From Prem Geet to Kaveri Poddar: The Spectacular Evolution of Anita Raj!
Anita Raj is a name that resonates with grace, versatility,
and an unyielding spirit. From being the reigning "IT" girl of the
1980s to becoming a powerhouse matriarch on Indian television, her journey is a
masterclass in longevity. As of 2026, she continues to inspire millions, not
just with her acting, but with a fitness level that defies her age.
Anita Raj Biography: Early Life and Legacy
Born on August 13, 1962, in Mumbai, Anita Raj Khurana
was destined for the silver screen. She is the daughter of the legendary
veteran actor Jagdish Raj, who famously holds the Guinness World Record
for playing a police officer in over 144 films.
Growing up in a cinematic household, Anita developed a
passion for the arts early on. She is a trained Kathak dancer, having
studied under the late Pandit Birju Maharaj.
|
Personal Details |
Information |
|
Full Name |
Anita Raj Khurana |
|
Date of Birth |
August 13, 1962 |
|
Birthplace |
Mumbai, Maharashtra |
|
Spouse |
Sunil Hingorani (m. 1986) |
|
Children |
Shivam Hingorani (Son) |
|
Father |
Jagdish Raj (Actor) |
Career Trajectory: The 80s Sensation to TV Royalty
The Golden Era (1980s)
Anita Raj made a stellar debut in 1981 with the romantic
musical Prem Geet. Her performance as Shikha earned her instant fame and
established her as a leading lady. Throughout the 80s, she was a frequent
collaborator with top stars like Dharmendra, Mithun Chakraborty, and Raj
Babbar.
Television & Recent Work
After a hiatus to focus on her family, Anita made a roaring
comeback on television. She redefined the "strong woman" archetype
with roles like Rajmata Priyamvada Singh in Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani
and the formidable Kulwant Kaur Dhillon in Choti Sarrdaarni.6
Currently, she captivates audiences as Kaveri Poddar in the long-running
hit Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai.
Notable Filmography
Anita’s filmography spans over 60 credits, ranging from
intense action dramas to soul-stirring romances.
Top Career Highlights:
- Prem
Geet (1981): Her debut film and a massive musical hit.
- Naukar
Biwi Ka (1983): A popular comedy-drama alongside Rishi Kapoor.
- Ghulami
(1985): A critically acclaimed role in a multi-starrer cult classic.
- Zara
Si Zindagi (1983): Showcased her range in a more grounded, realistic
narrative.
- Jaan
Ki Baazi (1985): Highlighted her chemistry with Sanjay Dutt.
The "Fitness Icon" of 2026
What makes Anita Raj a trending topic today isn't just her
acting—it's her "Punjab Power" energy. At 63, she has
become a global fitness inspiration.
Her Fitness Milestones:
- The
61-Minute Plank: She stunned the internet by holding a plank for over
an hour.
- Strength
Training: Anita is a vocal advocate for weightlifting for women over
50 to maintain bone density and muscle mass.
- Fitness
Pioneer: Interestingly, she released India's first celebrity fitness
video, Keep Fit with Anita Raj, back in 1989.
Legacy and Impact
Anita Raj remains one of the few actresses of her generation
who has successfully transitioned from a commercial film heroine to a respected
character artist without losing her "star" aura. Her discipline,
whether on a film set or in the gym, continues to set the bar high for
newcomers and veterans alike.
No comments:
Post a Comment