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She completed her Bachelor of Arts from Government College, Hoshiarpur. She then pursued her M.A. in Indian Theatre from Panjab University, Chandigarh.
Physical Appearance
Height (approx.): 5’6″
Weight (approx.): 65 kg
Hair Colour: Black
Eye Colour: Brown
Family
Upasana Singh was born in a Sikh family.
Parents & Siblings
Upasana’s father, Mohinder Singh, was a businessman. Her mother, Santosh Singh, worked under the Punjab Government as a health visitor.
She has an elder sister, Nirupama, who has a PhD in English Literature.
Husband & Children
Upasana is married to Neeraj Bharadwaj, who is an actor. While working together in the serial, ‘Aye Dil-e-Nadaan’ (2009), they fell in love and married in November 2009.
In 2014, she had separated from her husband. But, in 2018, after 4 years of separation, they reconciled their differences and got back together. In an interview, Upasana talked about the whole incident and said,
Every couple fights and so do we. It’s no big deal. My husband is quite temperamental (laughs), possibly that’s why he said what he did (about them contemplating divorce). He regretted what he said, but it was too late to clarify it. We could have sorted our issues amicably. I was more angry with him for speaking with the media about our personal issues and thinking of taking such a drastic step (divorce). My family and in-laws were quite disturbed after reading the news and I was busy fielding questions on my personal life.”
They have a son, Nanak Singh, who is also an actor. He made his debut with the Punjabi film, ‘Bai Ji Kuttange’ (2022). The film was produced by Upasana under her production house, Santosh Entertainment Studio LLP.
Relationships/Affairs
In an interview, Upasana Singh talked about how she met her husband during a shooting of a TV serial where she played a cop and Neeraj Bharadwaj played the negative role. They dated a few times before deciding to get married.
Religion
Upasana Singh follows Sikhism.
Career
Rajasthani Films
In 1988, Upasana made her debut in the Rajasthani film, ‘Bai Chali Sasariye,’ starring in it as Laxmi.
In 2004, she appeared in ‘Jiyo Mhara Lal,’ In 2014, she starred in ‘Taanko Bhid Gayo,’ playing the role of PG Aunty.
Gujarati Films
In 1990, she starred in ‘Amdavad No Rikshawalo.’ In 2000, she starred in ‘Parshuram.’
Hindi Films
In 1990, she made a special appearance as Munnibai in the film, ‘Amba.’
In 1991, she had her first starring role in Hindi cinema with the film, ‘Ramwati,’ playing the titular role of Ramwati.
In 1992, she played the lead role of Ganga in the film, ‘Ganga Ka Vachan.’ In 1993, she starred in ‘Khoon Ka Sindoor,’ playing the role of Police Inspector Asha Sharma.
In 1996, she starred in the film, ‘Bhishma.’ In 1999, she played the role of Mala in the film, ‘Sarfarosh.’ In 2002, she appeared in ‘Haan Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya.’
In 2003, she appeared in the film, ‘Hungama.’ In 2004, she played the role of Mrs. Surya Prakash, in the film, ‘Mujhse Shaadi Karogi.’
In 2008, she had a cameo appearance in ‘Golmaal Returns.’ In 2015, she starred in ‘Wedding Pullav.’
In 2016, she played the role of Manjeet in the film ‘Chalk n Duster.’ In 2017, she appeared in the film, ‘Judwaa 2,’ and played the role of Leela. She appeared in ‘Babli Bouncer’ as Dolly Chaddha in 2022.
Punjabi Films
She made her debut in Punjabi films in 1991, starring in ‘Badla Jatti Da’ as Laali. In 1998, she appeared in ‘Sarbans Dani Guru Gobind Singh.’
In 2012, she appeared in ‘Jatt & Juliet’ as Chhanno Kaur. In 2013, she appeared in ‘Daddy Cool Munde Fool,’ playing the role of Preto/Rajjo.
In 2014, she played the role of Pammi in the film, ‘Disco Singh.’ In 2015, she starred in ’22g Tussi Ghaint Ho’ as Gulabo.
In 2018, she played the role of Channo in ‘Carry On Jatta 2.’ In 2022, she appeared in ‘Bai Ji Kuttange,’ which she also produced.
Odiya Films
In 1994, she appeared in ‘Rakhile Siba Mariba Kie.’ In 2004, she appeared in ‘Rakhiba Jadi Se Maariba Kie.’
Bengali Film
In the year 2000, she had a special appearance as a character named Shikha in the film, ‘Bidhatar Khela.’
Marathi Films
In the year 2000, she appeared in ‘Tuch Maji Bhagyalaxmi,’ playing the role of Bindu. She has also appeared in ‘Family 420,’ released in 2015.
Bhojpuri Films
In 2003, she appeared in ‘Kanhaiya.’ In 2007, she appeared in ‘Hamaar Saiyan Hindustani.’ In the same year, she appeared in the film, ‘Paandav.’ In 2009, she appeared in ‘Tohse Bhail Pyaar.’
