Amruta Khanvilkar Early work and film debut (2004–2009):
- Reality Show Beginnings (2004): Amruta started by participating in a popular talent hunt show, “India’s Best Cinestars Ki Khoj,” though she didn’t win the top spot.
- Small Screen Appearances (2004-2005): Despite not winning the competition, her talent was recognized. She landed roles in television shows like “Ada” and “Time Bomb 9/11” during this period.
- Short Film Debut (2004): In the same year (2004), she co-starred in a Hindi short film titled “Saanjh,” which even went on to win a National Film Award.
- Marathi and Hindi Film Debuts (2006-2007): After showcasing her talent on television and short films, Amruta finally made her film debut in Marathi with the movie “Golmaal” in 2006. The same year, she stepped into Bollywood with “Mumbai Salsa”.
- Early Filmography (2007-2009): Following her debut, Amruta appeared in several films like “Saade Maade Teen” and “Hattrick” (Hindi). She also received a nomination for her role in the horror film “Phoonk”.
This period (2004-2009) served as a launching pad for Amruta Khanvilkar, establishing her presence in both Marathi and Hindi cinema.
Amruta Khanvilkar Breakthrough and career advancement (2010–2013):
- Commercial Success (2010): The year 2010 marked a turning point in Amruta’s career with the commercial success of the Marathi film “Nach Baliye.” This film established her as a bankable actress in Marathi cinema.
- Critical Acclaim (2011): Following commercial success, Amruta’s performance in the 2011 Marathi film “Shrimant Damodar Pant” brought her critical acclaim. She garnered appreciation for her portrayal of a complex character.
- Versatility and Experimentation (2012-2013): This period saw Amruta showcasing her versatility by taking on diverse roles. She appeared in films like “Raakhee” (comedy thriller), “Ajintha” (historical drama), and “Chasme Negare” (romantic comedy) .
- Continued Success in Marathi and Hindi (2012-2013): While Marathi cinema remained her focus, Amruta also continued to work in Hindi films during this time. She had roles in movies like “Raaz 3” and “Satya+2”.
By the year 2013, Amruta Khanvilkar had successfully transitioned from newcomer to established actress, having achieved both commercial success and critical recognition in Marathi cinema. Her Hindi film appearances continued, showcasing her ability to navigate across both industries.
Amruta Khanvilkar Further career and acclaim (2015–2021):
- Marathi Cinema Prominence (2015-2018): This period saw Amruta solidify her position as a leading actress in Marathi cinema. She delivered critically acclaimed performances in films like “Katyar Kaljat Ghusli” (2015), “Well Done Baby” (2017), and “Chief Minister” (2019).
- Expanding Filmography (2015-2021): While Marathi cinema remained her strong base, Amruta continued to explore Hindi films. She appeared in movies like “Badrinath Ki Dulhania” (2017) and “Malaika” (2019).
- Digital Debut and OTT Platform Presence (2018-2021): Keeping pace with changing trends, Amruta marked her digital debut with the web series “Hindi Medium 2” on Disney+ Hotstar in 2018. This opened doors to further projects on OTT platforms like “Fittrat” (2021) on MX Player.
- Producer and Entrepreneur (2018-Present): Venturing beyond acting, Amruta turned producer in 2018 with the Marathi film “Raazi”. This marked a new chapter in her career, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit.
- Awards and Recognition (2015-2021): Amruta’s talent continued to be recognized during this period. She received several awards for her performances, including the Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for “Katyar Kaljat Ghusli” (2015).
By 2021, Amruta Khanvilkar had established herself as a multifaceted artist in the Indian entertainment industry. She excelled not only as an actress but also as a producer, dancer, and singer. Her ability to adapt to the changing entertainment landscape, including the rise of OTT platforms, solidified her position in the industry.
Amruta Khanvilkar Established actress (2022–present):
- Critical and Commercial Success (2022): This phase witnessed Amruta reaching new heights with the critically acclaimed and commercially successful Marathi film “Chandramukhi” (2022). Her portrayal of the titular character garnered immense praise, solidifying her place as a powerhouse performer.
- First Marathi Actress on Filmfare Cover (2022): A landmark achievement for Amruta came in 2022 when she became the first Marathi actor to be featured on the cover of Filmfare magazine, a prestigious Bollywood publication. This recognition highlighted her impact on the Marathi film industry.
- Versatility Beyond Acting (2022-present): Amruta continues to showcase her multifaceted talents. In 2022, she debuted as a singer with the devotional song “Akkal Yeu De”. Additionally, she impressed audiences with her first Kathak performance in 2023, paying homage to the legendary Madhubala .
- Continued Work in Films and Web Series (2022-present): Amruta remains active in films, with recent projects like “Har Har Mahadev” (2022) and upcoming appearances in web series like “Lootere” and “VideoCam Scam” (both slated for release in 2024) .
