Nakuul Mehta
Biography
Nakuul Mehta, born on January 17, 1983, in Udaipur, Rajasthan, has emerged as one of Indian television's most beloved and versatile actors. Known for his charming personality, engaging screen presence, and ability to delve into a wide array of characters, Mehta has carved a significant niche for himself in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Education
Nakuul Mehta hails from a family with a distinguished lineage, with his great-great-grandfather, Laxmilal Mehta, serving as the military commander of the Mewar region. His father, Pratap Singh Mehta, is a veteran of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Despite his family's background, Nakuul pursued his academic interests, completing his Master of Commerce from Mumbai University.
Beyond academics, Mehta is also a highly trained dancer. He has proficiency in various dance forms, including jazz, hip-hop, breakdance, folk, salsa, and contemporary. Notably, he is a skilled ballroom dancer, having trained under renowned choreographer Sandip Soparrkar. He even represented Maharashtra in the All India Dance Sport Federation in June 2011, earning a silver medal in the Latin Ballroom Category and a gold medal in the Standard Ballroom category. This diverse skill set would later contribute to his dynamic performances on screen.
Career Trajectory
Nakuul Mehta's journey into the world of acting wasn't immediate after his education. He initially delved into commercials, music videos and was actively involved in theatre for a considerable period, honing his acting skills.
His film debut came in 2005 with the Telugu film Abhimaani, followed by another Telugu film, Indian Beaut,y in 2006. He made his Hindi film debut in 2008 with Haal-e-Dil, playing the role of Shekhar. While his initial film ventures didn't achieve widespread commercial success, they provided him with valuable experience. He also appeared in critically acclaimed short films like Avant Garde (2011), Ved and Arya (2020), and Tasalli Se (2022), which were showcased at various film festivals.
However, it was television that truly brought Nakuul Mehta into the limelight and made him a household name.
Television Breakthrough:
- Pyaar Ka Dard Hai Meetha Meetha Pyaara Pyaara (2012-2014): This daily soap marked his television debut and proved to be a significant turning point in his career. Playing the lead role of Aditya Kumar opposite Disha Parmar, he gained immense popularity and garnered two "Best Debut Male" awards.
- Ishqbaaaz (2016-2019): This show catapulted him to superstardom. His portrayal of Shivaay Singh Oberoi and later Shivaansh Singh Oberoi earned him widespread critical acclaim and a massive fan following. His chemistry with co-star Surbhi Chandna was particularly lauded, leading to numerous awards. He also appeared in its spin-off, Dil Boley Oberoi (2017).
- Bade Achhe Lagte Hain 2 (2021-2023) and Bade Achhe Lagte Hain 3 (2023): He once again reunited with Disha Parmar for the reboot of the popular series Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, playing the iconic role of Ram Kapoor. His performance in this show further cemented his position as a leading actor in Hindi television.
Beyond Fiction:
Nakuul has also showcased his versatility as a host. He hosted India's Got Talent 6 in 2015 and has been a frequent host for prestigious events and award shows like the Indian Television Academy Awards.
Digital Space:
Embracing the growing digital landscape, Nakuul Mehta has actively ventured into web series, showcasing his adaptability across platforms:
- I Don't Watch TV (2016): A satirical take on the Indian television industry, where he also served as a producer.
- Never Kiss Your Best Friend (2020-2022): A popular web series that further expanded his reach.
- BAE Control (2020) and Zindagi in Short (2020).
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Nakuul Mehta has received numerous accolades for his performances, establishing him as a prominent and critically acclaimed actor. Some of his notable awards include:
- Indian Telly Awards: Fresh New Face Male (2013), Best Onscreen Couple (with Disha Parmar, 2014), Best Actor in a Lead Role (2019).
- Gold Awards: Debut in a Lead Role Male (2013), Best Actor in a Lead Role (Jury, 2017), Best Onscreen Jodi (with Surbhi Chandna, 2017), Best Actor (2018).
- Asian Viewers Television Awards: Male Actor Of The Year (2016, 2017).
- Indian Television Academy Awards: Best Actor Popular (2017, 2021), Best Actor Drama (2022).
- Bollywood Hungama Style Icons Awards: Most Stylish TV Actor of the Year - Male (2024).
Personal Life
Nakuul Mehta is married to singer Jankee Parekh Mehta. The couple tied the knot on January 28, 2012, after a long relationship that began in their teenage years. They welcomed their son, Sufi, in February 2021. The couple frequently shares glimpses of their family life on social media, much to the delight of their fans. As of early June 2025, Nakuul and Jankee have announced they are expecting their second child.
Beyond his professional life, Nakuul Mehta is known for his well-spoken nature and his active engagement with fans on social media. He has also used his platform to advocate for social issues, including fundraising initiatives. His journey in the entertainment industry is a testament to his talent, dedication, and ability to connect with audiences, making him a true heartthrob of Indian television.
