Sriti Jha

Sriti Jha (pronounced [ˈsɾɪt̪i d͡ʒʱaː]; born 26 February 1986) is an Indian actress who primarily works in Hindi television. Noted for her versatility in a range of genres from romantic comedies to crime dramas, she is a recipient of several accolades including two ITA Awards, three Indian Telly Awards and two Gold Awards.

Jha made her acting debut in 2007 with the teen drama, Dhoom Machaao Dhoom, playing Malini Sharma. Jha then established herself as a leading actress with her portrayal of Sudha "Devika" Sharma Vashisht in Jyoti, Sandhya Savratkar Pradhan in Rakt Sambandh and Jhanvi Dobriyal / Sia Pratapsingh in Dil Se Di Dua... Saubhagyavati Bhava?. Jha earned wider recognition with her portrayal of Pragya Arora Mehra in Kumkum Bhagya. In 2022, she participated in Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 12, where she finished at 10th place and became the 3rd runner-up in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 10.

Jha was born on 26 February 1986 in Begusarai, Bihar. She went to live with her family in Kolkata, where they stayed for 10 years, then moved to Kathmandu, Nepal. They then moved to New Delhi, where she continued her studies at Laxman Public School. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in English at Sri Venkateswara College, New Delhi. She has an elder sister, Meenakshi and a younger brother, Shashank.

Jha made her acting debut in 2007 playing Malini Sharma in Disney India's teen drama Dhoom Machaao Dhoom. In 2008, she played Sunaina Kotak opposite Saurabh Pandey in Jiya Jale and also participated in the friend-based reality show Kaho Na Yaar Hai. Jha played Suhani, a royal princess in Shaurya Aur Suhani, opposite Saurabh Pandey, in 2009.

Jha's first major role was in Jyoti, where she played Sudha Sharma, a split personality patient opposite Alok Narula, from 2009 to 2010. In 2010, Jha played a visually impaired girl, Sandhya Savratkar Pradhan opposite Naman Shaw and Dhruv Bhandari in Rakt Sambandh. Critic from The Indian Express noted, "Sriti is well cast as she brings a certain vulnerability and quiet strength to her character." In that year, she appeared as a contestant on Nachle Ve with Saroj Khan and Meethi Choori No 1.

From 2011 to 2013, Jha portrayed Jhanvi Sharma Dobriyal / Sia Sharma Pratapsingh, a victim of domestic violence in Dil Se Di Dua... Saubhagyavati Bhava?, opposite Harshad Chopda and Karanvir Bohra. The show proved to be her breakthrough and earned her recognition. In 2013, Jha also played Ganga Singh opposite Shashank Vyas in Balika Vadhu.

From 2014 to 2021, Jha portrayed Pragya Arora Mehra in Ekta Kapoor's Kumkum Bhagya opposite Shabir Ahluwalia. The series earned her critical acclaim, success and established her among the leading actresses of Indian television. Her portrayal of Pragya earned her various accolades including ITA Award for Best Actress - Drama and Indian Telly Award for Best Actress in a Lead Role.

Alongside her role in Kumkum Bhagya, Jha acted as the narrator for Naagin 2 in 2016. She also played Deepa in the 2020 short film U-Turn and in 2021, she played Sakshi Deewan in the podcast series Darmiyaan.