Kiara Advani’s career has evolved from a relatively quiet debut to a string of commercially successful films, with performances in M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, Kabir Singh, Good Newwz, Shershaah and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 helping establish her as one of Hindi cinema’s prominent leading actors.
Kiara Advani’s journey in Bollywood has been marked by gradual progress rather than an overnight breakthrough. After entering the industry with Fugly, the actor spent the early part of her career searching for roles that could give her wider recognition.
Over the years, a series of prominent film appearances changed the trajectory of her career and brought her a much larger audience.
Kiara Advani’s early Bollywood years
Kiara made her Hindi-film debut with Fugly in 2014. The film did not become a major commercial success, and her initial years in the industry were relatively low-key.
Her career began to gather momentum with M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, the 2016 biographical sports drama directed by Neeraj Pandey. Kiara played Sakshi Dhoni, the wife of Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni, portrayed by Sushant Singh Rajput.
The film’s strong reception gave Kiara considerably greater visibility and helped her move into more prominent projects.
From supporting roles to leading positions
Kiara’s next phase involved a mixture of commercial cinema and different character types.
Her appearance in Kabir Singh in 2019 brought her widespread attention. The Sandeep Reddy Vanga-directed film, starring Shahid Kapoor and Kiara, became one of the year’s major box-office successes, although its portrayal of relationships and its central character generated considerable debate.
That same year, Kiara appeared in Good Newwz, alongside Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Diljit Dosanjh. The comedy-drama became another commercially successful release and further strengthened her position in mainstream Hindi cinema.
Shershaah became another important milestone
One of the defining films of Kiara’s career came with Shershaah, the 2021 war drama based on the life of Param Vir Chakra awardee Captain Vikram Batra.
Kiara played Dimple Cheema, Batra’s partner, opposite Sidharth Malhotra, who portrayed the army officer.
Released on Amazon Prime Video, the film received significant attention from audiences and critics. Kiara’s performance also became an important part of the conversation around the film and demonstrated her ability to take on a more emotionally driven role.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 expanded her commercial appeal
Kiara followed this phase with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, released in 2022. Directed by Anees Bazmee, the horror-comedy starred Kartik Aaryan, Tabu and Kiara.
The film became one of the major Hindi box-office successes of 2022. Its performance further established Kiara as an actor capable of working successfully in large-scale commercial productions.
She subsequently appeared in films including Jugjugg Jeeyo, Satyaprem Ki Katha and Game Changer, continuing to work across different genres and industries.
Kiara Advani after marriage and motherhood
Kiara married actor Sidharth Malhotra in February 2023. The couple welcomed their daughter in July 2025.
Her transition into motherhood has also become part of public interest surrounding her career. Rather than treating marriage or parenthood as an endpoint to her professional journey, Kiara has continued to remain involved in film projects.
Her career choices have also contributed to wider conversations among actors about balancing demanding film schedules with personal and family responsibilities.
What’s next for Kiara Advani?
Kiara continues to be associated with major film projects, including Toxic, the action drama starring Yash and directed by Geetu Mohandas.
Her career so far illustrates a gradual progression: an underperforming debut, a breakthrough supporting role, commercially successful mainstream films, and performances in projects that have allowed her to explore different genres.
From Fugly to films such as M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, Kabir Singh, Good Newwz, Shershaah and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, Kiara Advani’s Bollywood journey has developed through a succession of opportunities rather than a single defining moment.
