174.92.41.192 at 01:32, 19 June 2025

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{{Short description|Indian actress, model and film producer (born 1984)}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2022}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Nitu Chandra
| image = Neetu Chandra poses post the National Award win for Mithila Makhaan (cropped).jpg
| caption = Nitu in 2017
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1984|06|20}}
| birth_place = [[Patna]], [[Bihar]], [[India]]
| birth_name = Neetu Chandra Srivastava
| occupation = [[Actress]], [[film producer]], [[model (person)|model]], [[martial artist]]
| relatives = {{hlist|[[Nitin Chandra]] (brother)}}
| years_active = 2003–present
}}

'''Nitu Chandra''' (born '''Neetu Chandra Srivastava''' on June 20, 1984) is an Indian actress, model, film producer and theatre artist. She has worked in [[Bollywood|Hindi]], [[Kollywood|Tamil]] and [[Telugu cinema|Telugu]] films.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Neetu-Chandras-Mithila-Makhaan-wins-Best-Maithili-Film-National-Award/articleshow/51614931.cms |title='Mithila Makhaan' has something for all: Neetu Chandra |work=The Times of India |access-date=18 July 2016 |archive-date=2 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402194626/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Neetu-Chandras-Mithila-Makhaan-wins-Best-Maithili-Film-National-Award/articleshow/51614931.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> She is also a classical dancer and a sportsperson, involved in the promotion of [[basketball]] in the country through her close association with the NBA and [[Taekwondo]], being a fourth Dan black-belt.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Neetu-Chandra-receives-second-black-belt-in-Taekwondo/articleshow/16838987.cms |title='Taekwondo' has something for all: Neetu Chandra |work=The Times of India |access-date=18 July 2016 |archive-date=1 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001052300/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Neetu-Chandra-receives-second-black-belt-in-Taekwondo/articleshow/16838987.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> She has her own production house named ''Champaran Talkies'', winning the [[National Film Award]] for the film ''[[Mithila Makhaan]]'' in the category of Best [[Maithili Cinema|Maithili Film]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.champaran-talkies.com/ |title='Champaran Talkies' has something for all: Neetu Chandra |work=Champaran Talkies |access-date=18 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816212246/http://www.champaran-talkies.com/ |archive-date=16 August 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The national award-winning film was directed by her brother Nitin Chandra.

==Early life and education==
Nitu Chandra was born on 20 June 1984 in [[Patna]], [[Bihar]]. Her mother tongue is [[Bhojpuri language|Bhojpuri]].<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite news |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/bhojpuri-film-industry-not-growing-neetu-chandra-news-national-njesuugecfj.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140125061902/http://www.sify.com/movies/bhojpuri-film-industry-not-growing-neetu-chandra-news-national-njesuugecfj.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=25 January 2014 |title=Bhojpuri film industry not growing: Neetu Chandra |website=[[Sify]] |date=4 September 2013 |access-date=1 February 2014}}</ref> She was educated at the [[Notre Dame Academy, Patna]] and completed her undergraduate education at Delhi's [[Indraprastha College]].<ref>{{ cite news|title=Neetu shoots kick & punch|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120903/jsp/bihar/story_15928618.jsp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714155220/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120903/jsp/bihar/story_15928618.jsp|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 July 2014|newspaper=[[The Telegraph (Calcutta)]]|date=3 September 2012|access-date=7 July 2014 }}</ref> She started modelling and Nitu gives credit of her success to her mother, a native of [[East Champaran]] in Bihar.{{Citation needed|date=December 2024}} She has appeared in several [[advertisements]] and videos for firms since her graduation. She holds two Dan [[black belts]] in [[Taekwondo]] and represented [[India]] in the 1997 [[World Taekwondo Championships]] in [[Hong Kong]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Neetu Chandra receives second black belt in Taekwondo |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Neetu-Chandra-receives-second-black-belt-in-Taekwondo/articleshow/16838987.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729130255/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-10-17/news-interviews/34500427_1_black-belt-neetu-chandra-red-belts |url-status=live |archive-date=29 July 2013 |access-date=20 January 2013 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |date=17 October 2012}}</ref>

