Ragini Khanna (born 9 December 1984)[1] is an Indian film and television actress, model, comedian, singer and television host.[2] She has hosted various reality shows, such as India's Best Dramebaaz (2013)[3] and Gangs of Haseepur (2014).[4] She is best known for her role as Bharti in Bhaskar Bharti and Suhana Kashyap in Sasural Genda Phool. She was a contestant on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 4 in 2010. She also appeared in Comedy Nights with Kapil portraying many characters.

Ragini Khanna
Khanna in 2017
Born (1984-12-09) 9 December 1984 (age 39)
OccupationActress
Years active2008–2021
Relatives
FamilySee Govinda family
Signature
Ragini Khanna signature

Early life

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Khanna's parents are Praveen Khanna and Kamini Khanna. She is the 2nd child of her parents. Her elder brother, Amit Khanna is also an actor and has worked in serials like Yeh Dil Chahe More.[citation needed] Her mother, Kaamini Khanna is a writer, music director, singer, anchor and founder of 'Beauty with Astrology'.[5] Ragini is the granddaughter of classical singer Nirmala Devi and popular 1940s actor Arun Kumar Ahuja. She is also the niece of Indian actor Govinda and the cousin of Krushna Abhishek (actor, stand-up comedian), Arti Singh (TV actress) and Soumya Seth (TV actress).[6] Khanna's father died in October 2015.[7]

Career

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Television

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Khanna made her acting debut with the daily soap opera Radhaa Ki Betiyaan Kuch Kar Dikhayengi on NDTV Imagine as "Ragini Sharma".[8] In 2009, Khanna played in Sony TV's comedy show Bhaskar Bharti.[9] Khanna also appeared as a guest in an episode of 10 Ka Dum, Khanna won an amount of 1,000,000 rupees and donated the money for charity.[10] She was also seen as a guest in Imagine TV's reality show Big Money: Chota Parda Bada Game.[citation needed]

In March 2010, Khanna appeared in Star Plus's show Sasural Genda Phool.[11][12][13] She played the lead role as Suhana Kashyap, an arrogant, but good at heart woman who marries a man of a middle class joint family. The show went off air on 21 April 2012. Her portrayal as Suhana won her some awards including BIG Star Most Entertaining Television Actor - Female. She also appeared in a special episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati 4.[14]

 
Khanna with Manish Paul on the sets of Jhalak Dikhhlaa Jaa 5.

In December 2010, Khanna participated in the 4th season of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa.[15][16] and was eliminated at 9th position on 14 February 2011.[17] In 2011, Khanna participated in a celebrity singing reality show Star Ya Rockstar on Zee TV.[18] Khanna's next project was the 5th season of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa as host.[19] She also did a cameo role in Life OK's show Main Lakshmi Tere Aangan Ki.[20] In January 2013, Khanna was seen in Life OK's cookery show Welcome - Baazi Mehmaan-Nawaazi ki.[21] She appeared in Comedy Nights with Kapil and Comedy Nights Live. In 2016, Khanna hosted a show on ABP News called Good Morning with Ragini Khanna.

Films

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In 2011, Khanna made her Hindi Film debut with Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's comedy film Teen They Bhai.[22][23] In 2013, Khanna worked in Punjabi film Bhaji in Problem.[24] the film earned a good box office collection.[citation needed] Khanna is scheduled to feature opposite Nawazuddin Siddiqui in Pushpendra Mishra's comedy film Ghoomketu which was released in 2020 in ZEE5 platform on 22 May 2020 instead of theatrical release due to COVID-19 pandemic in India.[25]

In the media

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Khanna was termed as the "Next Big Thing" on Television by JD Majethia, Varun Badola and Rajan Shahi, in a Hindustan Times poll. They praised the actress for her talent, looks and range of emotions.[26] Hindustan Times further termed her as one of the "most vivacious actresses" on television.[26]