Television
Upasana made her television debut in 1997 in the serial ‘Jai Hanuman,’ which started in 1997 and lasted till 2000, playing the role of Mohini. In 2000, she appeared in ‘Son Pari,’ and played the role of Kaali Pari/Cruella Aunty.
In 2003, she appeared in ‘Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani,’ and played the role of Ganga Om Bhushan. In 2004, she appeared in ‘Tamanna House.’ In 2007, she appeared in ‘Dill Mill Gayye’ and played the role of Sid’s mom. In 2008, she appeared in ‘Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat,’ playing the role of Bhanumati.
In 2013, she starred in ‘Comedy Nights with Kapil,’ playing the role of Pinky Sharma/Pinky Bua. In 2016, she starred in ‘The Kapil Sharma Show,’ playing the role of Twinkle.
In 2020, she starred in ‘Gangs of Filmistan,’ playing various characters. In 2017, she hosted the celebrity dance reality show, ‘Nach Baliye.’ In 2022, she starred in ‘Masoom’ as Dr. Gunwant.
Filmmaking
She has directed and produced ‘Bai Ji Kuttange’ (2022) and ‘Yaaran Diya Po Baaran’ (2023) films under her production house, Santosh Entertainment Studio LLP. On 29 January 2020, she became a Designated Partner of Santosh Entertainment Studio LLP. In 2016, she became the director of Santosh Creations Private Limited.
Controversy
Booked for breaking the COVID-19 rules
On 4 May 2021, Upasana Singh was booked in Punjab for breaking the COVID-19 rules and shooting a film without any official permission, along with the cast. Police had further made a video of the event before filing a case against the crew.
Awards
- In 2013, Upasana Singh won the PTC Best Supporting Actress Award for ‘Jatt And Juliet’ (2012).
- In 2014, she won the PTC Best Supporting Actress Award for ‘Daddy Cool Munde Fool’ (2013).
- In 2013, she won the Golden Petal Award for Tez Taraar Personality for ‘Bani – Ishq Da Kalma’ (2013).
- In 2014, she won the Indian Telly Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Comedy), for her show, ‘Comedy Nights with Kapil’.
- In 2015, she won the PTC Best Supporting Actress Award for ‘Disco Singh’ (2014).
- In 2022, she was felicitated for her performances at Hunaar Haat by the Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi.
Car Collection
Favourites
- Restaurant: Yoko Sizzlers
Facts/Trivia
- She talked about naming her son, Nanak, in an interview, and said,
It was given by my mother because when he was a very serene child and never cried.”
- Upasana is an animal lover. She had 22 birds and animals when growing up in Hoshiarpur.
- She started learning Kathak when she was around 7 to 8 years old. She also started acting as a child artist in Jalandhar at the same age.
- In an interview, she talked about why she quit ‘Comedy Nights Live’, and said,
There is no comedy in the show. The work atmosphere is highly unprofessional and I regret working with this production house. It is the biggest mistake of my life.”
- She follows a vegetarian diet.
- She doesn’t indulge in drinking alcohol and smoking.
- She housed Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu for a few days before she left for her Miss Universe Pageant in Israel. She talked about Harnaaz calling her after winning the Miss Universe crown and said,
She called me after winning the crown and shouted that she fulfilled her promise. I could feel her happiness on the phone. In fact, I got really emotional talking to Harnaaz and couldn’t stop crying. It felt as if my child had done something. Whenever Harnaaz comes to Mumbai, she stays with me. When her training started after Miss India, we housed her for five days. She was saying that as soon as she comes to Mumbai (from Israel), she will come to my house first.”
- In an interview, Upasana said that when she visits Chandigarh, she likes to tour Panjab University and meet with her friends there. She also likes to visit Laxmi Bai Girls’ Hostel Number 2, where she used to reside.
- Her acting skills and her funny dialogues in various films and shows have made her a household name. Her dialogue in the film ‘Judaai’ (1997), in which she played a deaf and dumb girl who could only say ‘Abba Dabba Jabba’ was liked so much by the audience that now she is often called Abba Dabba Jabba girl.
- She is also famous for her character of Bua in ‘Comedy Nights With Kapil’ and her dialogue, “Bittu, Kaun hai ye aadmi?”
- Upasana wanted to become an actress since she was a child. Although her relatives were against her decision to become an actress, Upasana’s mother provided her with strong support to help her realise her dreams.
- On 11 March 2018, when she was returning from her shooting to her hotel room in Chandigarh, a cab driver tried to molest her. She called the cops and the driver was immediately arrested. Later, she dropped the charges after the driver gave her a written apology.
- On 4 August 2022, Upasana filed a lawsuit against Miss Universe Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu of Rs. 1 crore on 4 August 2022 for not fulfilling her contract of promoting the film, ‘Bai Ji Kuttange’ (2022), in which she starred. The film was produced under Upasana’s production house, Santosh Entertainment Studio LLP. Upasana claims that her absence in promotional activities cost the film its distributors and delayed the film’s release from 27 May 2022 to 19 August 2022. Harnaz, however, denied the charges claiming that charges against her are false in an attempt to defame her.