Anubhav Mohanty (born 24 December 1981) is not just a celebrated Indian actor, but also a social activist and politician who has made his mark far beyond the silver screen. Best known for his blockbuster roles in Odia cinema, Mohanty has also appeared in Bengali films and enjoys a huge fan following, especially in his home state of Odisha.
Early Steps into Stardom
Before he became a household name, Anubhav began his journey in the entertainment world through Odia music videos. His charm and screen presence quickly grabbed attention, paving the way for his big break in films.
In 2004, he debuted in I Love You opposite Namrata Thapa, and the movie became an instant hit. The same year saw him in Saathire and Barsha My Darling, solidifying his entry into Ollywood. From then on, there was no looking back.
The Rise of a Superstar
Through the late 2000s and early 2010s, Anubhav delivered one hit after another. Films like Nei Jare Megha Mote (2008), Suna Chadhei Mo Rupa Chadhei (2009), Akashe Ki Ranga Lagila (2009), Balunga Toka (2011), Something Something (2012), and Haata Dhari Chaaluthaa (2013) turned him into Ollywood’s undisputed superstar.
His action roles in ACP Ranveer and romantic dramas like Mo Duniya Tu Hi Tu showcased his versatility. Many of these films didn’t just run well at the box office — they became cultural touchpoints for Odia cinema fans.
In 2012, riding high on the success of Balunga Toka, he launched his own production house, Vishnupriyaa Arts & Graphics. That same year, his movie Something Something became one of the biggest Odia hits ever.
He even tested the waters in Bengali cinema with films like Premi No.1 and Saathi Amaar, making special appearances alongside leading Bengali stars.
By 2019, Anubhav took on a new challenge with Biju Babu, one of the most expensive Odia films ever produced by Nila Madhab Panda. Though it sparked controversy and didn’t perform as expected, it reflected Anubhav’s ambition to elevate Odia cinema to bigger platforms.
From Reel to Real: Entering Politics
In April 2013, Anubhav surprised many when he joined the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), shifting gears from reel hero to real-life changemaker. Just a year later, in June 2014, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha, becoming the youngest parliamentarian of the Upper House at the time.
His political journey gained momentum in 2019 when he contested the Lok Sabha elections from Kendrapara. Anubhav won convincingly, defeating veteran politician Baijayant Panda. This marked his arrival as a serious political figure, not just a celebrity candidate.
However, politics is never a smooth ride. On 30 March 2024, Anubhav resigned from the BJD, citing suffocation and a lack of freedom within the party. Within days, on 1 April 2024, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in New Delhi, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and leadership. His switch was seen as a bold and calculated political move ahead of the 2024 general elections.
Awards & Recognition
Over the years, Anubhav has bagged multiple awards including the Odisha State Film Award and Tarang Cine Awards for Best Actor. Movies like Akashe Ki Ranga Lagila, Balunga Toka, Something Something, and Abhaya brought him critical acclaim as well as mass popularity.
Personal Life
Anubhav’s personal life has often been in the public eye. He married actress Barsha Priyadarshini in 2014, but their relationship soon faced turbulence. In 2020, Barsha filed a domestic violence case, leading to a long and very public legal battle. Anubhav responded by filing for divorce.
In December 2023, the Orissa High Court granted him a divorce decree, ruling in his favor and denying permanent alimony due to the conduct of his ex-wife.
In 2025, Anubhav found love again and married Jagruti Shukla, a journalist. The wedding marked a fresh chapter in his personal journey.
The Man Behind the Stardom
What makes Anubhav Mohanty stand out is his ability to reinvent himself — from a music video face to Ollywood’s superstar, from a film producer to a parliamentarian, and now as a rising figure in national politics.
Loved by millions in Odisha, Anubhav continues to carry the weight of public expectations, whether it’s in cinema or in governance. His story is a testament to resilience, ambition, and the ability to navigate both stardom and struggle.
