Anushka Shetty, fondly known as the “Queen of the South,” is one of the most revered and versatile actresses in the Indian film industry, particularly in Telugu and Tamil cinema. Born as Sweety Shetty on November 7, 1981, in Mangaluru, Karnataka, she began her journey far from the glamour of showbiz—as a yoga instructor. However, destiny had bigger plans for her. She made her acting debut in the 2005 Telugu film Super, and from there, she carved a niche with powerhouse performances, unique role choices, and an undeniable screen presence.
With hits like Arundhati, Vedam, Baahubali: The Beginning, and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, Anushka has not only set box office records but also won critical acclaim. Her dedication to craft is evident in her physical transformation for roles like Size Zero, and her commitment to playing strong female leads has earned her immense respect.
Despite being in the limelight, she maintains a sense of mystique and grace, staying away from unnecessary controversies and focusing solely on her work. With a career spanning nearly two decades and a string of awards under her belt, Anushka remains a timeless beauty and a fierce performer.
Personal Life
| Detail |
Information |
| Original/Real Name |
Sweety Shetty (Anushka Shetty) |
| Other/Nickname |
Mac |
| Profession/Occupation |
Actress |
| Birthplace |
Mangalore, Karnataka, India |
| Nationality |
Indian |
| Age |
43 years (as of 2024) |
| Date of Birth |
7 November 1981 |
| Hometown |
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India |
| Caste/Religion |
Hinduism |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign |
Scorpio |
| Current career status |
Active |
Physical Appearance
| Attribute |
Detail |
| Height (Centimeters) |
178 cm |
| Weight (Kilograms) |
62 kg |
| Body Measurements |
34-28-34 Inches |
| Hair Color |
Black |
| Eye’s Color |
Black |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Relation |
Name |
| Father’s name |
A.N. Vittal Shetty |
| Mother’s name |
Prafulla Shetty |
| Brother’s name |
Gunaranjan Shetty (Businessman), Sai Ramesh Shetty (Doctor) |
| Sister’s name |
N/A |
Marital Status, Affairs, Boyfriends, Kids & Relationship
| Attribute |
Detail |
| Boyfriend |
Prabhas (rumored) |
| Dating |
Not publicly confirmed |
| Marital Status |
Unmarried |
| Spouse/Husband |
N/A |
| Son |
N/A |
| Daughter |
N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| Attribute |
Detail |
| School |
Not publicly known |
| College/University |
Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru |
| Educational Qualification |
Bachelor of Computer Applications |
Controversies
- Anushka was occasionally in the media spotlight for her rumored relationship with actor Prabhas, especially around the time of the Baahubali movies.
- Some of her films have faced criticism for promoting certain stereotypes, but Anushka has rarely commented on controversies, maintaining a poised and private stance.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Category |
Favorites |
| Favorite Food |
Chicken dishes |
| Favorite Movie |
Not Known |
| Favorite Actor |
Akkineni Nagarjuna, Mahesh Babu |
| Favorite Actress |
Soundarya, Simran, Jyothika |
| Favorite Color |
Black |
| Favorite Designer |
Not Known |
| Favorite Destination |
Switzerland |
| Favorite Cafe |
Not Known |
| Favorite Daily Wear Brand |
Not Known |
| Favorite Book |
Not Known |
| Favorite Athlete |
Not Known |
Money/Net Worth
| Attribute |
Detail |
| Salary |
Not Available |
| Net Worth |
$11 million |
Contact Information
| Attribute |
Detail |
| Official Website |
Not Available |
| E-Mail Address |
Not Available |
| Phone Number |
Not Available |
| House Address |
6th floor, Woods Apartments, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad |
Social Media
Personal Quote
“I always believed that work speaks louder than words.”
Early Life and Career
Anushka Shetty was born into the Bellipady Uramalu Guthu family and grew up in Bengaluru with her two brothers. She graduated with a BCA from Mount Carmel College and trained as a yoga instructor under Bharat Thakur before venturing into acting.
Her debut came with Super (2005), directed by Puri Jagannadh, which set the stage for a promising career. It was Vikramarkudu (2006) with director S.S. Rajamouli that brought her widespread recognition.
From there, she played powerful roles in Arundhati (2009), where she won several Best Actress awards, and Vedam (2010). Her role as Devasena in Baahubali catapulted her to national fame, showcasing her grace, strength, and emotional range.
Current Life/Events
Post the Baahubali franchise, Anushka starred in Nishabdham (2020), a thriller where she played a mute artist. She continues to sign selective yet impactful roles, focusing on content-driven cinema. Rumors of her Bollywood debut have been swirling, but she remains a pillar in South Indian cinema, admired for her authenticity and calm persona.
Facts
- Her real name is Sweety Shetty.
- She lost 20 kg for her role in Size Zero.
- Anushka was a yoga instructor before becoming an actress.
- She is fluent in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and English.
- She never aspired to be an actress; she entered the industry on a friend’s suggestion.
- Anushka is known to be extremely private and media-shy.
- She has a deep love for geography and considered teaching before acting.
- She’s one of the few actresses to headline female-led films successfully.
- She once rejected several Bollywood scripts, preferring strong, meaningful roles.
- She shares a close bond with Baahubali co-star Prabhas but has always maintained her single status publicly.
