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Neelu Kohli Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated September 29, 2026 • 6 min read

Quick Info

Date of birth15 May 1964

Age58 Years (as of 2022)

BirthplaceRanchi, Jharkhand

ProfessionActress

NationalityIndian

Marital statusMarried

SpouseHarminder Singh Kohli

FamilyChildren: Banveer Kohli (son), Sahiba Kohli (daughter)

Neelu Kohli Biography

Neelu Kohli is an Indian actress known for substantial work across film, television, web series and commercials. She began her acting career in her mid-30s

Early life and background
Neelu Kohli was born on 15 May 1964 in Ranchi, Jharkhand. She grew up in Ranchi, where she attended Loreto Convent School in Doranda and later Nirmala College in Doranda. Raised in a Sikh family, Kohli has spoken about how the events of 1984 affected her family deeply.

She developed an interest in performance early on, participating in theatre productions while at school and college. Kohli later trained herself in personal practices like yoga and meditation, which she continues to follow.

Career
Neelu Kohli moved into acting relatively late compared with many peers, beginning her professional journey at around the age of 35. Her first on-screen opportunities came via a TV commercial, which led to further work in television and film. Her earliest television credits include the Punjabi serial Nimmo Te Vimmo and the mythological series Jai Hanuman.

Kohli made her film debut in a supporting role in Dil Kya Kare (1999) and went on to appear in a string of Hindi films in the 2000s and beyond, including Tapish (2000), Tere Liye (2001), Style (2001), Run (2004), Khanna & Iyer (2007), and several others. She has often been cast in maternal roles and character parts, with notable film credits such as MP3: Mera Pehla Pehla Pyaar (2007), Luck by Chance (2009), Hum Tum Aur Ghost (2010), Patiala House (2011), and Jaana Pehchana (2011).

Television has been a major pillar of Kohli’s career. Her portrayal of Nanda Kukku Chabra in the StarPlus drama Bhabhi (2000–2008) proved to be a breakthrough: she remained the only actor to appear in every episode of the show, which helped make her a familiar face in Indian households. She has also appeared in episodic roles on series such as Aahat and C.I.D., and held parts in serials including Miit, Khushiyan, Yeh Meri Life Hai, Pyaar Ki Kashti Mein, Jabb Love Hua, Piya Ka Ghar Pyaara Lage, Madhubala: Ek Ishq Ek Junoon and Shastri Sisters. In 2022 she played Anjali Brijmohan Mathur in StarPlus’ Yeh Jhuki Jhuki Si Nazar.

Kohli’s work extended to digital platforms and short films as the entertainment landscape evolved. She appeared in the Amazon Prime Video series Made in Heaven (2019) and in short films such as Aiyyo Paaji! (2009), Work from Home (2020) and House Husband (2021). On the streaming front she was cast as the mother of the character played by Diljit Dosanjh in the 2022 film Jogi, and she has said she welcomes the opportunities OTT platforms have provided for actors.

She has also acted in Punjabi cinema, including the 2019 film Kitty Party, and took part in a 2017 documentary about an all-female Kashmiri rock band, Pragaash. Across her career she has maintained a steady presence in television commercials for brands such as Pepsi, Rin, SBI Bank and Cream Bell.

Public profile
Neelu Kohli is known for versatility in character roles, particularly for portraying mothers in films, series and shorts such as Romeo Idiot Desi Juliet (2020), House Husband (2021), Kya Meri Sonam Gupta Bewafa Hai (2021) and Arranged (2022). Her television breakthrough in Bhabhi made her a household name, and she has continued to work consistently across media.

Kohli has been recognized for her work with industry awards, including the Best Actress Award at the Success Stories Awards in 2021. She maintains an active interest in wellness through yoga and meditation, and enjoys reading. Personal tastes mentioned in public profiles include a fondness for various teas and a habit of collecting souvenirs and fridge magnets when she travels.

Personal life
Neelu Kohli married Harminder Singh Kohli on 19 October 1986. The couple had two children: a son, Banveer Kohli, and a daughter, Sahiba Kohli. Kohli’s father served in the army during the era of the British Indian Army and later entered construction with a family member.

Latest updates
In recent years Kohli has embraced work on streaming platforms and mini-series, noting that OTT has opened new possibilities for substantial roles. Her recent screen credits include appearances in the web and streaming space, short films, and the 2022 projects Arranged, Jogi and Yeh Jhuki Jhuki Si Nazar.

She continues to work across television, film and digital projects, describing herself as a committed actor who seeks dependable, meaningful roles.
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Recent Work

Jogi

Played the role of Diljit Dosanjh's mother in the 2022 Netflix film

2022
Yeh Jhuki Jhuki Si Nazar

Played Anjali Brijmohan Mathur in the StarPlus TV show

2022
Arranged

Appeared in the 2022 mini TV series

2022
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Career Highlights

  1. Made acting debut in television and commercials in her mid-30s
  2. Breakthrough role as Nanda Kukku Chabra in Bhabhi (2000–2008), appearing in every episode
  3. Worked across films, television, short films and OTT platforms
  4. Won Best Actress Award at Success Stories Awards 2021
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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Neelu Kohli born?

15 May 1964

What is Neelu Kohli known for?

Actress

What is Neelu Kohli’s marital status?

Married

Who is Neelu Kohli married to?

Harminder Singh Kohli