Pooja Batra is a name that resonates with elegance, talent, and versatility in Indian cinema. From winning beauty pageants to starring in Bollywood blockbusters, she has carved a unique space in the entertainment industry.
This blog post explores her life, career, and the fascinating facts that make her a celebrated Indian actress and model.
Early Life and Upbringing
Pooja Batra was born on 27 October 1975 in Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. She grew up in a disciplined household with a strong military background.
- Father: Ravi Batra, an Indian Army colonel
- Mother: Neelam Batra, a cosmetologist and Miss India 1971 participant
- Siblings: Two brothers
- Ethnicity: Punjabi
- Religion: Hinduism
Her childhood was spent in Ludhiana, Punjab, where she lived with her extended family. Due to her father’s frequent transfers, she attended twelve different schools in twelve years. This nomadic lifestyle shaped her adaptability and resilience.
As a student, she excelled in athletics and represented her school in 200 and 400-meter sprint races at the national level. Her early exposure to discipline and competition laid the foundation for her future success.
Personal Life – Age, Zodiac Sign
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Pooja Batra Shah |
| Nickname | Poo |
| Alternative Names(s) | Pooja Batra |
| Date of Birth | 27 October 1975 |
| Age (as of 2024) | 48 years |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Nationality | Indian-American |
| Birthplace | Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh |
| Hometown | Ludhiana, Punjab |
| Current Address | Mumbai, Los Angeles |
| Education Qualification | Economics, MBA |
| Hobbies and Interests | Horse-riding, Swimming, Travelling |
| Languages Known | Hindi, English |
| Social Media Profiles link | Instagram, Twitter, Facebook |
| Wikipedia Profile link | Pooja Batra – Wikipedia |
| IMDb Profile link | Pooja Batra – IMDb |
| Website link | N/A |
Physical Appearance – Height, Weight, Body Measurements
| Physical Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Body Type | Hourglass |
| Body Measurements | 34-28-34 |
| Height in feet, inches, cm | 5’9″, 175 cm |
| Weight in lbs, kg | 137 lbs, 62 kg |
| Chest | 34 inches |
| Waist | 28 inches |
| Biceps | N/A |
| Eye Colour | Brown |
| Hair Colour | Brown (Dyed) |
| Hairstyle | Long, layered |
| Distinctive Features | Tall frame, sharp jawline |
| Tattoos | N/A |
Family and Relationships – Boyfriend/Husband, Affairs
Pooja Batra’s personal life has been as eventful as her professional journey.
- First Marriage: Dr. Sonu S. Ahluwalia (Orthopaedic Surgeon, USA) in 2002
- Divorced in 2011 due to irreconcilable differences
- Second Marriage: Nawab Shah (Actor) in 2019
- Married in a private Arya Samaj ceremony in Delhi
- Armaan Kohli (Actor)
- Akshay Kumar (Actor)
- Christian Middelthon (Norwegian Actor, 2015–2017)
Despite the ups and downs, Pooja has remained strong and focused. She currently resides in Los Angeles and Mumbai, balancing her personal and professional life.
| Relationships Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse – Husband | Nawab Shah |
| Father | Ravi Batra |
| Mother | Neelam Batra |
| Children | N/A |
| Siblings | 2 brothers |
| Affairs – Boyfriend(s) | Armaan Kohli, Akshay Kumar, Christian Middelthon |
| Significant Relationships | Nawab Shah |
Rise to Stardom
Pooja Batra began her career as a part-time model to fund her education. Her breakthrough came in 1993 when she won the Femina Miss India International title and represented India at the Miss International pageant.
Her debut film Virasat (1997), starring Anil Kapoor and Tabu, earned her critical acclaim and several award nominations. She followed it up with successful films like:
- Bhai (1997)
- Haseena Maan Jaayegi (1999)
- Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye (2000)
- Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story (2005)
She also appeared in regional films across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Punjabi cinema, showcasing her multilingual talent.
Pooja Batra – Selfie
Pooja Batra – Debut Film – Virasat
Pooja Batra – Successful Film – Bhai
Career, Awards, and Achievements
Pooja Batra has had a diverse and impactful career in entertainment.