Chandra's brother is Nitin Chandra who directed the movie ''Deswa''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Patna-boy-to-represent-India-at-global-business-meet-in-Ireland/articleshow/19400352.cms |title=Patna boy to represent India at global business meet in Ireland |website=The Times of India |date=5 April 2013 |access-date=28 May 2016 |archive-date=11 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150811053049/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Patna-boy-to-represent-India-at-global-business-meet-in-Ireland/articleshow/19400352.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Acting career==
Chandra debuted in the Hindi film industry in 2005 with ''[[Garam Masala (2005 film)|Garam Masala]]'' in which she portrayed the role of Sweety, an air-hostess. She also acted in ''[[Godavari (2006 film)|Godavari]]'', a [[Cinema of Andhra Pradesh|Telugu]] film, in 2006. In 2007 she appeared in [[Madhur Bhandarkar]]'s film, ''[[Traffic Signal (film)|Traffic Signal]]''.

In 2008, she had four releases, being directed by [[Dibakar Banerjee]], Rahul Dholakia, Ashwini Dheer and Vikram. Her [[Tamil film]], ''[[Yavarum Nalam]]'' with [[R. Madhavan|Madhavan]], released in 2009, was declared a major hit. In 2010 she was seen in four Hindi films, ''[[Rann (film)|Rann]]'', ''[[Apartment (film)|Apartment]]'', ''[[No Problem (2010 film)|No Problem]]'', in which she made a special appearance, and ''[[Sadiyaan]]'', and one Tamil film, ''[[Theeradha Vilaiyattu Pillai]]''.{{Citation needed|date= January 2022}}

In 2011 ''[[Deswa]]'', a [[Bhojpuri cinema|Bhojpuri]] film which she produced and which was directed by her brother, was released.<ref>{{cite news |title=Timing relief for Deswa |date=12 December 2011 |newspaper=The Telegraph |location=Calcutta |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1111212/jsp/bihar/story_14868289.jsp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120911094233/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1111212/jsp/bihar/story_14868289.jsp |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 September 2012 |access-date=13 December 2011}}</ref>

In 2013, she acted in the Tamil-language action film ''[[Ameerin Aadhi-Bhagavan]]'' alongside [[Jayam Ravi]]. In 2013 she had completed filming for a Greek film ''Home Sweet Home'',<ref>{{cite web |agency=Indo-Asian News Service |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-07-04/news-interviews/40370411_1_neetu-chandra-greek-film-oye-lucky |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203025153/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-07-04/news-interviews/40370411_1_neetu-chandra-greek-film-oye-lucky |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 December 2013 |title=Rediscovered myself with my Greek film: Neetu Chandra |date=4 July 2013 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=13 December 2013}}</ref> in which she plays an Indian girl. On the recommendation of the director [[Anurag Kashyap]], she auditioned for the film via [[Skype]]. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Bollywood/Neetu-in-awe-of-her-Greek-film-look/Article1-881284.aspx |title=Neetu in awe of her Greek film look |work=Hindustan Times |date=3 July 2012 |access-date=13 December 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208042917/http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/neetu-in-awe-of-her-greek-film-look/article1-881284.aspx |archive-date=8 December 2013 }}</ref> She had to learn Greek for the film and also dubbed herself. Later it was revealed that ''Home Sweet Home'' was the working title of the film and the film's actual name was ''Block 12'' where she played an Indian goddess. The film was released in 2013 and was bilingual (it was shot in English and Greek). <ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Neetu-Chandra-Anurag-Kashyap-Kyriakos-Tofaridis-Randeep-Hooda/articleshow/22290267.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130908063257/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-09-05/news-interviews/41766480_1_neetu-chandra-greek-film-kyriakos-tofaridis |url-status=live |archive-date=8 September 2013 |title=I'm too young for marriage: Neetu Chandra |date=5 September 2013 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=13 December 2013}}</ref> She has two Hindi films, ''Kusar Prasad Ka Bhoot'' and ''Shooter'', coming up.<ref name="autogenerated1"/>

