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Kanishtha Dhankar Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated September 6, 2026 • 6 min read

Quick Info

Date of birth21 September 1988

Age36 Years

BirthplaceMumbai, India

ProfessionModel; Actress

NationalityIndian

Marital statusUnmarried

FamilyFather - Raj Singh Dhankhar; Mother - Kusum Malhan Dhankhar; Sister - Nika; Brother - Name not known

Kanishtha Dhankar Biography

Kanishtha Dhankar is an Indian model and actress who rose to public attention after appearing in the 2008 film Fashion and winning Pantaloons Miss India 0f

Early life and background

Kanishtha Dhankar was born on 21 September 1988 in Mumbai, India. Her family roots lie in Haryana, and she spent significant time with her grandparents in the Jhajjar district during her childhood. Her father served as a commodore in the Indian Navy and her mother worked as a school teacher. Kanishtha completed a Bachelor of Commerce at the College of Commerce and Economics in Mumbai.

Career

Dhankar began modelling while she was still in college. Her screen debut came in the 2008 film Fashion, in which she appeared alongside Kangana Ranaut and Priyanka Chopra. Her modelling career gained further momentum in 2011 when she won the Pantaloons Miss India title and went on to represent India at the Miss World 2011 pageant in London.

Following her pageant success, she moved to New York in 2013 and took part in the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week spring/summer 2013 shows. Back in India she has walked for major events such as Lakme Fashion Week, Wills India Fashion Week and Couture Week. Dhankar has also worked extensively in editorial fashion: she has shot for publications including Vogue, Elle, Grazia, Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire and Cosmopolitan, and has appeared on several magazine covers.

Her commercial work includes shoots for noted Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee and international runway appearances. Throughout her career she has emphasized the importance of personality and professionalism in modelling and contrasted the more structured environment she experienced internationally with the Indian industry.

Public profile

Dhankar practices yoga and shares aspects of that lifestyle publicly. She speaks about sustainability, human rights and a yogic, holistic approach to wellbeing. She has expressed interest in working on projects related to education, gender, sustainability and international development, and has volunteered with organisations such as the Seoul International Women’s Association and the Eastern Social Welfare Society.

In interviews she has discussed her beauty and grooming routines, preferring natural remedies for hair and skin care, and has spoken on topics such as body image and the effects of Photoshop on self-esteem. Dhankar has also stated that she prefers film roles with meaningful messages rather than item numbers and has commented on the differences she perceives between national and international modelling standards.

Personal life

Kanishtha Dhankar is unmarried. She follows Buddhism and applies its teachings to her life. She enjoys travelling and lists favourite films, actors and designers among her personal preferences. A visible tattoo of an arrow on her left hand is part of her personal style.

Latest updates

In recent years Dhankar has continued to focus on fashion, editorial work and advocacy around sustainability and social issues while maintaining a public presence through yoga and lifestyle posts on social media.
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Recent Work

Fashion

Acted in the 2008 film alongside Kangana Ranaut and Priyanka Chopra.

2008
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week spring/summer

Walked the runway in New York during the spring/summer 2013 shows.

2013
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Career Highlights

  1. Debuted onscreen in the film Fashion (2008)
  2. Crowned Pantaloons Miss India 2011
  3. Represented India at Miss World 2011
  4. Walked Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (New York) spring/summer 2013
  5. Featured in editorials and covers for Vogue, Elle, Grazia, Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire and Cosmopolitan
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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Kanishtha Dhankar born?

21 September 1988

What is Kanishtha Dhankar known for?

Model; Actress

What is Kanishtha Dhankar’s marital status?

Unmarried