Shilpa Shirodkar

Shilpa Shirodkar
Born	20 November 1973 Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Nationality	Indian
Occupation	Actress, Former model
Years active	1989–2000 2013–present
Spouse	Aparesh Ranjit
Children	Anoushka Ranjit
Parents	Nitin Shirodkar (father) Vanita Shirodkar (mother)
Relatives	Namrata Shirodkar (sister)

Shilpa Shirodkar (born 20 November 1973) is an Indian actress and former photo model who primarily worked in Hindi-language films during the late 1980s and 1990s. She rose to prominence with commercially successful films such as Kishen Kanhaiya, Hum, Khuda Gawah, and Aankhen. After taking a long break from the industry following her marriage, she returned to acting through television in 2013. In 2024, she participated as a contestant on the reality show Bigg Boss 18.

Early Life and Background

Shilpa Shirodkar was born in Mumbai, Maharashtra, to Nitin Shirodkar and Vanita Shirodkar. She belongs to a family connected with the entertainment industry. Her younger sister, Namrata Shirodkar, is also an actress and former beauty pageant titleholder.

Raised in Mumbai, Shilpa completed her education before entering the film industry. She initially worked as a photo model before transitioning into acting.

Film Career (1989–2000)

Shilpa Shirodkar made her screen debut in 1989 with Bhrashtachar, directed by Ramesh Sippy. In the film, she portrayed a visually impaired girl and shared screen space with Mithun Chakraborty and Rekha. Her performance gained attention and opened doors for further opportunities.

In 1990, she appeared in Kishen Kanhaiya alongside Anil Kapoor, which became a commercial success. She continued her upward trajectory with notable roles in:

• Hum (1991)
• Trinetra (1991)
• Khuda Gawah (1992)
• Aankhen (1993)
• Pehchaan (1993)
• Gopi Kishan (1994)
• Bewafa Sanam (1995)
• Mrityudand (1997)

Her performance in Khuda Gawah earned her a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1993. During the 1990s, she was frequently paired with Mithun Chakraborty, and their on-screen collaboration was appreciated by audiences.

Her final film before taking a hiatus was Gaja Gamini (2000). After her marriage, she stepped away from films and relocated abroad to focus on family life.

Hiatus and Return to Television

After a 13-year break from acting, Shilpa Shirodkar returned to the entertainment industry in 2013 with the Zee TV series Ek Mutthi Aasmaan. The show marked her television debut and reintroduced her to a new generation of viewers.

She later appeared in:

• Silsila Pyaar Ka (2016) on Star Plus
• Savitri Devi College & Hospital (2017–2018) on Colors TV

Her transition from films to television was noted as a successful comeback phase in her career.

Return to Films

In February 2020, Shilpa appeared in a supporting role in Guns of Banaras, a delayed film project that had been pending release for several years. The project marked her return to the big screen after a long gap.

Bigg Boss 18 (2024)

In 2024, Shilpa Shirodkar participated in Bigg Boss 18. Her entry generated interest among viewers, particularly fans of 1990s Hindi cinema. As a senior contestant with extensive industry experience, she brought nostalgia and maturity to the show. Her composed personality and candid conversations were widely discussed during the season.

Personal Life

Shilpa Shirodkar is married to Aparesh Ranjit. The couple has a daughter named Anoushka Ranjit. During her acting hiatus, she lived in London with her family before eventually returning to Mumbai.

She maintains a relatively private personal life and balances family responsibilities alongside her professional commitments.

Filmography

Selected Films

• Bhrashtachar (1989)
• Kishen Kanhaiya (1990)
• Hum (1991)
• Khuda Gawah (1992)
• Aankhen (1993)
• Gopi Kishan (1994)
• Bewafa Sanam (1995)
• Mrityudand (1997)
• Gaja Gamini (2000)
• Guns of Banaras (2020)

Television

• Ek Mutthi Aasmaan (2013–2014)
• Silsila Pyaar Ka (2016)
• Savitri Devi College & Hospital (2017–2018)
• Bigg Boss 18 (2024)