In 2020, she appeared in the Hollywood show ''Gown and out in Beverly Hills'' with Bollywood actor Sammy John Heaney.{{Citation needed|date=June 2023}}In 2021, she made her Hollywood film debut through a woman-centric martial arts film ''[[Never Back Down: Revolt]]'' which is the standalone sequel to ''[[Never Back Down: No Surrender]]'' and the fourth installment overall in the ''[[Never Back Down (film series)|Never Back Down]]'' franchise. Unlike its predecessors in the franchise, the film is much darker in tone. She plays a female martial artist named Jaya in that film. She revealed that in 2019, when she was invited to the special screening of ''[[Bad Boys For Life]]'' at [[Sony Pictures Studios]], she met the producer of the film [[David Zelon]] at the screening who was looking for an Indian actress for the film at that time. Zelon was impressed by her diverse film portfolio and martial arts experience and she was selected for the role without having any audition or look test. Chandra went on a vegan diet and did rigorous exercise in order to prepare for her role. She did all of her stunts in that film without using any body double. The film was released digitally and on [[DVD|DVDs]] on 16 November 2021 and it received mixed reviews.

==Other work==
Chandra became the brand ambassador for the Hoop, a Gitanjali brand.<ref>{{cite news |first=Chuman |last=Das |date=29 January 2009 |url=http://www.businessofcinema.com/news.php?newsid=11729 |title=Neetu Chandra signs her first ad campaign |publisher=Businessofcinema.com |access-date=1 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120718193645/http://www.businessofcinema.com/news.php?newsid=11729 |archive-date=18 July 2012 }}</ref> She also took part in a commercial for [[Mysore Sandal Soap]]. Nitu Chandra also appeared in music director [[Ismail Darbar]]'s [[music video]] "Rasiya Saajan" along with [[Zubeen Garg]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/2007-30-screens-in-u-k/ |title=| Bollywood News | Celebrity News |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |access-date=10 July 2012 |archive-date=3 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120903225816/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/2007/02/02/8796/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> She was also seen in the music video of [[Bombay Vikings]]' singer [[Neeraj Shridhar]]'s hit single ''"Aa Raha Hoon Main"''.<ref name="Neetu Chandra's">{{cite web |title=Bombay Vikings - Aa Raha Hoon Main |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbgteelMvWo |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/CbgteelMvWo |archive-date=12 December 2021 |url-status=live |via=YouTube |publisher=Universal Music India/Vevo |access-date=26 September 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref> She also appeared in a successful remix of ''Sajna Hai Mujhe'' from D.J. Hot Remix Vol.1 (and the song appeared in 7 other albums after that), and the super hit song ''Mera Babu Chhail Chhabila'' (CD - Sophie & Dr.Love, DVD - D. J. Hot Remix Vol.2 & The Return Of Kaanta Mix) alongside [[Sophie Choudry]] (the song appeared in 9 other albums after that).{{Citation needed|date= January 2022}}

In 2013, Chandra made her debut in theatre,<ref>{{cite web |last=Jha |first=Subhash K. |url=http://newindianexpress.com/entertainment/hindi/Dont-want-to-dilute-my-moment-of-glory-Neetu-Chandra/2013/11/12/article1886630.ece |title=Don't want to dilute my moment of glory: Neetu Chandra |work=The New Indian Express |date=12 November 2013 |access-date=13 December 2013 |archive-date=3 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203023128/http://newindianexpress.com/entertainment/hindi/Dont-want-to-dilute-my-moment-of-glory-Neetu-Chandra/2013/11/12/article1886630.ece |url-status=dead }}</ref> in a play, called Umrao, which featured her in the title role.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/theatre/Theatre-Review-Umrao/articleshow/25760705.cms |title=Theatre Review: Umrao |work=The Times of India |access-date=13 December 2013 |archive-date=15 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131115165013/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/theatre/Theatre-Review-Umrao/articleshow/25760705.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> She has been hosting Rangoli on DD National since May 2017. In 2018, Chandra became Community Ambassador for Patna Pirates in [[Pro Kabaddi|pro kabbadi league]].{{Citation needed|date= January 2022}}

