Who is Shilpa Shirodkar?
Shilpa Shirodkar is a celebrated Indian actress known for her captivating performances in Bollywood films during the 1990s. A prominent name of her era, Shilpa charmed audiences with her versatile acting, glamorous screen presence, and expressive performances. After taking a long break from the industry, she made a successful comeback on television and continued winning hearts. Her life journey is a blend of fame, personal transformation, and resilience.
Field | Information |
Full Name | Shilpa Shirodkar Ranjit |
Profession | Actress, Former Model |
Date of Birth | 20 November 1973 |
Age (as of 2025) | 51 Years |
Birthplace | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
Nationality | Indian |
Religion | Hinduism |
Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
Marital Status | Married |
Husband | Aparesh Ranjit (Banker) |
Children | Daughter – Anushka Ranjit (born 2003) |
Sister | Namrata Shirodkar (Actress, former Miss India) |
Brother-in-law | Mahesh Babu (South Indian superstar) |
Debut Film | Bhrashtachar (1989) |
Popular Films | Hum, Khuda Gawah, Aankhen, Bewafa Sanam |
Television Comeback | Ek Mutthi Aasmaan (2013), Bigg Boss 18 (2024) |
Years Active | 1989–2000; 2013–present |
Current Residence | London, United Kingdom |
Languages Known | Hindi, English, Marathi |
Shilpa Shirodkar Early Life
Shilpa Shirodkar was born on 20 November 1973 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, into a culturally rich and artistically inclined Marathi family. She hails from a lineage of celebrated artists—her grandmother, Meenakshi Shirodkar, was a trailblazing actress in Marathi cinema known for breaking traditional barriers.
Her parents raised her in a supportive environment, although she admitted to being a mediocre student academically. Shilpa struggled in school and even failed her 10th standard exams, but her natural talent for dance and dramatics paved her path into films. She grew up admiring the world of movies and eventually stepped into the limelight herself.
Shilpa Shirodkar Education
Shilpa Shirodkar did her basic schooling in Mumbai but was unable to complete her secondary education. She openly spoke about flunking her 10th standard, but she never allowed academic setbacks to stop her from building a successful career in Bollywood.
Shilpa Shirodkar Family
Shilpa belongs to a famous film family:
Relationship | Name |
Grandmother | Meenakshi Shirodkar (Legendary Marathi actress) |
Sister | Namrata Shirodkar (Former Miss India, Actress) |
Brother-in-law | Mahesh Babu (Telugu Superstar) |
Husband | Aparesh Ranjit (Banker, married in 2000) |
Daughter | Anushka Ranjit (born 2003) |
Her younger sister Namrata Shirodkar is also a renowned name in Indian cinema, married to South Indian superstar Mahesh Babu.
Shilpa Shirodkar Career
Film Career (1989–2000)
Shilpa Shirodkar made her Bollywood debut in 1989 with the movie Bhrashtachar, where she shared screen space with veterans like Mithun Chakraborty and Rekha. Her confident screen presence quickly made her a favorite among filmmakers.
She became widely popular in the 1990s, acting in a series of hit movies like:
- Kishen Kanhaiya (1990)
- Hum (1991)
- Khuda Gawah (1992) – earned her a Filmfare nomination
- Aankhen (1993)
- Gopi Kishan (1994)
- Bewafa Sanam (1995)
- Mrityudand (1997)
Known for both glamorous roles and powerful characters, Shilpa often starred alongside top heroes like Amitabh Bachchan, Mithun Chakraborty, Govinda, and Anil Kapoor.
However, after her 2000 release Gaja Gamini, she took a step back from the industry.
Career Break and Life Abroad
After marrying Aparesh Ranjit, a UK-based banker, in 2000, Shilpa moved to London and later lived in New Zealand. During this time, she stayed away from the glamour world, focused on family life, and worked in everyday jobs like being a hairdresser and in corporate sectors.
Comeback to Acting (2013–Present)
Shilpa made a much-celebrated comeback in 2013 with the television series Ek Mutthi Aasmaan. She went on to work in:
Her comeback reflected her passion for acting and her ability to reinvent herself across generations.
Shilpa Shirodkar’s Death Rumor in the 1990s
- While filming Raghuveer (1995) in Kullu-Manali, a newspaper headline falsely stated she had been shot and killed.
- This was later revealed as a publicity stunt orchestrated by producer Gulshan Kumar. Shilpa remained unaware of it beforehand.
- She only discovered the fake news upon returning to her hotel and finding 20–25 missed calls from worried family members.