- Walked the ramp in over 250 fashion shows
- First Indian face of Head & Shoulders shampoo
- Appeared in over 20 Bollywood films
- Acted in Hollywood films like One Under the Sun and Draupadi Unleashed
- Lifetime member of International Film and Television Club, Noida
Her film Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story was screened at the Cannes Film Festival, adding international recognition to her profile.
| Career Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Profession(s) | Actress, Model |
| Debut Film | Virasat (1997) |
| Notable Roles | Virasat, Haseena Maan Jaayegi, Taj Mahal, Mirror Game, Squad |
| Recent Films – New Movies | Squad, Draupadi Unleashed, Mirror Game, One Under the Sun |
| Upcoming Films | Hexengeddon, Twilight: The Story of Hope, Volshebnaya Lampa, Recast |
| Popular Television Series | S.W.A.T., Timeless, The Rookie, SEAL Team, Lethal Weapon |
| Awards and Achievements | Femina Miss India (1993), Miss International Semi-finalist, Filmfare Nominee, Zee Cine Nominee, Screen Awards Nominee |
| Endorsements/Brand Collaborations | Liril, Head & Shoulders, Parag Sarees, Jaipur Jewellery Show |
| Philanthropy/Charity Work | AIDS awareness, Orphanages, Kashmir soldiers, Bombay Police |
| Professional Associations | Asian Academy of Film & Television |
| Training and Education | MBA Marketing, Economics Degree |
| Production Company | N/A |
| Box Office Success – Hit Movies | Virasat, Bhai, Haseena Maan Jaayegi, Jodi No.1, Nayak |
| Critical Acclaim Movies | Virasat, Taj Mahal, Mirror Game, One Under the SunAssets and Finances – Net Worth |
Assets and Finances – Net Worth
| Financial Profile | Information |
|---|---|
| Net Worth in Dollars | $1–7 million |
| Per Movie Charges in Dollars | N/A |
| Per Endorsement Charges in Dollars | N/A |
| Sponsorship Deals | Liril, Head & Shoulders, Parag Sarees, Jaipur Jewellery |
| Business Ventures | Glow Bell Inc., Mera Sangeet-LA |
| Investments | Media projects, Fashion brands, Real estate |
| Real Estate Holdings | Mumbai, Los Angeles |
| Luxury Items/Properties Owned | Designer wardrobe, Jewelry, Private residence |
| Cars Collection | Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi |
Favorite Things, Likes and Dislikes
| Favorite Things | Information |
|---|---|
| Favorite Actor | Anupam Kher, Salman Khan |
| Favorite Actress | Tabu, Madhuri Dixit |
| Favorite Film | Virasat, Taj Mahal |
| Favorite Music Bands | Coldplay, U2, Indian Ocean |
| Favorite Sport | Swimming, Horse-riding |
| Favorite Books | The Alchemist, Shantaram |
| Favorite Colour | Blue, White |
| Favorite Food | Pizza, Pav Bhaji, Spaghetti |
| Things s/he like | Yoga, Travel, Animals |
| Things s/he dislike | Gossip, Negativity, Crowds |
Top 5 Best Films – Pooja Batra
| Film Name | Year of Release | Character Played |
|---|---|---|
| Virasat | 1997 | Anita |
| Bhai | 1997 | Pooja |
| Haseena Maan Jaayegi | 1999 | Pooja Verma |
| Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye | 2000 | Mona |
| Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story | 2005 | Noor Jahan |
Controversies – Pooja Batra
- Marriage and Divorce: Her split from Dr. Sonu Ahluwalia sparked rumors about disagreements over parenthood.
- Secret Wedding: Her hush-hush marriage to Nawab Shah in 2019 surprised fans and media alike.
- Lord Ganesha Statement: She once claimed Lord Ganesha’s elephant head was due to plastic surgery, which offended many.
- Cow Worship Criticism: She questioned the sacredness of cows in Hinduism, leading to backlash.
- Black Lives Matter Support: Her vocal support for the movement drew mixed reactions from Indian audiences.
Interesting Facts – Pooja Batra
- She was a national-level sprinter in school.
- She was the first Indian spokesperson for Head & Shoulders shampoo.
- She has acted in Hollywood films and American TV shows like S.W.A.T. and Lethal Weapon.
- She is a certified yoga trainer from BK Iyengar School of Yoga.
- She owns a Harley Davidson Sportster 48 motorcycle.
- She holds an MBA in Marketing from Symbiosis International University, Pune.
Pooja Batra remains active on Instagram and other social media platforms. She shares glimpses of her lifestyle, travel, and fitness routines. Her appearances in magazines and interviews continue to inspire fans across generations.
