How a sales trainee became one of India's highest-paid television stars
In short: Before dominating Indian television and film, Sakshi Tanwar was working as a sales trainee in a five-star hotel. From that humble beginning, she rose to become a household name, known for portraying strong, unconventional women and becoming one of the most recognizable faces in Hindi entertainment.
Born on January 12, 1973, in Alwar, Rajasthan, Tanwar’s path to stardom was far from linear. After studying at various Kendriya Vidyalayas and graduating from Lady Shri Ram College in New Delhi, she spent 1990 working in hotel sales. Her entry into broadcasting came in 1998, when she was selected as a presenter for Doordarshan's music program, Albela Sur Mela, while preparing for administrative service exams. During her college years, she served as the president of the dramatic society. She was also the secretary of the same group.
Tanwar’s career is defined by her ability to portray complex, resilient characters. She achieved massive success with the joint-family drama Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii (2000–2008) and later with Bade Achhe Lagte Hain (2011–2014). Industry data shows her widespread fame; Forbes India placed her 93rd on the Celebrity 100 list in 2012, earning roughly ₹34.5 million (US$360,000) annually. She has also been recognized as one of the most visible and trusted celebrities in the country. Her versatility is evident through her diverse roles, including playing a priest's wife and a police officer's spouse. She also hosted the second season of Crime Patrol in 2010.
Her talent has translated successfully to the big screen and digital platforms. She appeared in the record-breaking film Dangal (2016), which earned an estimated ₹2,000 crore, and more recently in the series Mai: A Mother's Rage (2022). For her role in the latter, she won the Filmfare OTT Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series. Whether playing a scientist, a doctor, or a grieving mother, Tanwar has become a cornerstone of modern Indian media. Her recent work includes the film Sharmajee Ki Beti, where she portrayed a teacher. Additionally, she appeared as a queen in the series The Royals.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Sakshi Tanwar
- Also: Wikidata — Sakshi Tanwar · CC0
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