Reality: She Is Alive
Shilpa recently reflected on the incident in interviews, emphasizing the distress it caused, but also noting that there was no ill will, as the film ultimately succeeded.
Additionally, she has remained active in recent years, returning to TV in Ek Mutthi Aasmaan (2013), appearing on Bigg Boss 18 (2024), recovering from COVID‑19 in May 2025, and preparing for her upcoming film Jatadhara
Shilpa Shirodkar Social Media
Shilpa remains moderately active on social media, occasionally sharing glimpses of her personal life, travels, and reflections on her acting journey.
Platform | Username/Handle | Status |
@shilpashirodkar73 | Active, shares personal updates | |
Twitter (X) | @shilpashirodkr | Occasionally active |
Not officially active | — | |
YouTube | Not available | — |
TikTok | Not available | — |
Shilpa Shirodkar Net Worth
Thanks to her successful film career, television roles, real estate investments, and brand associations, Shilpa Shirodkar’s estimated net worth stands at around ₹237 Crore (~$28.5 Million USD) as of 2025.
Her sources of income include:
Source of Income | Details |
Primary Profession | Acting (films and television) |
Business Ventures | Real estate investments in London and Mumbai |
Brand Endorsements | Select brand appearances (past) |
Estimated Net Worth (2025) | ₹237 Crore (approximately USD 28.5 million) |
Shilpa Shirodkar Physical Appearance
Attribute | Details |
Height | 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm) |
Weight | Approx. 65 kg |
Hair Color | Black |
Eye Color | Dark Brown |
Build | Curvy and graceful |
Distinctive Features | Traditional Indian beauty with expressive eyes |
Interesting Facts About Shilpa Shirodkar
- Film Legacy Family: Shilpa comes from a prestigious cinema background—her grandmother, Meenakshi Shirodkar, was a legendary Marathi actress known for being the first Indian actress to wear a swimsuit on-screen in the 1938 film Bramhachari.
- Sister of a Beauty Queen: Shilpa’s sister, Namrata Shirodkar, won Miss India in 1993 and is married to Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu, making Shilpa part of a film dynasty in both Bollywood and South cinema.
- Academic Struggles, Artistic Triumph: Shilpa openly admitted to failing her 10th-grade board exams but never let it hinder her acting dreams. She prioritized dance and dramatics over academics from an early age.
- False Death Rumors: In the 1990s, newspapers ran a fake headline claiming Shilpa was shot dead, as part of a controversial publicity stunt for her movie Raghuveer—a traumatic experience she has since spoken about.
- Worked Outside Films: After marriage, Shilpa took a long break from acting and worked as a hairdresser and in corporate jobs in New Zealand and London, showcasing her grounded personality and adaptability.
- Glitz to Simplicity: Despite being a major star in the 90s, she adapted easily to a simple life abroad, prioritizing her family over fame for more than a decade.
- Television Comeback: Shilpa made a successful comeback on Indian television in 2013 after a 13-year break, winning hearts with serials like Ek Mutthi Aasmaan.
- Reality TV Star: She made headlines again in 2024-25 by participating in Bigg Boss 18, showing her unfiltered personality and connecting with a new generation of fans.
- Loyalty to Mithun Chakraborty: Shilpa credits Mithun Chakraborty for reviving her career when producers labeled her “jinxed” after some shelved projects; she remains deeply grateful to him.
- Luxurious Yet Grounded Life: Though she lives in London and owns luxury cars and properties, Shilpa is known for her down-to-earth nature, emphasizing simplicity and family values over stardom.
FAQs
Q1. Who is Shilpa Shirodkar?
Shilpa Shirodkar is a former Bollywood actress from the 90s, known for movies like Hum and Khuda Gawah, and now a television personality.
Q2. When did Shilpa Shirodkar start her career?
She began her acting career in 1989 with the movie Bhrashtachar.
Q3. Who is Shilpa Shirodkar’s husband?
She is married to Aparesh Ranjit, a banker based in London.
Q4. Does Shilpa Shirodkar have children?
Yes, she has a daughter named Anushka Ranjit, born in 2003.
Q5. What is Shilpa Shirodkar’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is around ₹237 Crore (~$28.5 Million).
Q6. Where does Shilpa Shirodkar live now?
She resides in London, United Kingdom, and frequently visits India.
Q7. Has Shilpa Shirodkar acted on TV?
Yes, she returned to acting through TV serials like Ek Mutthi Aasmaan and Bigg Boss 18.
Q8. What is Shilpa Shirodkar famous for?
She is famous for her bold and glamorous roles in Bollywood during the 90s and her inspiring comeback story.
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