luck!

| Anjali M. Khurana

| Hindi

|

God Tussi Great Ho

| Maid

| Hindi

|

My Friend Ganesha 2

| Gangu Tai

| Hindi

|{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/aug/13look.htm|title=Up next: My Friend Ganesha 2|website=Rediff.com|access-date=18 December 2023|archive-date=20 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110620080023/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/aug/13look.htm|url-status=live}}

Golmaal Returns

| Lucky's customer

| Hindi

| Cameo

Chak De Phatte

| Don Shamsher

| Punjabi

|

Wattanaan Ton Door

|

| Punjabi

|

rowspan="2" | 2009

| Chal Chala Chal

| Chhaya U. Upadhyay

| Hindi

|

Ek: The Power of One

| Manjeet bua

| Hindi

|

2010

| Idiot Box

| T.V. Mirchandani

| Hindi

|

2011

| Who Is There Kaun Hain Wahan

|

| Hindi

|

rowspan="4" | 2012

| Jatt & Juliet

| Chhanno Kaur

| Punjabi

|

Tension Mat Le yaar

| Inspector

| Hindi

|

Bhanvari Ka Jaal

| Aunty

| Hindi

|

Love Recipe

|

| Hindi

|{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/review-love-recipe-is-flavourless/20120525.htm|title=Review: Love Recipe is quite flavourless|first=Shaikh|last=Ayaz|website=Rediff|access-date=28 December 2023|archive-date=14 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214014451/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/review-love-recipe-is-flavourless/20120525.htm|url-status=live}}

2013

| Daddy Cool Munde Fool

| Mrs Pappy

| Punjabi

|

rowspan="2" | 2014

| Disco Singh

| Pammi

| Punjabi

|

Taanko Bhid Gayo

| PG Aunty

| Rajasthani

|{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/rajasthani/movie-details/taanko-bhid-gayo/movie-review/62538169.cms |title=Taanko Bhid Gayo Movie Review, Trailer, & Show timings at Times of India |website=The Times of India |access-date=7 April 2021 |archive-date=28 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228092507/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etmoviedetailshowtimes.cms?movieid=94699671&detailid=94699671&city_name=Mumbai&city_id=2 |url-status=live }}

rowspan="6" | 2015

| Wedding Pullav

| Adi's mother

| Hindi

|

Control Bhaji Control

| Nikki ji

| Punjabi

|

P Se PM Tak

|

| Hindi

|

Hum Sab Ullu Hain

| Kamla Kalyani

| Hindi

|

22g Tussi Ghaint Ho

| Gulabo

| Punjabi

|

Myself Pendu

| MummyJi

| Punjabi

|

2016

| Chalk n Duster

| Manjeet

| Hindi

|{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-chalk-n-duster-has-good-intent-but-clumsy-execution/20160115.htm|title=Review: Chalk N Duster has good intent but clumsy execution|first=Sukanya|last=Verma|website=Rediff|access-date=28 December 2023|archive-date=9 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209064513/https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-chalk-n-duster-has-good-intent-but-clumsy-execution/20160115.htm|url-status=live}}

2017

| Judwaa 2

| Leela

| Hindi

|

2018

| Carry on Jatta 2

| Channo

| Punjabi

|

rowspan="3" | 2019

| Ardab Mutiyaran

|

| Punjabi

|

Jind Jaan

| Bhuaa

| Punjabi

|

Naukar Vahuti Da

| Simran Sidhu

| Punjabi

|

2021

| Tomchi

|

| Hindi

|

2022

| Babli Bouncer

| Dolly Chaddha

| Hindi

|

2022

| Bai Ji Kuttange

|

| Punjabi

| Also producer{{Cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/lifestyle/fun-frolic-420662|title=Upasana Singh launches her son Nanak Singh with Punjabi film Bai Ji Kuttange, which she promises will be a laugh riot : The Tribune India|access-date=1 September 2022|archive-date=1 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901022550/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/lifestyle/fun-frolic-420662|url-status=live}}

2023

| Hume Toh Loot Liya

|

| Hindi

| MX Player film

=Television=

class="wikitable"
Year

! Title

! Role

! Notes

1997–2000

| Jai Hanuman

| Mohini

|

1997

| Om Namah Shivay

| Mohini

|

2000–2004

| Sonpari

| Kaali Pari/Cruella aunty

|

2003

| Lady Inspector: Thrills and spills

| Lady Inspector

|{{Cite web |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030119/spectrum/tv.htm |title=The Sunday Tribune - Spectrum - Television |website=The Tribune |access-date=31 August 2022 |archive-date=13 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613052918/https://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030119/spectrum/tv.htm |url-status=live }}