 
Khanna at an event in 2013

Khanna is known for her frank and assertive nature, and has been outspoken on issues including the commercialisation of festivals such as Navratri.[27] She has also indulged in a number of controversies. During Star Ya Rockstar, the actress reacted defensively when her fellow contestants expressed their preference for the performance of another contestant, Chhavi Mittal.[28] In an interview after her elimination from the show, Khanna said, "I always motivated Chhavi whenever she was nervous before her performance. I think I have a certain aura which prompts people to like me. I am always nice to people who are nice to me. I don't throw tantrums for any rhyme or reason."[29] During Life OK's culinary show Welcome, Khanna and her co-contestant Nigaar Khan were seen arguing during the show.[30] Khanna vented her anger against the channel through her Twitter account, where she claimed that in an episode of the show, Khanna's mother's name was mispronounced in a demeaning fashion.[31]

Other works and appearances

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Khanna at the music launch of Ra.One (2011) along with Shah Rukh Khan, Pooja Gaur, Giaa Manek and Sanaya Irani

In 2010, Khanna hosted Diwali Dilo Ki, a Diwali celebration event by Star Plus.[32] In 2011, she hosted the music launch of Ra.One, a Bollywood science-fiction starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor.[33] Khanna then hosted another instalment of Diwali celebration events by Star Plus for the year 2011. The event was titled Diwali Rishton Ki Mithas and Khanna hosted various segments of that event.[34] She also appeared in the promotional video of Ruk Jana Nahi (another Star Plus serial) along with fellow Star Plus actresses Deepika Singh, Nia Sharma and Pooja Gaur.[35]

Brand endorsements

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Khanna is the brand ambassador of 'Beauty with Astrology' science organisation founded by her mother, Kamini Khanna. They have also launched an early morning spiritual and wellness radio show titled 'Seher' on 92.7 BIG FM with Khanna as the brand ambassador.[36] In 2010, Khanna was roped in as judge in Frito-Lay India's consumer campaign titled "Kurkure Spend Time with Family".[37]

Khanna has also walked the ramp at Lakme Fashion Week, IIJW and for various other designers. Khanna was also the brand ambassador of "Mix n Drink" campaign launched by Catch foods] in 2011.[38] In 2013, Khanna featured in the "My Roohafza story" activation campaign launched by Hamdard division.[29][39][31]

Filmography

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Films

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Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2011 Teen Thay Bhai Gurleen Kaur
2013 Bhaji in Problem Preet Cheema Punjabi film
2017 Gurgaon Preet Singh [40]
2019 Posham Pa Shikha Deshpande [41]
2020 Ghoomketu Janki Devi

Television

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Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2008 Radhaa Ki Betiyaan Kuch Kar Dikhayengi Ragini "Gini" Sharma
2009 Bhaskar Bharti Bharti
Dekh India Dekh Contestant
2010–2012 Sasural Genda Phool Suhana Bajpai Kashyap [42]
2010 Big Money: Chota Parda Bada Game Contestant
Meethi Choori No 1
2010–2011 Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 4 6th place
2011 Jubilee Comedy Circus Host
Star Ya Rocktar Contestant [28]
2012 Kahani Comedy Circus Ki
Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 5 Host
2013 Welcome - Baazi Mehmaan Nawaazi Ki Contestant
India's Best Dramebaaz Host
2014 Comedy Nights with Kapil Personality Development Teacher
Gangs of Haseepur Host
Dil Hai Chota Sa Choti Si Asha [43]
2016 Comedy Nights Live Various Characters
Good Morning with Ragini Khanna Host

Special appearances

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Year Title Role Ref.
2008 Jasuben Jayantilaal Joshi Ki Joint Family Ragini Sharma [44]
2009 10 Ka Dum 1 Herself [10]
2010 Kaun Banega Crorepati 4
Tujh Sang Preet Lagai Sajna Suhana Bajpai Kashyap
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai
Comedy Ka Daily Soap [45]
Baat Hamari Pakki Hai
Comedy Circus Ke SuperStars Herself
Sapna Babul Ka...Bidaai Suhana Bajpai Kashyap
2011 Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai
Saath Nibhaana Saathiya
Ruk Jaana Nahin
Comedy Circus Ka Naya Daur Herself
Ratan Ka Rishta
2012 Movers & Shakers Masala Markey
Main Lakshmi Tere Aangan Ki
2013 Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 6 [46]
Badalte Rishton Ki Dastaan [47]
2014 Diya Aur Baati Hum
2017 Rasoi Ki Jung Mummyon Ke Sung [48]
2018 Entertainment Ki Raat
2019 Kitchan Champion 5
2021 Pandya Store Suhana Bajpai Kashyap [49]
Sasural Genda Phool 2

