✦ Celebrity stories, facts and career updates. Explore F4U now →

Home › Biography › Pooja Batra

Pooja Batra biographyFeatured Biography

Image source: StarsUnfolded

Celebrities

Pooja Batra Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated September 13, 2026 • 6 min read

Quick Info

Date of birth27 October 1976

Age48 Years

BirthplaceFaizabad, Uttar Pradesh, India

ProfessionModel, Actress, Host, Producer, Entrepreneur, RJ

NationalityIndian

Marital statusMarried

SpouseNawab Shah

FamilyFather - Ravi Batra; Mother - Neelam Batra; Former spouse - Sonu S. Ahluwalia

Pooja Batra Biography

Pooja Batra is an Indian model-turned-actress who rose to prominence after winning the Femina Miss India International title in 1993. With a background in,

Early life and background

Pooja Batra was born on 27 October 1976 in Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh, and spent much of her childhood moving between schools due to her father’s army career. She grew up in a household with a strong connection to beauty pageants—her mother was among the top five participants in Miss India 1971—which influenced Batra’s early interest in modeling and pageantry.

Athletic from a young age, Batra competed in sprint events during school and represented her institution at the national level in the 400 metres. She pursued higher education in Pune, attending Fergusson College and Symbiosis International University, and earned a degree in economics followed by an MBA in marketing.

Career

Batra began modeling while she was still a student, initially taking part-time assignments to support her education. A television commercial for Liril soap helped raise her profile. In 1993 she took part in national and international beauty contests, ultimately receiving the title of Miss India International and placing as third runner-up at Miss Asia Pacific. Her pageant success led to offers from the film industry, but she delayed a full-time acting career until she had completed her studies.

In the 1990s Batra became one of India’s leading models, walking the runway for over 300 fashion shows. She made her film debut in 1997, appearing in Virasat and also working in regional cinema, with early credits that include a Malayalam film released the same year and a Telugu film the following year. Her filmography spans nearly 20 Hindi films and includes work in Punjabi cinema as well.

After marrying in 2002 and relocating to California, Batra remained involved in performance arts through theatre and later explored roles in radio and international cinema. She spent time working as a radio jockey in the United States and was involved with a Hollywood production whose trailer was shown at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, in which she portrayed an astronaut character.

Public profile

Batra’s public image has been shaped by multifaceted work in modeling, films, hosting and radio. She served as a spokesperson for a major hair-care brand in India and is a lifetime member of the International Film and Television Club of the Asian Academy of Film & Television. Her physical presence—tall stature and athletic background—was often noted in casting discussions during her film career.

Outside of entertainment, Batra has engaged in philanthropic activity, supporting orphanages and educational initiatives for underprivileged children. She practices yoga regularly and lists hobbies such as horse-riding, swimming and travelling.

Personal life

Pooja Batra’s first marriage was in 2002 to an Indo-American orthopaedic surgeon; the marriage ended in divorce in 2011. In July 2019 she married actor Nawab Shah in New Delhi after a short courtship. She has said she comes from a family with an army background, with her father serving as an army officer.

Latest updates

Batra’s international work saw a milestone when a film associated with her was presented at Cannes in 2016. She continues to maintain a presence in both Indian and international entertainment circles, with ongoing involvement in charitable causes and occasional media projects.
◈

Recent Work

One Under the Sun (trailer shown at Cannes)

Debut Hollywood film in which Batra plays an astronaut; trailer screened at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival.

2016
RJ work in the USA

Worked as a radio jockey in the United States starting in 2014.

2014
✦

Career Highlights

  1. Winner — Femina Miss India International (1993)
  2. Bollywood debut in Virasat (1997)
  3. Walked over 300 fashion shows
  4. Trailer of Hollywood project screened at the Cannes Film Festival (2016)
  5. Lifetime member of the International Film And Television Club of Asian Academy of Film & Television
?

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Pooja Batra born?

27 October 1976

What is Pooja Batra known for?

Model, Actress, Host, Producer, Entrepreneur, RJ

What is Pooja Batra’s marital status?

Married

Who is Pooja Batra married to?

Nawab Shah