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Bruna Abdullah
Bruna Abdullah
from Wikipedia

Bruna Abdullah is a Brazilian actress working primarily in Bollywood. She played the role of Mary in the adult comedy film Grand Masti and Giselle in Punit Malhotra's I Hate Luv Storys (2010).[1] She also starred in the 2012 Tamil movie Billa II[2] and in 2014 film Jai Ho as Anne.

Key Information

Personal life

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Bruna was born in Guaíba, Brazil to a mother of Syrian descent and a father of German-Italian ancestry.[3] She got engaged to her Scottish boyfriend Allan Frase on 25 July 2018.[4][5] They got married in May 2019.[6] The couple has a daughter, born in September 2019.[7]

Filmography

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Film

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  • All films are in Hindi, unless otherwise noted
Year Film Role Note
2007 Cash Herself Item number in song "Reham Kare"
2010 I Hate Luv Storys Giselle
2011 Desi Boyz Natasha Mehra Item number in song "Subha Hone Na De"
2012 Billa II Sameera Tamil film
2013 Grand Masti Mary
2014 Jai Ho Anne
2015 Four Pillars of Basement Bruna
2016 Mastizaade Bunty Special appearance
Yea Toh Two Much Ho Gayaa Tina
2018 Udanchhoo Julia
2023 Zindagi Shatranj Hai Bruna

Television

[edit]
Year Series Role
2008 Dancing Queen Herself
2009 Khatron Ke Khiladi
2013 Nach Baliye 6
2014 Comedy Classes Nancy

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Bruna Abdullah (born Bruna Abdalah; 24 October 1986) is a Brazilian actress and model of mixed Arabian and Brazilian descent, recognized for her contributions to Bollywood cinema through supporting roles and item songs. Born in , , , Abdullah is the second of two children and grew up in a multicultural household that influenced her international appeal in . She graduated in before traveling to in 2006 as a tourist, where she decided to pursue opportunities in modeling and acting after connecting with an agency. Her career began with advertisements for brands including Sony Ericsson, , , and , followed by a debut in Shekhar Suman's "Mere Gham Ke Dayare Mein." Abdullah entered Bollywood with the item song "Rehem Kare" in the 2007 film Cash, directed by Anubhav Sinha, marking her breakthrough in the industry. She gained prominence for her role as Giselle in the romantic comedy I Hate Luv Storys (2010) and as the seductive Mary in the adult comedy Grand Masti (2013), alongside appearances in item numbers like "Subha Hone Na De" in Desi Boyz (2011). Her work extended to Tamil cinema with a lead role opposite Ajith Kumar in Billa II (2012), for which she received the Kalakar Award for Best International Youth Icon, and to other Hindi films including Jai Ho (2014) and Mastizaade (2016). On television, she participated in reality shows such as Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi (2009), where she was eliminated on 24 September, and Dancing Queen. More recently, she appeared in Zindagi Shatranj Hai (2023), including the song "Badnaam Na Kar Dena". In her , Abdullah married Allan Fraser, a Scottish businessman, and they welcomed their daughter Isabella on 31 August 2019 in . She has expressed finding a sense of family and belonging in , where she has resided since her early career move.

Early life

Birth and family

Bruna Abdullah was born on October 24, 1986, in Guaíba, , , a municipality in the metropolitan region of . She hails from a of mixed Arab-Brazilian descent, with an Arabian mother and a Brazilian father; her parents' names have not been publicly disclosed in available sources. She is the second of two children, with one older sibling. Abdullah grew up in southern Brazil, where her multicultural heritage provided early exposure to diverse cultural influences blending Arab and European traditions within a Brazilian context. This background shaped her formative years in a region known for its strong immigrant communities.

Education and early career

Bruna Abdullah completed her schooling in Brazil, where she developed an early interest in modeling after winning a local beauty contest at the age of 16, which awarded her a computer and cash prize. Following this, she worked in a bank in Brazil to support her family while pursuing her studies, eventually graduating from college, though the specific field remains unspecified; her career trajectory suggests exposure to arts or performing fields. Limited professional opportunities in Brazil motivated her to seek broader prospects abroad, driven by a desire to achieve financial independence and assist her parents. In 2006, Abdullah relocated to , , initially arriving on a three-month tourist visa after encouragement from Indian friends in the , who noted her resemblance to Indian features and suggested she try her luck in Bollywood. This move marked her transition to pursuing modeling and in the Indian industry, where she connected with a modeling agency during her visit. As a foreigner entering the competitive Bollywood scene, Abdullah faced initial challenges, including starting from scratch without established connections, frequent rejections due to not fitting into the industry's social party culture, and adapting to local customs such as spicy cuisine during early shoots. Despite these hurdles, her determination to capitalize on India's vibrant and opportunities propelled her early professional steps.