Accolades

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Khanna at Colors Golden Petal Awards, 2012
Year Category Show Result
Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards
2012 Apsara Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series Sasural Genda Phool Won
(tied with Sakshi Tanwar)[50][51]
Indian Television Academy Awards
2010 Best Actress - Drama (Popular) Sasural Genda Phool Nominated[52]
Best Actress - Drama (Jury) Nominated[53]
2013 Best Anchor - Music & Film Based Show India's Best Dramebaaz Nominated[54]
Indian Telly Awards
2010 Best Actress in a Lead Role Sasural Genda Phool Won[55]
2012 Best Actress in a Lead Role (Jury) Nominated[56]
Zee Gold Awards
2011 Best Actor - Female (Popular) Sasural Genda Phool Nominated[57]
Best Celebrity Jodi Nominated[57]

References

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  1. ^ "Govinda's niece had a different dream, but luck made her TV actress". News Track. 9 December 2019. Retrieved 6 July 2021.
  2. ^ "There's nothing real about reality shows: Ragini Khanna - Times of India". The Times of India. 3 March 2013.
  3. ^ "Zee TV's mobile app crosses '1 million downloads' mark". Indian Television Dot Com. 22 April 2013. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
  4. ^ "Vote for Gangs of Hasseepur - Times of India". The Times of India. 18 April 2014.
  5. ^ "Beauty with Astrology by Kaamini Khanna | | BeautywithAstrology.com". Archived from the original on 7 March 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
  6. ^ "I never wanted to be an actor: Ragini - Times of India". The Times of India. 11 June 2009.
  7. ^ "TV actors who passed away in last 2 years". The Times of India. 27 April 2014. Retrieved 24 November 2021.
  8. ^ "Ragini Khanna on a high! - Times of India". The Times of India. 28 May 2008.
  9. ^ "Bhaskar Bharti: Gender-bender - Indian Express". The Indian Express.
  10. ^ a b "Salman & 4 beautiful women! - Times of India". The Times of India. 28 August 2009.
  11. ^ "Ragini Khanna: Talent meets luck - Times of India". The Times of India. 14 March 2010.
  12. ^ "I was offered every new show on TV: Ragini Khanna - Times of India". The Times of India. 15 June 2012.
  13. ^ "Why Ragini Khanna is blank, shocked, disappointed". Archived from the original on 21 April 2012.
  14. ^ "Diwali dhamaka with Big B and the stars". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 30 December 2013. Retrieved 7 September 2013.
  15. ^ "Ragini Khanna goes blind - Times of India". The Times of India. 23 January 2011.
  16. ^ "New faces join popular dance reality show - Hindustan Times". Archived from the original on 20 August 2013. Retrieved 7 September 2013.
  17. ^ "Ragini out of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa - Times of India". The Times of India. 10 February 2011.
  18. ^ "Ragini Khanna on singing debut - Times of India". The Times of India. 22 September 2011.
  19. ^ "Grand finale of 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 5' on Sunday". Samay Live. Archived from the original on 2 October 2012. Retrieved 3 October 2012.
  20. ^ "Kanchi-Arjun exchange rings; Ragini Khanna in Main Lakshmi.. - Times of India". The Times of India. 13 September 2012.
  21. ^ "'I never told people I am Govinda's niece'". Deccan Herald. 30 January 2013.
  22. ^ "Teen Thay Bhai Movie Review {2.5/5}: Critic Review of Teen Thay Bhai by Times of India". The Times of India.
  23. ^ "Teen Thay Bhai: Movie Review - Times of India". The Times of India. 13 April 2012.
  24. ^ "Akshay Kumar to launch Ragini Khanna". Archived from the original on 16 February 2013.
  25. ^ "Ragini Khanna teams with Nawazuddin Siddiqui for Ghoomkethu". Archived from the original on 21 January 2014.