==In the media==
In 2008, 7Seas Technologies launched a 3D [[mobile game]], ''Nitu — The Alien Killer'', with Nitu Chandra as the lead character.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/7seas-technologies-ropes-in-neetu-chandra-for-3d-mobile-action-game/articleshow/2885325.cms |work=The Times of India |title=7Seas Technologies ropes in Neetu Chandra for 3D mobile action game — The Economic Times |date=20 March 2008 |access-date=11 April 2011 |archive-date=4 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120904024756/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/7seas-technologies-ropes-in-neetu-chandra-for-3d-mobile-action-game/articleshow/2885325.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>

Nitu was featured on the cover of the January 2009 issue of ''[[Maxim India (magazine)|Indian Maxim]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bollywoodmovies.us/blog/2009/01/neetu-chandra-maxim-january-2009.html |title=Bollywood Movie News, Desi Blog: Neetu Chandra Maxim January 2009 |access-date=11 January 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090118042511/http://bollywoodmovies.us/blog/2009/01/neetu-chandra-maxim-january-2009.html |archive-date=18 January 2009}}</ref>

==Filmography==
{{BLP unsourced section|date= September 2022}}

===As actress===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|- style="background:#ccc; text-align:center;"
! Year
! Film
! Role
! Language
! class = "unsortable" | Notes
|-
| 2003 || ''[[Vishnu (2003 film)|Vishnu]]'' || Teju || [[Telugu language|Telugu]]||Telugu debut film
|-
| 2005 || ''[[Garam Masala (2005 film)|Garam Masala]]'' || Sweety || [[Hindi]] ||Hindi debut film, credited as Neetu
|-
| 2006 || ''[[Godavari (2006 film)|Godavari]]'' || Rajeswari 'Raji'|| Telugu ||
|-
| 2007 || ''[[Traffic Signal (film)|Traffic Signal]]'' || Rani || rowspan="4"| Hindi ||
|-
| rowspan="3"|2008 || ''[[One Two Three]]'' || Inspector Mayawati Chautala ||
|-
| ''[[Summer 2007]]'' || || special appearance in song
|-
| ''[[Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!]]'' || Sonal ||
|-
| rowspan="3"|2009 || ''[[Satyameva Jayate (2009 film)|Satyameva Jayate]]'' || Basara Papa || Telugu ||
|-
| ''[[Yavarum Nalam]]'' ||rowspan="2" | Priya Manohar || [[Tamil language|Tamil]] ||rowspan="2"| Bilingual film<br />Tamil debut
|-
| ''[[13B (film)|13B]]'' || rowspan="6"| Hindi
|-
| rowspan="6"|2010 || ''[[Mumbai Cutting]]''|| ||
|-
| ''[[Rann (film)|Rann]]'' || Yasmin Hussain ||
|-
| ''[[Apartment (film)|Apartment]]'' || Neha Bhargav ||
|-
| ''[[No Problem (2010 film)|No Problem]]'' || Sophia ||
|-
| ''[[Sadiyaan]]'' || || special appearance in song
|-
| ''[[Theeradha Vilaiyattu Pillai]]'' || Tejaswini || rowspan="2"| Tamil ||
|-
| rowspan="3"|2011 || ''[[Yuddham Sei]]'' || Cabaret Dancer || Special appearance in song "Kannitheevu Ponna"
|-
| ''[[Kucch Luv Jaisaa]]'' || Ria || Hindi ||
|-
| ''[[Deswa]]'' || || [[Bhojpuri language|Bhojpuri]]|| Special Appearance
|-
| rowspan="3"|2013 || ''[[Aadhi Baghavan]]'' || Rani Sampatha / Karishma || rowspan="2"| Tamil || [[3rd South Indian International Movie Awards|SIIMA Award for Best Actress in Negative role]]
|-
| ''[[Settai (2013 film)|Settai]]'' || Herself || Special appearance in song "Laila Laila"
|-
|''Block 12'' || Indian Goddess || [[Greek language|Greek]] || Greek film debut
|-
| rowspan="2"|2014 || ''[[Manam (film)|Manam]]'' || Air hostess|| Telugu || Cameo appearance
|-
| ''[[Power (2014 Kannada film)|Power]]'' || || Kannada || Special appearance in song "Why Why (YY)"
|-
| 2015 || ''[[Thilagar]]'' || Village Dancer || Tamil || special appearance in song
|-
| rowspan="3"|2017 || ''[[Singam 3]]'' || Bar Dancer || rowspan="3"| Tamil || Special Appearance in song "O Sone Sone"
|-
| ''[[Vaigai Express (film)|Vaigai Express]]'' || Radhika/ Jyothika || Dual Role
|-
| ''[[Brahma.com]]'' || Nitu Chandra ||
|-
| 2021 || ''[[Never Back Down: Revolt]]'' || Jaya || [[English language|English]]|| Hollywood Debut<ref name="neverbackdowninproduction">{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2020/11/never-back-down-revolt-kellie-madison-directing-for-mandalay-wonder-street-spwa-1234612624/ |title='Never Back Down: Revolt': Kellie Madison Directing For Mandalay, Wonder Street & SPWA |work=Deadline |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=11 November 2020 |accessdate=16 November 2020 |archive-date=15 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115140957/https://deadline.com/2020/11/never-back-down-revolt-kellie-madison-directing-for-mandalay-wonder-street-spwa-1234612624/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/neetu-chandra-on-never-back-down-revolt/article33462440.ece |title=Neetu Chandra on making her Hollywood debut in 'Never Back Down: Revolt' |first=Abhilasha |last=Unnikrishnan |date=31 December 2020 |work=The Hindu |access-date=20 February 2021 |archive-date=3 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203122544/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/neetu-chandra-on-never-back-down-revolt/article33462440.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| 2025 || ''[[No Means No (film)|No Means No]]'' || || English, Hindi, Polish || Trilingual film
|}