Career

Modeling and music videos

Bruna Abdullah began her modeling career in , where she initially worked in the industry before relocating internationally to pursue further opportunities. She modeled in , which helped build her portfolio and international experience. Upon arriving in in 2006, she transitioned into the local fashion scene, participating in commercials and ramp walks that highlighted her exotic appeal. Notably, she appeared in advertisements for brands like , which provided early visibility in the Indian market. Her participation in fashion events, including early shows at platforms like HDIL India Couture Week, further established her presence among designers and audiences seeking diverse representations. Abdullah's breakthrough in non-acting media came through music videos, marking her entry as a performer in the Indian entertainment landscape. Her debut was in 2007 with Shekhar Suman's album Mere Gham Ke Dayare Mein, where she featured prominently, drawing attention for her dance sequences and contributing to the album's promotional appeal. This appearance catapulted her visibility, positioning her as an emerging face with cross-cultural allure in Bollywood-adjacent spaces. She followed this with other music video engagements that emphasized her skills in performance and choreography, solidifying her initial fame beyond traditional modeling. In 2007, Abdullah expanded into item songs within films, adopting the role of an "item girl" known for high-energy dance numbers. Her special appearance in the song "Rehem Kare" from the movie , directed by , showcased her as a seductive performer and boosted her profile among Indian viewers for her bold style and international flair. These early ventures in music videos and item specials garnered recognition for bridging Brazilian sensuality with culture, paving the way for her broader entertainment career without delving into roles.

Film roles

Bruna Abdullah made her Bollywood debut in 2007 with a supporting role as a dancer in the action thriller , where she performed the item song "Rehem Kare." This appearance marked her entry into Indian cinema, leveraging her modeling background for a brief but noticeable part. She followed this with a minor role as Giselle, the friend of the protagonist, in the (2010), directed by , which provided her with increased visibility in mainstream Bollywood. In 2011, Abdullah appeared in an as Natasha Mehra in the comedy , performing in the song "Subha Hone Na De" alongside and . A significant breakthrough came in 2012 with her lead role as Sameera, the love interest of the titular character, in the Tamil action film , a to the 2007 hit Billa, starring . This performance in the regional Tamil industry was widely regarded as her most substantial acting opportunity to date, earning her the Kalakar Award for Best International Youth Icon in 2012. The role showcased her ability to handle a narrative-driven part beyond dance sequences, contributing to the film's commercial success in . Abdullah continued with supporting roles in Bollywood, including Mary, one of the female leads in the adult comedy (2013), where she portrayed Amar's love interest in a led by , , and . In 2014, she played Anne, a character, in Salman Khan's action drama Jai Ho, adding to her portfolio of secondary but pivotal parts in high-profile productions. Her film appearances tapered off after this period, with minor roles such as Bunty in a special appearance in the comedy (2016) and Julia in the comedy Udanchhoo (2018). She appeared in the thriller Zindagi Shatranj Hai (2023). Throughout her career, Abdullah transitioned from item numbers and cameos to more character-focused supporting roles, though major lead opportunities became scarce post-2014.

Television and other media

Bruna Abdullah made her television debut in 2008 as a contestant on the Colors TV reality dance competition Dancing Queen, where she was paired with choreographer Priya Gamre and competed alongside other celebrity participants. She followed this with an appearance on the adventure reality show Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi Level 2 in 2009, hosted by Akshay Kumar on Colors TV, showcasing her willingness to participate in high-stakes challenges. In 2013, Abdullah competed on Nach Baliye 6 with then-boyfriend Omar Farooque, performing couple's dance routines that highlighted their chemistry and earned praise for sensuous acts, though they were evicted mid-season. Her television work extended to a guest role as Nancy in the comedy series Comedy Classes in 2014 on Life OK, where she joined a cast of comedians for sketch-based episodes. Beyond scripted and reality formats, Abdullah featured in various promotional guest spots on Indian television, including appearances to promote her film projects during the early 2010s. She has also endorsed several brands through television commercials, such as alongside and with , as well as for beauty products. In media events, Abdullah participated in high-profile red carpet activities, notably unveiling the Red Carpet Trends booklet in in February 2014, which showcased Spring Summer collections with fresh colors and patterns for the awards season. Since 2019, her on-screen television presence has diminished, shifting toward social media influencing on platforms like , where she engages over 400,000 followers with lifestyle content, alongside occasional brand endorsements such as the 2020 Sabyasachi x Forevermark jewelry campaign.

