Remember the stunning actress who stole hearts with her vibrant performance in the iconic song ‘Lal Dupatte Wali’ from the 1993 Bollywood hit Aankhen? That was Ritu Shivpuri, daughter of legendary actor Om Shivpuri and TV icon Sudha Shivpuri. Born on January 22, 1975, in Mumbai, Ritu stepped into the spotlight carrying her family’s acting legacy, but today she’s carved a new path far from the silver screen.
Ritu’s father, Om Shivpuri, was a versatile performer in the 1970s and 80s, captivating audiences in blockbusters like Don, Disco Dancer, Mausam, and Satyamev Jayate. He masterfully portrayed villains, cops, and complex characters with unmatched depth. Her mother, Sudha Shivpuri, became a household name as ‘Ba’ in the long-running soap Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, embodying the quintessential TV matriarch.
Ritu burst onto the scene with Aankhen, where her debut song became an instant sensation, drawing comparisons to Karisma Kapoor for her striking looks and charm. The film’s success propelled her forward, leading to roles in Rock Dancer, Aar Ya Paar, Bhai Bhai, and Hum Sab Chor Hain. She even ventured into South Indian cinema, showcasing her talent across industries.
Despite early promise, Ritu faced the industry’s ups and downs. Big hits eluded her after Aankhen, prompting a shift to television. She shone in popular shows like Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon 3, Vish, Nazar, and the miniseries Karanjit Kaur – The Untold Story of Sunny Leone. In 2023, she made a brief return in Netflix’s Class, but acting took a backseat soon after.
Married to businessman Hari Venkat, Ritu has reinvented herself as a jewelry designer. Her business thrives, blending creativity with entrepreneurship. Active on social media, she shares glimpses of her glamorous life, fashion events, workouts, and design inspirations, keeping fans engaged with her evolved journey.
From red dupattas to sparkling jewels, Ritu Shivpuri’s story is one of resilience and reinvention, proving that stardom comes in many forms.