She made a much-hyped debut opposite another debutant Akshaye Khanna in Himalay Putra (1997). While Khanna has gone on to become one of Hindi cinema's finest actors, Anjala's career never took off. Anjala Zaveri's only hit Bollywood film till date is Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya (1998), in which she had a supporting role. Like many others, she also has tasted success in the South industry. We take a deep dive into her life - personal and professional! (All photos/mid-day archives, Tarun Arora's Facebook page, YouTube)
Born on April 20, 1972, Anjala Zaveri was raised in Portsmouth, London. Though she harboured acting dreams, she pursued an education in medical science.
In early 1994-1995 Vinod Khanna came to the UK to search for a Brit Asian girl to play alongside his son, Akshaye Khanna. The veteran actor launched his son into movies with Himalaya Putra and Anjala Zaveri was selected after a nationwide talent search.
Vinod Khanna organised a competition of sorts to hunt the leading lady for Himalay Putra. Meanwhile, Anjala had done a photoshoot and her agency sent her pictures to the production house, through which she got selected.
Pictured: Akshaye Khanna and Anjala Zaveri on the sets of Himalay Putra with director Pankaj Parashar
Himalay Putra, which released in 1997, failed at the Box Office, but Akshaye Khanna made enough of an impact to claim a place in the Bollywood pantheon. On the other hand, Anjala Zaveri made her Telugu debut in the same year with Preminchukundam Raa, opposite Venkatesh, which turned out to be a blockbuster.
Anjala Zaveri also made her Tamil debut with Pagaivan in the same year, which starred Ajith, Sathyaraj. Though this one earned a positive response from critics, it failed to make any mark at the Box Office.
Anjala Zaveri later appeared in Betaab (1997), which starred Chandrachur Singh, Arshad Warsi and Mayuri Kango in pivotal roles. Though the film didn't really work at the Box Office, the song "Tum Mere Ho" from the film became quite popular.
Pictured: A still from the song 'Tum Mere Ho' from the film Betaab.
Anjala Zaveri couldn't make a mark in the Hindi film industry as compared to down south. But her act as Kajol's friend who has hots for Arbaaz Khan in Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya was unforgettable. Remember the song 'Teri Jawaani', where Anjala is seen in a scorching avatar alongside Arbaaz? Didn't she just nail the sexy avatar in the song?
After starring in 1998's Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya, Anjala Zaveri almost disappeared from the Bollywood film industry. But she continued doing films down South and in fact, she's still quite popular in Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam cinema.
Yes, Anjala Zaveri made her debut in the Malayalam film industry with 2001's Dubai opposite Mammootty.
Pictured: Anjala Zaveri with her husband and actor Tarun Arora.
Anjala Zaveri has starred in three Tamil films till date - 1997's Pagaivan (debut), 2001's Ullam Kollai Poguthae, opposite Prabhudheva and the last one being Inidhu Inidhu, in a special appearance.
Anjala Zaveri has majorly starred in Telugu films. She appeared in 11 Telugu popular films namely - 1997's Preminchukundam Raa (debut), 1998's Choodalani Vundi opposite Chiranjeevi, 1998's Samarasimha Reddy starring Nandamuri Balakrishna, 1999's Ravoyi Chandamama opposite Nagarjuna Akkineni, 2001's Devi Putrudu opposite Venkatesh, Bhalevadivi Basu cos-starring Nandamuri Balakrishna and Shilpa Shetty, among others.
Anjala Zaveri last starred in 2012's Telugu film Life Is Beautiful, co-starring Shriya Saran, Amala Akkineni and Vijay Deverakonda. The film marked Chhichhore fame Naveen Polishetty's acting debut.
On the personal front, Anjala Zaveri married model-actor Tarun Arora, the actor best remembered as Anshuman who breaks Geet's (Kareena Kapoor) heart in Jab We Met. It is said that Anjala has earlier dated Bobby Deol during the making of Himalay Putra.
Anjala and Tarun fell in love when they were in Mumbai. He was a model then and she was doing South films. Anjala Zaveri met Tarun Arora at an event and the duo gradually became close friends. Apparently, Tarun proposed first to Anjala and they eventually got hitched.
Talking about Tarun Arora, the actor was born in Assam but studied in Chennai. He did modelling in Bangalore and moved to Mumbai after getting offers in Hindi films. However, he gained success down south. He is now being called as a South villain.
The couple is a complete travel buff and Tarun Arora's social media page is full with their travel diaries. In an interview with Telugu media, Tarun had stated that they (as a couple) decided not to have kids and prefer travelling the world together for the rest of their lives. Couple goals set straight, we say!
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