===As producer===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|- style="background:#ccc; text-align:center;"
! Year
! Film
! Language
! class = "unsortable" | Notes
|-
| 2011 || ''[[Deswa]]'' || [[Bhojpuri language|Bhojpuri]] ||
|-
| 2016 || ''[[Mithila Makhaan]]'' || [[Maithili language|Maithili]] ||
|}

===Television===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year(s)
! Show
! Role
! Channel
! class = "unsortable" | Notes
! Ref.
|-
| 2017–2018
|''[[Rangoli (TV series)|Rangoli]]''
| Host/presenter
|[[DD National]]
|
|<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/swara-bhaskar-bids-adieu-to-dd-nationals-rangoli/articleshow/58680591.cms |title=Swara Bhaskar bids adieu to DD National's 'Rangoli' |access-date=15 May 2017 |archive-date=25 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225170713/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/swara-bhaskar-bids-adieu-to-dd-nationals-rangoli/articleshow/58680591.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{IMDb name}}
* {{BH person}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Chandra, Neetu}}
[[Category:1984 births]]
[[Category:Actresses in Hindi cinema]]
[[Category:Actresses in Tamil cinema]]
[[Category:Actresses from Bihar]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Female models from Bihar]]
[[Category:Delhi University alumni]]
[[Category:Actresses from Patna]]
[[Category:Actresses in Telugu cinema]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian actresses]]
[[Category:Indian film actresses]]
[[Category:Indian women film producers]]
[[Category:Businesswomen from Bihar]]
[[Category:Indraprastha College for Women alumni]]
[[Category:Indian female taekwondo practitioners]]

Nitu Chandra - Revision history

174.92.41.192 at 01:32, 19 June 2025