Jennifer Winget (born 30 May 1985) is an Indian actress and television host. She is one of highest-paid television actresses and also the recipient of several accolades including Indian Television Academy Awards. She started her career as a child actor with the 1995 film Akele Hum Akele Tum and made her TV debut in 2002 with Shaka Laka Boom Boom. She gained recognition for her roles as Sneha Bajaj in Kasautii Zindagii Kay, Ganga Bhatia in Sangam and Dr. Riddhima Gupta in Dill Mill Gayye. Winget established herself as an actress with her portrayal of Kumud Sundari Desai in Saraswatichandra, Maya Mehrotra in the psychological thriller series Beyhadh and Zoya Siddiqui in romantic drama series Bepannah. Winget ventured into webseries with ALT Balaji's crime drama Code M for which she was nominated at the Filmfare OTT Awards for Best Actress Series (Female).

Early life

Winget was born on 30 May 1985 in Bombay, (present-day Mumbai), India. She is the daughter of a Punjabi Hindu mother, Prabha, and a Maharashtrian Christian father, Hemant Winget, and is often mistaken for a person of non-Indian origins due to her western first name.

Career

Early work (1995–2009)

Winget started her career as a child actor with the 1995 film Akele Hum Akele Tum and later appeared as a School kid in 1997 film Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat which starring Rani Mukerji. At the age of 15 she was seen in the 2000 film Raja Ko Rani Se Pyar Ho Gaya as Tanu, and then appeared as a supporting actor in the Indian film Kuch Naa Kaho at the age of 18. Later, she went on to work in various Indian TV shows. Winget's big break as the lead in television came with the show Karthika, where she played the role of a struggling singer who dreams of making it big. She later starred in Kasautii Zindagii Kay, where she played Sneha, the daughter of the protagonists Shweta Tiwari and her performance was praised. Then she replaced Kavita Kaushik as Natasha in Kyaa Hoga Nimmo Kaa. In 2007, she was seen playing Svetlana in StarPlus popular drama Kahin To Hoga. From 2007–2009 she was portrayed the female protagonist Ganga Bhatia in StarPlus drama Sangam. In 2008, she participated in Star One's dance reality show Zara Nach Ke Dikha 1 and emerged as the Winner of the show. After winning the former, she hosted the second season of the show along with Dekh India Dekh and the comedy Laughter Ke Phatke both 2009–2010.

Breakthrough in Saraswatichandra (2010–2015)

The same year, she replaced Sukirti Kandpal as Dr. Riddhima Gupta in the medical youth show Dill Mill Gayye opposite Karan Singh Grover and Karan Wahi. It revolves around Young aspiring medical interns join Sanjeevani in hopes of becoming the best doctors. In 2011, she was seen hosted the comedy show Comedy Ka Maha Muqabala and the dance show Nachle Ve with Saroj Khans finale episode. Two years later, In 2013, she starred in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's television show Saraswatichandra as the protagonist Kumud Desai opposite Gautam Rode. The story revolves around classic tale of love and heartbreak, Saras and Kumud are soulmates who are repeatedly denied the joy of being together. For her performance she received several accolades including the Indian Television Academy Award for Best Actress Critics.

Established with Beyhadh and Bepannaah (2016–present)

Following a two year absence, Winget returned in 2016 portrayed her notable role Maya Mehrotra in Sony TV's psychological thriller series Beyhadh. Her portrayal of a complex and obsessive character earned her critical acclaim and a massive fan following. For her performance she earned numerous accolades and appreciation including Indian Television Academy Awards for Best Actress (Jury) respectively. In 2018, she starred as Zoya Siddiqui in Colors TV's romantic drama series Bepannaah opposite Harshad Chopda. It focuses the story of two protagonists Zoya and Aditya who meet in the most unfortunate circumstances. She received praise for her exceptional acting skills, At the Gold Awards, she earned Best Actress (Jury) and Indian Telly Awards for Best Actress in Lead Role. After the success of first season, In 2019, she starred portrayed the role of Maya Jaisingh in Sony TV's revenge romantic thriller Beyhadh 2 a spiritual successor 2016 series of Beyhadh opposite Ashish Chaudhary and Shivin Narang. From 2020-22, She ventured into web world with ALT Balaji's crime drama series Code M where she portrayed the role of Major Monica Mehra. Ruchi Kaushal for Hindustan Times wrote "Winget makes an impressive debut on the digital platform as an army lawyer who delves into a high-profile case just days before her wedding". For her performance she was nominated at the Filmfare OTT Awards for Best Actress Series (Female).

Personal life

Winget married Karan Singh Grover on 9 April 2012. In November 2014, Winget stated that she and Grover had separated.

Media image

Winget has established herself as one of the most popular and highest paid television actress in India. She is widely noted for her powerful and impactful onscreen roles and performances. She ranked 5th in Rediff's Top 10 Television Actresses list of 2014. In UK-based newspaper Eastern Eye's List of 50 Sexiest Asian Women, she ranked 21st in 2012. In 2013, she ranked 15th. In 2018, she ranked 13th. Winget became Times of India's was ranked in Times 20 Most Desirable Women on Television List at 2nd in both 2017 and 2018. She has also been cover model for various magazines. In 2022, Winget contributed to the fight for India’s elephants by spending three days volunteering with Wildlife SOS.

Filmography

Films

Television

Web Series

Music videos

Special appearances

Accolades