2003–2006

| Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani

| Ganga Om Bhushan

|

2004–2005

| Ye Meri Life Hai

|

|

2004

| Tamanna House

|

|

2007–2009

| Maayka

| Lovely Bua

|

2007–2010

| Dill Mill Gayye

| Sid's mom

|

2008–2010

| Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat

| Bhanumati

|

2008

| Pari Hoon Main

| Mamiji

|

2009

| Aashiq Biwi Ka

| Radha Devi/Ghost Mother

|

2011–2013

| Mrs. Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuein

|

|

2012

| Yeh Zindagi Hai Gulshan

|

|

2013–2014

| Bani - Ishq Da Kalma

| Buaji

|

2013–2016

| Comedy Nights with Kapil

| Pinky Sharma

|

2013–2017

| Nadaniyaan

| Taravanti Verma, Nandu and Pappu's mother

| Lead role

2015–2017

| Santoshi Maa

| Madhu Pratap Singh

|

2016

| Comedy Nights Live

| Pinky Sharma

|{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/staying-back-on-comedy-nights-live-was-a-big-blunder/20160614.htm|title='Staying back on Comedy Nights Live was a big blunder'|first=Rajul|last=Hegde|website=Rediff|access-date=28 December 2023|archive-date=11 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161111023719/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/staying-back-on-comedy-nights-live-was-a-big-blunder/20160614.htm|url-status=live}}

2016–2017

| The Kapil Sharma Show

| Twinkle

|

2017

|Nach Baliye 8

|Host

|{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/television/reality-tv/story/nach-baliye-8-host-exclusive-upasana-singh-comedy-nights-with-kapil-sonakshi-sinha-lifetv-962220-2017-02-23|title=EXCLUSIVE: Yes, I'm hosting Nach Baliye 8 and I will make it really mazedaar, says Bua aka Upasana Singh|website=India Today|date=23 February 2017 |access-date=28 December 2023|archive-date=11 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211144655/https://www.indiatoday.in/television/reality-tv/story/nach-baliye-8-host-exclusive-upasana-singh-comedy-nights-with-kapil-sonakshi-sinha-lifetv-962220-2017-02-23|url-status=live}}

2017–2018

|The Drama Company

|Various characters

|{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/television/reality-tv/story/the-kapil-sharma-show-upasana-singh-has-this-to-say-about-joining-the-drama-company-lifetv-1034962-2017-08-31|title=The Kapil Sharma Show's Upasana Singh has this to say about joining The Drama Company|website=India Today|date=31 August 2017 |access-date=28 December 2023|archive-date=28 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228092338/https://www.indiatoday.in/television/reality-tv/story/the-kapil-sharma-show-upasana-singh-has-this-to-say-about-joining-the-drama-company-lifetv-1034962-2017-08-31|url-status=live}}

rowspan="3" | 2018–2019

| Jijaji Chhat Per Hain

| Panchami

|{{Cite web|url=https://tribuneindia.com/news/archive/lifestyle/upasana-joins-jijaji-chhat-per-hain-635498|title=Upasana joins Jijaji Chhat Per Hain : The Tribune India|access-date=28 December 2023|archive-date=28 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228092446/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/lifestyle/upasana-joins-jijaji-chhat-per-hain-635498|url-status=live}}

Chalo Saaf Karein

|

| Episodic role

Kanpur Wale Khuranas

| Pramod's sister in law

|

2020

| Gangs of Filmistan

| Various characters

|{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/television/reality-tv/story/sunil-grover-whatever-i-ll-earn-from-gangs-of-filmistan-i-ll-put-into-charity-1711998-2020-08-17|title=Sunil Grover: My earnings from Gangs Of Filmistan will go into charity|date=12 August 2020|website=India Today|access-date=28 December 2023|archive-date=10 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230710075533/https://www.indiatoday.in/television/reality-tv/story/sunil-grover-whatever-i-ll-earn-from-gangs-of-filmistan-i-ll-put-into-charity-1711998-2020-08-17|url-status=live}}

2022

| Masoom

|

|

References

{{reflist}}