Mumbai-based model, actress and television presenter Mandira Bedi was born in Kolkata to Verinder Singh Bedi and Gita Bedi. She studied in Cathedral and John Connon High School in Mumbai and then earned her graduation from St Xavier’s College. She also has a post-graduation degree from Sophia Polytech.

Her first job was with the Ogilvy & Mather advertising agency. However, destiny had other plans. Before she could establish herself in the advertising industry, she received an offer to play the lead in Doordarshan’s daily soap Shanti (1994). The curly haired, independent character in the soap got her recognition and popularity among the masses. After this, she played prominent roles in other soaps such as Dushman (2001), Aurat, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi (2001), 24 (2013), and more.

She has also hosted numerous reality shows like Deal Ya No Deal, Fame Gurukul, Indian Idol Junior and others. She also participated in Fear Factor India, the adventure reality show.

The beautiful actress has also appeared in several Hindi films such as Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995), Shaadi Ka Ladoo (2004), Dus Kahaniyan (2007), and Meerabai Not Out (2008). However, she is best known as the first woman to host a cricket show in India. The actress has been very passionate about cricket and grabbed the opportunity when Sony Television asked to host the show Extra Innings.

Bedi is also been actively involved in theatre and has acted in two plays: Laughing Wild (95 shows) and Anything But Love (150 shows). She has also hosted award ceremonies like the MTV Immies, the Car and Bike Awards 2008 for NDTV Profit, the Environment awards for CNN-IBN in 2009, the 2004 edition of the ICC awards and two editions of the Ceat Cricket Ratings Awards (2004 and 2011).

She has also featured on the covers of well-known magazines like Femina, Maxim India, Prevention, Good Housekeeping, Marie Claire and Cosmopolitan. She has done many fashion features for magazines like Verve, Vogue India, Grazia, Elle and L'Officiel also. The fashionista also recently started up her own signature line of designer saris.

Bedi is married to director Raj Kaushal and has a son with him. Her most recent appearance on screen was in the comedy film O Teri (2014).