Hrishitaa Bhatt was born on 10 May 1981 in the city of dreams, Bombay, into a Bengali-speaking family. While studying at Trinity College, London, she learned Kathakali and started her lessons with well-known choreographer Shiamak Davar. She also bagged a few modelling assignments. It was the Liril soap commercial that brought her into the limelight. Her innocent looks, amiable personality, and screen presence brought her many opportunities, including music videos. Bhatt soon bagged a role in the historical drama Ashoka (2001) opposite Shah Rukh Khan. The film also starred Kareena Kapoor. After this, Bhatt played the lead role in Shararat (2002) opposite Abhishek Bachchan. She then appeared in several films in quick succession. The list includes Dil Vil Pyar Vyar (2002), Shahid Kapoor's debut film as an actor, Out Of Control (2003), Haasil (2003), Charas: A Joint Operation (2004), Ab Tak Chhappan (2004), Kisna: The Warrior Poet (2005), Jawani Diwani: A Youthful Joyride (2006), and Heyy Baby (2007).

Most of Bhatt's Hindi films after 2007 failed to make a mark at the box office. But Bhatt made a mark in Kannada and Bengali cinema as well.