  26. ^ a b "The Next Big Thing: Television actors". Hindustan Times. 3 January 2011. Retrieved 24 July 2021.
  27. ^ "Ragini Khanna speaks on commercialization of festivals".
  28. ^ a b "Ragini smells conspiracy on 'Star Ya Rockstar'!". The Times of India.
  29. ^ a b "I don't throw tantrums: Ragini Khanna". The Times of India. 25 November 2011.
  30. ^ "Catfights continue between Ragini Khanna and Nigaar Khan".
  31. ^ a b "Ragini Khanna irked with Life OK and their show 'Welcome'". dailybhaskar. 26 January 2013.
  32. ^ "Special episodes on telly for festive joy - Times of India". The Times of India. 21 October 2010.
  33. ^ "Ra.One music launch in Mumbai - Times of India". The Times of India. 14 September 2011.
  34. ^ "Diwali Rishton Ki Mithas". Archived from the original on 8 October 2011. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
  35. ^ "Ruk Jaana Nahin - Promo". 20 December 2011. Archived from the original on 15 December 2021 – via YouTube.
  36. ^ "92.7 BIG FM announces Spiritual and Wellness show 'Seher' with Kamini Khanna". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
  37. ^ "Frito Lay's new Kurkure campaign encourages spending time with family". afaqs!. 19 August 2010.
  38. ^ "Catch Foods launches Mix 'n' Drink, a range of summer drinks with Ragini Khanna". Retrieved 10 December 2019.
  39. ^ "Reminiscing lovely Roohafza moments". 20 June 2013.
  40. ^ "Television actress Ragini Khanna's next is Gurgaon". The Indian Express. 20 February 2015. Retrieved 21 June 2015.
  41. ^ "Zee5 announces psychological thriller Posham Pa - Exchange4media". exchange4media.com. 16 July 2019. Retrieved 12 February 2021.
  42. ^ "Who is the prime-time leader?". The Indian Express.
  43. ^ "Now a unique game show only for women - Times of India". The Times of India. 14 September 2014.
  44. ^ "NDTV Imagine presents the grandest Holi celebration". 10 March 2008.
  45. ^ "Krishna meets his cousin Ragini". The Times of India. 31 August 2010. Retrieved 12 February 2021.
  46. ^ "Big show". The Express Tribune. 18 August 2013. Retrieved 12 February 2021.
  47. ^ "Ragini Khanna happy to shoot TV serial after a year". Zee News. 29 April 2013.
  48. ^ "Karishma Tanna and Ragini Khanna's moms share secrets about their daughters". The Times of India. 19 November 2017. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  49. ^ "Hina Khan shoots for 'something special' with Ragini Khanna and Neelu Waghela; see photos". The Times of India. 23 February 2020. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  50. ^ "Starguildawards | Best Inspiration Home Design: Diy Tile Backsplash Kitchen 2019. Modern Small Kitchen 2019. Table For A Small Kitchen 2019". starguildawards.org.
  51. ^ "Starguildawards | Best Inspiration Home Design: Modern Small Kitchen 2019. Modern Kitchen Breakfast Bar 2019. Table For A Small Kitchen 2019". starguildawards.org.
  52. ^ "The 10th Indian Television Academy Awards 2010 Popular Top -4". Archived from the original on 24 September 2015.
  53. ^ "The 10th Indian Television Academy Awards - Top -4 (Jury)". Archived from the original on 1 February 2014.
  54. ^ "THE INDIAN TELEVISION ACADEMY AWARDS 2013 - TOP - 5 NOMINEES (JURY & POPULAR)". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016.
  55. ^ "10th Indian telly awards 2011 Winners". Archived from the original on 16 October 2013. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
  56. ^ "11th Indian telly awards 2012 Winners". Archived from the original on 22 August 2015. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
  57. ^ a b "List of Top finalist for Gold Awards 2011". Retrieved 10 December 2019.
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