Personal details
Born:
- Birthday: 1987-08-05
- Born Place: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Also Known As:
Genelia, ஜெனிலியா, Дженелия Де Суза, Genelia Deshmukh
Genelia D'Souza
Genelia D'Souza, also known as Genelia Deshmukh, is an Indian actress and entrepreneur celebrated for her versatile performances in multiple Indian film industries, including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Marathi. Born on August 5, 1987, in Mumbai, she began her career in 2003 with the Hindi film Tujhe Meri Kasam, which led to her debut in Tamil cinema with Boys and Telugu cinema with Satyam. Her breakthrough came with the Telugu film Bommarillu (2006), where she portrayed Hasini, earning her the Nandi Award for Best Actress. She further gained recognition in Bollywood with Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na (2008), playing Aditi, a role that resonated with audiences for its relatability and charm. After her marriage to actor Riteish Deshmukh in 2012, Genelia took a hiatus from acting to focus on her family. She made a successful comeback in 2022 with the Marathi film Ved, directed by Riteish, which was both a commercial success and showcased their on-screen chemistry. In 2025, she returned to Bollywood with Sitaare Zameen Par, starring opposite Aamir Khan. Her portrayal in this film has been praised for its emotional depth and authenticity. Beyond acting, Genelia is an entrepreneur and co-founder of the plant-based nutrition brand Imagine Meats, advocating for sustainable food choices and a healthy lifestyle. She is also involved in television hosting, having co-hosted the game show Ladies vs Gentlemen alongside Riteish Deshmukh.
