Isha Koppikar facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Isha Koppikar
Koppikar in 2025
Born	(1976-09-19) 19 September 1976 (age 48) Bombay, Maharashtra, India
Occupation	Actress politician model
Political party	Bharatiya Janata Party
Spouse(s)	Timmy Narang ​ ​ (m. 2009; div. 2023)​
Children	1

Isha Koppikar (born September 19, 1976) is a talented Indian actress, politician, and model. She is best known for her work in Hindi films, also known as Bollywood. She has also acted in movies made in other Indian languages like Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, and Marathi. Isha started her acting journey in South Indian films in the late 1990s before focusing on Bollywood movies in the early 2000s.

About Isha Koppikar

Isha Koppikar was born in Mahim, which is in Mumbai (formerly Bombay). She grew up in a Konkani family and has one younger brother. She studied Life Sciences at Ramnarain Ruia College in Mumbai.

While she was in college, Isha had a photoshoot with a famous Indian photographer named Gautam Rajadhyaksha. This led her to work as a model in many advertisements. She modeled for big brands like L'Oréal, Rexona, Camay, and Coca-Cola. In 1995, Isha also took part in the Miss India contest and won the "Miss Talent" award. Her modeling work helped her get into the film industry. Her first movie was the Telugu film W/o V. Vara Prasad in 1997.

Her Acting Journey

Isha Koppikar's acting career officially began with the 1997 Telugu film W/o V. Vara Prasad. In this movie, she appeared in a song with actor Vineeth. Her first Tamil film was Kadhal Kavidhai (1998), where she starred with Prashanth. For this role, she won the Filmfare Best Female Debut Award.

Early Films in South India (1997–2001)

After her first Tamil film, Isha acted in En Swasa Kaatre (1998) with Arvind Swamy. She also had a small guest role in Jodi (1999). In the same year, she starred in the movie Nenjinile with Vijay.

By 2000, Isha was looking to work in Bollywood films. However, she still appeared in three successful Kannada films. These were Hoo Anthiya Uhoo Anthiya, O Nanna Nalle, and Surya Vamsha.

Isha made a brief appearance in the Bollywood film Fiza and had a special dance number in Rahul. Her last two films in South India were the Telugu comedy Prematho Raa and Narasimha.

In 2001, Isha made her full debut in Bollywood with Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat. She then starred in the comedy Aamdani Atthani Kharcha Rupaiyaa with Govinda.

Bollywood Success (2002–2011)

In 2002, Isha Koppikar became very famous for her special dance number in the film Company. This popular song earned her the nickname "Khallas Girl." She also had another well-known dance number called "Ishq Samundar" in the movie Kaante. For her "Khallas" performance, she won the Stardust Award for "Most Exciting New Face."

Isha Koppikar walks the ramp for designer Pria Kataria Puri

In 2003, Isha acted in five films. She was in Dil Ka Rishta and the unique film Darna Mana Hai. She also played a role in the highly praised film Pinjar, which won a National Film Award. Isha also appeared in the war movie LOC Kargil. In Qayamat: City Under Threat, she played a terrorist, which earned her a nomination for "Best Villain" at the Filmfare Awards.

She had six film releases in 2004. She worked with Sunil Shetty in Rudraksh and Ek Se Bhadkhar Ek. She also starred in the ghost story Krishna Cottage and the film Girlfriend. She had a small role in Hum Tum.

In 2005, Isha had four films released. In Kyaa Kool Hai Hum, she was nominated for several awards for her comedy role. She also made guest appearances in Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya? and 36 China Town. She also starred in the gangster film D: Underworld Badhshah.

In 2006, Isha played 'Anita', the girlfriend of Shahrukh Khan's character, in the hit film Don: The Chase Begins Again. This movie was very successful.

Her film Salaam-e-Ishq was released in 2007. Later that year, she appeared in the film Darling. In 2008, Isha's films included Hello and Ek Vivaah... Aisa Bhi.

Isha got married in 2009. She had two films released in 2010, Right Yaaa Wrong and Hello Darling. In 2011, her film Shabri was released. She played a woman gangster in Mumbai, and her performance was well-received.

Recent Roles (2013–Present)

In 2013, Isha made her debut in Marathi films with Maat. She returned to Telugu cinema in 2017 with Keshava, followed by another Marathi film, FU: Friendship Unlimited. The next year, she appeared in the Kannada films Looty and Kavacha.

Isha also started acting in web series. In 2019, she made her digital debut in Fixerr, where she played a police officer. She was also seen in the crime thriller series Dhahanam (2022) and Suranga (2022).

Political Career

Isha Koppikar has also entered the world of politics. She joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, which is a major political party in India. She was appointed as the working president of the BJP's women's transport wing. This means she helps lead the party's efforts related to women and transportation.

Other Activities

Besides acting, Isha Koppikar has performed in many stage music shows. She has also appeared in music videos, such as "Patli Kamar" by KK.

In 2006, she danced with the finalists on the Indian Idol Grand Final show. In 2007, she was one of the judges on the celebrity dance competition Nach Baliye 3. She also owned a restaurant in 2015. Isha was a judge for the Miss Universe 2008 contest held in Vietnam. In 2009, she hosted the wrestling show 100% De Dana Dan on Colors TV.

Isha continues to model for fashion designers. She also supports the animal rights organization PETA and received a Humanitarian Award from them in 2009.

Personal Life

Isha Koppikar is skilled in Taekwondo and holds a black belt.

She has changed the spelling of her name a couple of times based on advice from numerologists. First, it was Ishaa Koppikar, then Eesha Koppikhar. However, she has now gone back to the original spelling of her name.

Isha married Timmy Narang, a businessman, in 2009. They have a daughter.

Filmography

Key

Denotes films that have not yet been released

Web series

Awards and Nominations

Music Videos

See also

In Spanish: Isha Koppikar para niños