Priyanka Upendra

Biography

Priyanka Upendra, born Priyanka Trivedi on November 9, 1977, in Kolkata, West Bengal, is a distinguished Indian actress and producer known for her versatile performances across various film industries, including Bengali, Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi cinema.

Early Life and Education

Priyanka's diverse cultural background stems from her mother, who hails from West Bengal, and her father, from Uttar Pradesh. She spent a significant portion of her formative years abroad, completing ten years of schooling in the United States and three years in Singapore. Upon returning to India, she graduated with a commerce degree from a college in Kolkata.

Entry into the Entertainment Industry

Before venturing into films, Priyanka gained recognition by winning the Miss Kolkata title in 1996. This accolade opened doors to modeling assignments and television commercials for brands like Britannia, Orient Electric, and Pillsbury. Her modeling career paved the way for her entry into the film industry.

Film Career

Bengali Cinema: Priyanka made her acting debut with the Bengali film "Joddha" in 1997. She gained significant acclaim for her role in "Saathi" (2002), which became one of the highest-grossing Bengali films at the time.

Hindi Cinema: She ventured into Bollywood with "Mujhe Meri Biwi Se Bachaao" in 2001, portraying the character Sonia Malkani.

South Indian Cinema: Priyanka expanded her horizons by acting in various South Indian films:

• Kannada: Notable films include "H2O" and "Kotigobba."
• Telugu: She appeared in movies like "Soori" and "Raa."
• Tamil: Her Tamil filmography comprises titles such as "Raajjiyam," "Raja," "Kadhal Sadugudu," and "Jananam."

Recent Work

In recent years, Priyanka has continued to showcase her acting prowess:

"Priyanka" (2016): She played the titular role in this film based on a real-life incident, earning critical acclaim for her performance.

"Mummy" (2016): In this horror film, she portrayed a widow and mother, with her performance receiving positive reviews.

"2nd Half" (2018): Priyanka took on the role of a police constable who becomes an amateur detective, with critics praising her portrayal.

"Devaki" (2019): She starred alongside her real-life daughter, Aishwarya Upendra, in this crime-thriller set in Kolkata, playing a mother searching for her kidnapped daughter.

Personal Life

On December 14, 2003, Priyanka married renowned actor, director, and producer Upendra Rao. The couple has two children: a son named Ayush and a daughter named Aishwarya.

Legacy

Priyanka Upendra's illustrious career, spanning multiple languages and film industries, showcases her adaptability and dedication to the craft of acting. Her contributions have left an indelible mark on Indian cinema, earning her a place among the esteemed actresses of her generation.