Mannara Chopra: From Bollywood Debut to Bigg Boss Stardom – A Journey of Resilience and Recognition!

Mannara Chopra, an Indian actress and model, has steadily carved her niche in the entertainment industry, transitioning from impactful advertising campaigns to film roles across multiple languages, and most recently, captivating audiences on a popular reality show. Born as Barbie Handa on March 29, 1991, in Ambala, Haryana, Mannara's career is a testament to her versatility and determination.

Early Career and Bollywood Debut

Mannara's entry into the glitzy world of showbiz began with a strong foundation in modeling and advertising after completing her education in Delhi and moving to Mumbai. She featured in over 40 commercials, including notable campaigns with superstars like Salman Khan (for Suzuki) and Farhan Akhtar (for Dulux paints). Crucially, her appearances in three commercials alongside her famous cousin, Priyanka Chopra (including one for Dabur Amla), earned her "instant recognition" and opened doors to film opportunities.

In 2014, Mannara made her acting debut with the Telugu film Prema Geema Jantha Nai. The same year marked her Bollywood foray with the Anubhav Sinha-directed thriller Zid, where she played an obsessive lover. While the film received mixed reviews, her performance garnered attention, and she even won the Lions Gold Award for Best Female Debut in 2015.

Following Zid, Mannara diversified her filmography, appearing in several Telugu films such as Jakkanna (2016), Thikka (2016), and Rogue (2017), along with a special appearance in the Tamil film Sandamarutham. Her performances in Thikka and Rogue earned her Special Jury Awards for Best Actress at the Santosham Film Awards.

The Bigg Boss 17 Phenomenon and Resurgence

While Mannara had a consistent presence in South Indian cinema, her career received a significant boost with her participation in the reality television show Bigg Boss 17 from 2023 to 2024. As one of the highest-paid contestants, Mannara's journey in the Salman Khan-hosted show was widely followed. Her dynamic personality, complex friendships (especially with Munawar Faruqui), and candid moments resonated with viewers. She emerged as the 2nd runner-up, solidifying her popularity and bringing her into the Hindi television mainstream.

During her Bigg Boss stint, her famous cousins, Priyanka Chopra and Parineeti Chopra, publicly extended their support, further drawing attention to her journey.

Beyond Films and Reality TV: Music and Upcoming Projects

Beyond acting, Mannara has also ventured into music. She made her singing debut with "Zara Zara Behekta Hai" in 2023 and has featured in several music videos, including "Saanware" (2024) opposite Abhishek Kumar, her first project post-Bigg Boss.

Currently, Mannara continues to be active in the entertainment space. She recently appeared as a contestant in Laughter Chefs – Unlimited Entertainment Season 2 in 2025 and made a special appearance in the web series Ek Farzi Love Story. Fans can also anticipate her upcoming Punjabi film, Ohi Chann Ohi Raatan, which is reportedly completed.

A Journey of Resilience Amidst Personal Challenges

Mannara's journey has also seen its share of personal challenges. Most recently, she, along with her sister Mitali Handa, faced the profound grief of losing their father, Advocate Raman Rai Handa, on June 16, 2025. The heartbreaking images from his last rites underscored the deep bond she shared with her family, including her father, who was described as the "pillar of strength" for their family.

From her early modeling days and Bollywood debut to her impactful Bigg Boss journey and continued ventures in film and television, Mannara Chopra has proven her mettle. Her resilience, coupled with her artistic endeavors, positions her as a dynamic personality to watch in the Indian entertainment landscape.