Archana Puran Singh is an Indian film actress best known for her comic performances and supporting roles in various films. She was born in Dehradun, but later moved to Mumbai to make a career in tinsel town.

Archana started off with TV commercials and an advertisement produced by Jalal Agha caught the attention of the Adhikari brothers who signed her for the lead role in their TV serial Shriman Shrimati that aired on Doordarshan. Archana’s perfect comic timing and talent was noticed in this popular series and she got several film offers.

She made her debut in films with Jalwa (1987) starring Naseeruddin Shah, in which she played the role of a girl called Jojo who helps the hero on his quest. The film was a hit but Archana did not get noticed. During this period she did not get substantial roles and decided to do supporting roles in big films like Agneepath (1990), Saudagar (1991), Shola Aur Shabnam (1992) and Aashik Aawara (1993). This was the time when Archana experimented with the kind of roles that she was getting.

Raja Hindustani (1996) was a hit and Archana was noticed for her negative role in the film. She also appeared in a few dance numbers in films including Baaz (1992) and Judge Mujrim (1997).

Comedy is however, Archana’s forte and she is best remembered for her comic roles in films, in particular her iconic role as Miss Braganza in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) which won her a Star Screen Award and got her nominated for a Filmfare Award. Some other films that she is best remembered for are Mohabbatein (2000) where she played Preeto, Love Story 2050 (2008), Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! (2008), and Bol Bachchan (2012).

She continues to be active with her latest being Dolly Ki Doli (2015).

However, her career in TV spelled out more success for her and some of her memorable shows include Wah, Kya Scene Hai (1993) on Zee TV, Uncensored and Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron. Next she showcased her wit and humour as a TV show host with Archana Talkies produced by Sony TV India.

She married actor Parmeet Sethi in 1992 and the couple has two sons. The couple took part in Nach Baliye (2005) a reality dance show but were eliminated after a few rounds. They were the anchors for a similar show titled Jhalak Dikhla Jaa (2006) the next year. Archana was also the judge of the Comedy Circus series.