Amruta Khanvilkar’s journey from 2022 onwards signifies her unwavering dedication to her craft and her willingness to explore new avenues. She remains a force to be reckoned with in the Indian entertainment industry, inspiring audiences with her talent and versatility.
Upcoming Projects:
Web Series “Heeramandi”:
Amruta Khanvilkar expressed her excitement after the announcement of “Heeramandi”, an international web series directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
She considers it a manifestation of her dream to work with Hansal Mehta and is thrilled about being part of this project.
The series is expected to be a grand and captivating production, given Bhansali’s reputation for creating visually stunning narratives.
Web Series “Lootere”:
Amruta is currently receiving praise for her performance in Hansal Mehta’s web series “Lootere”.
She plays the only female lead in the series, which revolves around a hijacked ship and a male-dominated environment.
Despite the challenges, she relished the opportunity to take away all the credit in a series without any other female artists.
Marathi Films:
Amruta has two Marathi films ready for release, although specific details about these projects are not mentioned.
Amruta Khanvilkar Other work and media image:
- Reality TV Show Participation: Amruta has showcased her competitive spirit and entertainment skills by participating in popular reality shows. She emerged victorious in “Nach Baliye 7” (dance competition) and was a contestant in “Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 10” (adventure show) .
- Hosting and Anchoring: Amruta’s charisma and talent extend to hosting duties. She has anchored shows like “Dance Maharashtra Dance” and “Dance India Dance 6,” demonstrating her ability to connect with audiences.
- Stage Performances: Amruta’s artistic journey extends to theatre. She has actively participated in Marathi theatre productions, showcasing her acting prowess beyond the screen.
- Social Media Presence: Amruta actively engages with fans on social media platforms. She shares glimpses of her life, promotes fitness and healthy living, and raises awareness about social issues.
- Singer and Dancer: As mentioned earlier, Amruta is a multi-talented artist. She has lent her voice to playback singing in some of her films and is a trained dancer, adding another dimension to her performances.
Through her diverse endeavors, Amruta Khanvilkar has cultivated a media image as a talented and multifaceted entertainer. Her presence on reality shows, theatre, and social media, and her skills as a singer and dancer showcase her well-rounded artistry and connect her with a wider audience.
Accolades:
Maharashtracha Favourite Kon (MFK) Awards:
Amruta Khanvilkar has won the MFK Award three times, showcasing her popularity among the audience in Maharashtra.
Maharashtra State Film Awards:
Her performance in the epic musical drama “Katyar Kaljat Ghusali” (2015) earned her praise and nominations at the Maharashtra State Film Awards.
Filmfare Awards Marathi:
Amruta has been nominated three times for the Filmfare Awards Marathi, recognizing her outstanding contributions to Marathi cinema.
Stardust Awards:
She received an Exciting New Face nomination at the Stardust Awards for her role in the horror film “Phoonk”.
CineRockom International Film Festival:
For her role in ‘Aayna Ka Bayna,’ she received the Best Actress honor at the 2013 CineRockom International Film Festival.
ScreenXX Summit & Awards and IWMBuzz Digital Awards:
Her portrayal of a lady serial killer in the crime thriller “Damaged” earned her recognition in the Negative Performer category.
Zee Talkies Comedy Awards:
Amruta won the Best Actress award for her performance in the comedy film “Choricha Mamla” (2020).
Fakt Marathi Cine Sanman:
Her role as the tamasha dancer in the romantic drama “Chandramukhi” (2022) garnered her critical acclaim and several awards, including the Fakt Marathi Cine Sanman.
Other Honors:
She received the Lokmat Maharashtra’s Most Stylish award in 2017.
The Majha Sanman Puraskar recognized her contribution to the arts.
The Pune Times Mirror Hall of Fame Award acknowledged her impact in the field of cinema and entertainment.
Controversies:
Chandramukhi Controversy with Manasi Naik:
In 2022, the Marathi film “Chandramukhi” became embroiled in controversy. Actress Manasi Naik claimed that she was initially approached for the titular role and even stated that she would have portrayed Chandramukhi better than Amruta Khanvilkar.
Amruta Khanvilkar finally addressed this issue during a chat show on the OTT platform Planet Marathi. She mentioned that it’s common in the industry to be offered a film and then have another actor eventually play the role. She emphasized that she doesn’t care who was approached before her and focused on her commitment to the character.
“Nach Baliye 6” Win Controversy:
In 2015, Amruta Khanvilkar and her husband Himanshoo Malhotra faced criticism for winning the reality dance show “Nach Baliye 6” allegedly through unfair means. They were accused of violating the rules by urging their fans to vote for them a day before their final performance was telecasted on TV.
Public Voting Controversy:
During the reality TV show “Nach Baliye”, Himanshoo Malhotra and Amruta Khanvilkar appealed for votes on social media, which violated the rules of the show. This raised questions about the authenticity of public voting in reality TV shows.
