Sanaya Irani is an Indian television actress. She is known for playing Gunjan in Miley Jab Hum Tum and Khushi in Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon?. In 2015, Irani was a finalist for the eight season of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. She later participated in Nach Baliye in 2017 with her partner Mohit Sehgal and won the third place.
Irani's first modelling portfolio was done by photographer-turned actor Boman Irani. Irani made her acting debut with a cameo in the Yash Raj FilmFanaa as Mehbooba. The actress spoke about her role, "It was by accident that I got that role. It was like a dream come true for me, since Aamir Khan and Kajol are my favourite actors." The actress spent the year doing TV advertisements with Bollywood stars like Shahrukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor and others before entering television. She made her debut with Jagjit Singh's Tumko Dekha. At the beginning of her career, Irani wasn't fluent in Hindi and spoke of her struggles with the language on several occasions.
Television debut and breakthrough (2007-10)
Her television debut was in the SAB TV drama Left Right Left as Cadet Sameera Shroff.She was tutored by her director for her Hindi. This was followed by a negative role in Radhaa Ki Betiyaan Kuch Kar Dikhayengi on Imagine TV. Irani's first lead role as a protagonist was in STAR One's Miley Jab Hum Tum, as the simple, studious and reclusive Gunjan. Her co-stars included Mohit Sehgal, Rati Pandey and Arjun Bijlani. Irani briefly hosted the second season of Zara Nachke Dikhaon STAR Plus with boyfriend Mohit Sehgal. She was also seen as a panel member in Meethi Chorii No. 1 opposite Ragini Khanna. Irani has received three 'Face of The Year' awards and was the only television actress to be included in People Magazine 's forty most beautiful women. She was titled the 3rd Sexiest Asian Woman Alive.
Established actress (2011-14)
She portrayed the bubbly and loving Khushi Kumari Gupta, the female protagonist of Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon? opposite Barun Sobti. The show, which aired its final episode on 30 November 2012, had consistently maintained its position as one of the top ten daily dramas on Indian general entertainment channels. In early 2013, Irani hosted Zee TV's Valentine's Day special Ishq Wala Love opposite Karan Grover. She later appeared as a contestant in Welcome - Baazi Mehmaan-Nawaazi ki, hosted by Ram Kapoor. The actress was seen in Week One of the reality show opposite Ragini Khanna, Nigaar Khan and others. She played the role of a vivacious and modern girl in Chhan Chhan. The show was loosely based on the Hindi movie Khubsoorat. Irani then appeared in Rangrasiya as Parvati. The show was produced by Saurabh Tiwari, head of Tequila Shots Production. The story followed a border security personnel and an orphan girl who were ideologically different. It ended in September. She was seen opposite Ashish Sharma.
Jhalak and further success (2015-present)
Irani also participated in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 8 in 2015 which aired on Colors. Irani reprised her role of Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada again in its sequel mini series Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon?... Ek Jashan which ended in December. In 2017, Irani participated in the dance showNach Baliye 8 with her husband Mohit Sehgal. During Nach Baliye Sanaya & Mohit were in a controversy as fans of Divyanka Tripathi had claimed that they are the fixed winners but she lashed at the trollers on Instagram and said this is untrue.
Other appearances
In August 2013, Irani made a brief guest appearance in the dance show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa to support her best friendDrashti Dhami. She made an appearance again in the seventh season of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa to support Ashish Sharma in June 2014. She made an appearance in Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon?...Ek Baar Phir in the first episode to introduce Aastha. In December 2013, Irani made a special guest appearance in Bigg Boss 7 in the grand finale along with Ashish Sharma, Preetika Rao and Harshad Arora. She also made special appearance in Beintehaa in March and June 2014. along with Shahrukh Khan and Pooja Gaur, Giaa Manek and Ragini Khanna Irani went on a U.K. tour on behalf of Star Plus.
Media
She is the only Indian television actress to be listed in People Magazine's forty most beautiful women. Apart from acting, she is known for her dancing skills. K-based newspaper Eastern Eye placed her in their 50 Sexiest Asian Women list in 2012, She was again ranked at tenth position for the Eastern Eye newspaper. In 2014, she was listed in the top 10 best television actresses by Rediff. In November 2014, Sanaya was approached for Bigg Boss 8 but she declined it.
Filmography
Web series
Television
Guest appearances
2012: Star Parivaar Ka Tyohar
2013: Ishq Wala Love as Co-Host
2013: Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon?...Ek Baar Phir as Khushi
Personal life
Irani announced her relationship with her co-star Mohit Sehgal from the serial Miley Jab Hum Tum on 19 November 2010, the last day of the shoot. In December 2015, Irani got engaged to Sehgal. They tied the knot on 25 January 2016 in Goa.