Personal life

Marriage and

Bruna Abdullah became engaged to her long-time boyfriend, Scottish businessman Allan Fraser, in July 2018 during a trip to . The couple married in a private ceremony on a clifftop overlooking the sea in Phuket, , in May 2019, shortly before the birth of their first child. On August 31, 2019, Abdullah gave birth to their daughter, Isabella, in via a planned without medication or epidural, which she described as a gentle and empowering experience aligned with her prenatal preferences. She has openly shared details of her hypno-birthing preparation, labor process, and early moments, including the immediate skin-to-skin contact with Isabella post-delivery, emphasizing the transformative joy of motherhood. Motherhood prompted Abdullah to prioritize family, leading to a period of reduced professional activity as she adjusted to new parental responsibilities, though she has since resumed her acting career. The family maintains a close-knit dynamic, with Abdullah frequently highlighting their shared experiences and travels in public updates.

Philanthropy and interests

Bruna Abdullah has supported animal rights initiatives through her involvement with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). In 2014, she participated in PETA's calendar campaign promoting animal welfare, featuring alongside other celebrities to highlight issues of animal cruelty. Additionally, in 2019, she endorsed the #MissingI campaign, organized by Tata Salt to raise awareness about iodine deficiency and its impact on maternal and child nutrition, emphasizing the importance of adequate iodine intake for fetal brain development and overall child welfare. These efforts reflect her commitment to public health and ethical causes affecting vulnerable populations. Abdullah maintains an active lifestyle centered on fitness and outdoor pursuits. A dedicated enthusiast, she follows a vegan diet to support her health regimen, crediting it for her energy and well-being during and after pregnancy. Her hobbies include , adventure sports, and traveling, often splitting time between her native —where she enjoys beach holidays—and , her professional base in . She has expressed a particular affinity for water-related activities, describing herself as a "water baby" who finds comfort and joy in and aquatic environments. In the realm of , Abdullah owns Victorious Secret, an all-girls football team competing in leagues like the , promoting and team spirit among women. Regarding motherhood, she advocates for natural, drug-free births, sharing her 2019 water birth experience as a gentle, empowering process conducted in a warm pool with family and minimal medical intervention, which she prepared for through prenatal exercises and mental focus. This approach, she noted, allowed for a serene transition without epidurals or cesarean sections, aligning with her broader interests in holistic wellness.

Filmography

Films

YearTitleRoleNotes
2007CashSpecial appearance in "Rehem Kare"Item song performance.
2010I Hate Luv StorysGiselleSupporting role as a friend of the lead characters.
2011Desi BoyzNatasha MehraSpecial appearance in item song "Subha Hone Na De".
2012Billa IISameeraSupporting role in the Tamil action film.
2013Grand MastiMaryOne of the lead female roles in the adult comedy.
2014Jai HoAnneSupporting role opposite Ashmit Patel.
2015Four Pillars of BasementBrunaLeading role in the thriller.
2016MastizaadeBuntySpecial appearance in the adult comedy.
2016Yea Toh Two Much Ho GayaaTinaSupporting role in the comedy-drama.
2018UdanchhooJuliaSupporting role in the comedy-drama.
2023Zindagi Shatranj HaiSupporting actressRole in the thriller film.

Television

Bruna Abdullah began her foray into Indian television through reality programming, primarily as a contestant in competition-based shows. Her appearances highlight her involvement in dance and stunt challenges, showcasing her versatility beyond modeling and film.
YearTitleRoleNetworkNotes
2007–2008India's HottestSelfZoomParticipated as a VJ and model in the reality series searching for India's hottest personalities.
2008Dancing QueenContestantZee TVCompeted in the women's dance reality show, mentored by industry experts.
2009Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi (Season 2)ContestantColors TVPerformed high-risk stunts; eliminated in week 7 after re-entry.
2013–2014Nach Baliye (Season 6)ContestantStar PlusPartnered with boyfriend Omar Farooque for couple's dance competition; evicted in week 8 (December 2013), re-entered as wild cards, eliminated on 4 January 2014.
2014Comedy ClassesNancyLife OKGuest appearance as student in the comedy series.

References

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