Lesser-known facts about Anushka Sharma

Anushka Sharma, a prominent figure in Bollywood, has captivated audiences with her versatile acting skills and strong on-screen presence. While her professional achievements and marriage to cricket superstar Virat Kohli are widely known, several lesser-known facts of her life and journey offer a more nuanced understanding of the person behind the celebrity.

Before making her mark in Bollywood, Anushka Sharma initially harbored dreams of a career in journalism. According to reports from the Times of India, fate intervened when she was spotted in a mall by fashion designer Wendell Rodricks, who offered her a chance to walk the ramp. This unexpected encounter marked the beginning of her modeling journey, which eventually paved the way for her successful transition into acting. In conversation with Rajeev Masand, the actress also revealed that during her years as a model, Kareena Kapoor’s role in the film Jab We Met inspired her to take up acting as a profession.

Anushka Sharma holds a unique distinction in Bollywood — she is reportedly the only actress to have been directed by both the father-son duo, Yash Chopra and Aditya Chopra. She made her debut in Aditya Chopra's Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008) and later worked with Yash Chopra in his last directorial venture, Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012). This makes her a significant part of the legacy of one of Bollywood's most influential film families.

While campaigning for the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Anushka Sharma revealed that she is a proud vegetarian. The actress has been a staunch vegetarian for a significant period, a decision deeply rooted in her ethical beliefs towards animals. She has openly expressed that adopting a vegetarian lifestyle helped in increasing energy levels and a feeling of overall well-being. Anushka actively advocates for animal rights and has spoken about the happiness she derives from knowing that no animals had to suffer for her meals.

Beyond her acting and producing ventures, Anushka is known to have pursued some adventurous hobbies. According to Bollywood Shadis, the actress is not just an actress but also a professional horse rider. She reportedly also participated in some equestrian competitions. Not just that, the news source also shared that she is also a certified scuba diver and loves witnessing the underwater world whenever she gets a chance. She has often shared glimpses of her experiences and adventures on her social media platform, showcasing a spirit for adventure beyond the film industry.

In a surprising revelation, Anushka Sharma once auditioned for the role of Kareena Kapoor Khan in the blockbuster film 3 Idiots. She shared a clip of her audition with director Rajkumar Hirani and co-star Aamir Khan while working on PK. Interestingly, the audition tape never reached Hirani, leading to what Aamir jokingly called a "big lapse" in the casting department. The clip, however, became viral on the internet and social media, with many fans wondering how it would have been if she had played the role instead of Kareena Kapoor Khan.

While Anushka Sharma is famously married to the renowned cricketer Virat Kohli, her elder brother, Karnesh Sharma, also had a significant connection to the sport, as mentioned in a Hindustan Times cover story. Long before Anushka met Virat, she reportedly hero-worshipped Karnesh for his cricketing abilities during his school days, prior to him joining the Navy at the age of 16.