Ileana D'Cruz facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ileana D'Cruz
D'Cruz in 2018
Born	(1986-11-01) 1 November 1986 (age 38) Bombay, Maharashtra, India
Nationality	Indian (until 2014) Portuguese (from 2014)
Occupation	Actress
Years active	2006–present
Spouse(s)	Michael Dolan ​ (m. 2023)​
Children	2
Awards	Full list

Ileana D'Cruz (born 1 November 1986) is an actress from Portugal. She mostly acts in movies made in India, especially in Telugu and Hindi languages. She has won many awards, including Filmfare Awards, which are like big prizes for movies in India.

Ileana started acting in 2006 in a Telugu movie called Devadasu. This movie was very successful and helped her win an award for Best Female Debut. She became a popular actress in Telugu cinema with hit films like Pokiri (2006), Jalsa (2008), Kick (2009), and Julayi (2012). She also acted in a successful Tamil movie called Nanban (2012).

In 2012, Ileana started acting in Hindi movies with the comedy-drama Barfi!. For this movie, she won another Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. She then starred in other successful Hindi films such as Main Tera Hero (2014), Rustom (2016), and Raid (2018).

Besides acting, Ileana D'Cruz also promotes many brands and products. She is married to Michael Dolan, and they have two sons.

About Ileana D'Cruz

Her Early Life

Ileana D'Cruz was born in Bombay (now Mumbai) on 1 November 1986. Her father was from a Goan Catholic family, and her mother was Muslim. When she was 10 years old, her family moved to Parra, Goa.

Ileana first tried modeling in 2003, but she felt it didn't go well. After more photo shoots and fashion shows, she got a second chance in 2004. This led to her appearing in advertisements for big brands like Electrolux and Fair & Lovely. One ad, directed by Rakesh Roshan, helped her get many offers to act in movies.

Starting Her Acting Career (2006–2007)

In 2005, Ileana was asked to audition for a movie, but the project was canceled. She made her first movie appearance in 2006 in the Telugu romance film Devadasu. She played an NRI (Non-Resident Indian) girl. Before filming, she took acting classes. The movie was a big success and earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut – South.

Next, she played an aerobics teacher in Pokiri, a movie that became the highest-grossing Telugu film at that time. This movie made her very famous. She also acted in a Tamil film called Kedi and two other Telugu films, Khatarnak and Rakhi. Rakhi was a success. In 2007, her films Munna and Aata were released.

Success in Telugu Films (2008–2011)

In 2008, Ileana starred in Jalsa, which was a big hit and one of the highest-earning films of the year. She received good reviews for her role. Her next film, Bhale Dongalu, received mixed reviews.

In 2009, Ileana had three movies released. Her film Kick was a commercial success and one of the highest-grossing films of that year. Critics praised her performance. Her other two films, Rechipo and Saleem, did not do well at the box office.

Ileana D'Cruz at an event

In 2010, Ileana made a special appearance in the Kannada film Huduga Hudugi. In 2011, she appeared in Shakti, which was a very expensive Telugu film but did not succeed. Her next film, Nenu Naa Rakshasi, also struggled, but her acting was praised by critics. Despite these challenges, Ileana remained one of the highest-paid actresses in South Indian cinema.

Becoming Famous in Hindi Films (2012–2018)

Ileana acted in four films in 2012. She returned to Tamil films with Nanban, which was a huge financial success. In her next film, Julayi, she played a travel agent's assistant. This movie was a box office hit and one of the highest-grossing Telugu films of the year. She also played a taxi driver in Devudu Chesina Manushulu.

Her last film of 2012 was her first Hindi movie, Barfi!. She played Shruti, a girl who chooses comfort over love. The film was a major success worldwide. Ileana's performance earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. Many critics praised her acting, especially her expressive eyes. Barfi! was even chosen to represent India at the Oscars.

In 2013, Ileana starred in Phata Poster Nikhla Hero, which did not perform well. In 2014, her first film was Main Tera Hero, a remake of a Telugu movie. This film was a box office success. She then played a romance novelist in Happy Ending, which did not do well.

Ileana D'Cruz at an event for Baadshaho, in 2017

After a break, Ileana appeared in the 2016 film Rustom. This movie was one of the highest-grossing Hindi films of the year. In 2017, she played a talkative Punjabi girl in Mubarakan, which was a moderate success. In her next film, Baadshaho, she played a princess. This movie did not succeed at the box office.

In 2018, Ileana's film Raid was a major commercial success. She played the wife of an income tax officer. She then returned to Telugu films with Amar Akbar Anthony. Despite high hopes, this film did not do well.

Recent Career (2019–Present)

In 2019, Ileana played a con woman in Pagalpanti. The film did not succeed at the box office. After no releases in 2020, she played a journalist in the 2021 film The Big Bull. Critics praised her honest performance in this movie.

After a three-year break, Ileana returned to films in 2024. She played a dark-skinned girl in Unfair & Lovely. She also played an actress in Do Aur Do Pyaar. Both films did not perform well at the box office.

Personal Life

Ileana D'Cruz became a Portuguese citizen in 2014. She has mentioned that Portugal is part of her family history.

On May 13, 2023, Ileana D'Cruz married Michael Dolan. They welcomed their first son on August 1, 2023. On June 19, 2025, she gave birth to their second son.

Filmography

Movies She Has Acted In

Key

Denotes films that have not yet been released

Awards and Recognitions

Ileana D'Cruz has won a Filmfare Award and a Filmfare Awards South. She won the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut—South for her role in Devadasu. She also won the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut for her performance in Barfi!.

See also

In Spanish: Ileana D'Cruz para niños