Medha Shankr Explained

Medha Shankr
Birth Date:1 August 1997[1]
Birth Place:Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
Occupation:Actress
Alma Mater:National Institute of Fashion Technology
Yearsactive:2015–present

Medha Shankr (born 1 August 1997) is an Indian actress who is known for her works in Hindi films. Shankr made her acting debut with the British miniseries Beecham House (2019) and followed it with supporting roles in the film Shaadisthan and the series Dil Bekaraar (both 2021). She achieved her breakthrough with the biographical drama 12th Fail (2023), which won her the Zee Cine Award for Best Female Debut.[2] [3]

Life and career

Shankr was born and brought up in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Shankr is a trained Hindustani classical singer. She completed her master's degree in Fashion Management from National Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi.[4]

Shankr made her acting debut in 2019, with the British television series Beecham House, where she portrayed Roshanara.[5] [6] Shankr then made her film debut in 2021, with Shaadisthan, a Hindi teen musical film.[7] Shrishti Negi of News18 opined, "Medha channels a teenager’s vulnerabilities and simmering frustrations with utmost honesty".[8] That same year, she portrayed the youngest sibling, Eshwari, in the streaming series Dil Bekaraar, which received positive reviews from critics.[9] [10]

In 2022, Shankr portrayed Minara, a girl who dumps her boyfriend for an older man in Max, Min and Meowzaki. The film received critical acclaim at various film festivals.[11] In 2023, Shankr portrayed Shraddha Joshi, an UKPSC officer in the drama film 12th Fail, opposite Vikrant Massey.[12] Bhavna Agarwal of India Today noted, "Medha Shankr as Shraddha, has a defined part as well, and she is the crutch that helps with lighter moments in the film".[13] Anuj Kumar of The Hindu stated that Shankr impresses with her "poise and warmth".[14] The film emerged as a sleeper hit.[15] It proved to be her breakthrough and earned her wider recognition.[16]

She is reported next to star opposite Rajkummar Rao in the action thriller film Maalik.[17] [18]

Filmography

Films

YearTitle RoleNotesRef.
2015With You for You AlwaysMayaShort film[19]
2021ShaadisthanArshi Modi[20]
2022Max, Min and MeowzakiMinara "Min" Hussain
202312th FailShraddha JoshiAlso singer for song "Bolo Na" (Film Version)[21] [22]

Television

YearTitle RoleNotesRef.
2019Beecham HouseRoshanara British series[23]
2021Dil BekaraarEshwari Thakur[24]

Awards and nominations

YearAward Category FilmResult Ref.
2024Zee Cine AwardsBest Female Debut12th Fail[25]
Pinkvilla Screen and Style Icons AwardsBest Actress - Jury Choice [26]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Kapoor . Mugdha . Medha Shankr addresses typecasting concerns after 12th Fail success: Took me time to transition away from the character . . 1 August 2024 . 3 August 2024.
  2. Web site: How 12th Fail actress Medha Shankar became an overnight sensation. News18 India. 28 February 2024. 10 March 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240310145822/https://www.news18.com/amp/movies/how-12th-fail-actress-medha-shankar-became-an-overnight-sensation-8791336.html. live.
  3. Web site: Medha Shankar takes over social media, becomes new crush with magical performance. Odisha TV. 28 November 2023. 31 December 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231231145822/https://odishatv.in/news/entertainment/-12th-fail-actress-medha-shankar-takes-over-social-media-becomes-new-crush-with-magical-performance-218843/amp. live.
  4. Web site: Medha Shankar making a mark. Mid Day. 27 June 2021. 24 December 2021. 27 June 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210627083119/https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bollywood-news/article/shaadisthan-actress-medha-shankars-making-a-mark-23180060. live.
  5. Web site: Medha Shankar: Exploring a world of acting opportunities. Eastern Eye. September 2021 . 15 September 2022. 18 October 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211018143824/https://www.easterneye.biz/medha-shankar-exploring-a-world-of-acting-opportunities/. live.
  6. Web site: I want to do the kind of work that I could be proud of – Medha Shankar. Planet Bollywood. 27 July 2021 . 17 December 2022. 2 January 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240102045456/https://planetbollywood.com/wp/interviews/i-want-to-do-the-kind-of-work-that-i-could-be-proud-of-medha-shankar/. live.
  7. Web site: Medha Shankar shares her on-sets experiences in Shaadisthan. The Tribune India. 22 September 2021. 31 December 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231231140129/https://m.tribuneindia.com/news/lifestyle/medha-shankar-shares-her-on-sets-experiences-in-shaadisthan-270254. live.
  8. Web site: Shaadisthan Movie Review: Memorable Performances Make It Relevant and Meaningful. News18. 12 June 2021 . 26 September 2021. 31 December 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231231140839/https://www.news18.com/amp/news/movies/shaadisthan-movie-review-memorable-performances-make-it-relevant-and-meaningful-3837677.html. live.
  9. Web site: Living her dreams: Medha Shankar of 'Dil Bekaraar' hopes to make a mark as an actor . The Hindu . 2021-07-13 . 2021-12-16 . 31 December 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231231143855/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/medha-shankar-of-shadisthan-hopes-to-make-a-mark-as-an-actor/article35296497.ece/amp/ . live .
  10. Web site: Dil Bekaraar review: A warm slice of the '80s to get nostalgic with . Firstpost . 2021-11-26 . 2021-12-16 . 30 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231030042022/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/dil-bekaraar-review-a-warm-slice-of-the-80s-to-get-nostalgic-with-10165851.html . live .
  11. News: After tremendous response at Busan, IFFK and Palm Springs, film Max, Min and Meowzaki receives overwhelming response in Mumbai . ANI News . 21 August 2023 . 11 January 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240111052735/https://www.aninews.in/news/business/business/after-tremendous-response-at-busan-iffk-and-palm-springs-film-max-min-and-meowzaki-receives-overwhelming-response-at-its-first-screening-in-mumbai20230313180456/#google_vignette . live .
  12. Web site: Medha Shankr reacts to 12th Fail's success, recalls her 'restart' moment in life. DNA India. 18 November 2023. 18 November 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231118093217/https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-medha-shankr-reacts-to-12th-fail-success-recalls-her-restart-moment-in-life-vikrant-massey-vidhu-vinod-chopra-3068717/amp. live.
  13. News: Agarwal. Bhavna. 12th Fail Review: Vikrant Massey passes with flying colors on performance sheet. 27 October 2023. 16 November 2023. India Today. 27 October 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231027155641/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/12th-fail-review-vikrant-massey-passes-with-flying-colors-on-the-performance-sheet-2454280-2023-10-27. live.
  14. News: Kumar. Anuj. '12th Fail' movie review: Vidhu Vinod Chopra delivers yet another hug of hope that is more earnest than magical. 26 October 2023. The Hindu. 31 December 2023. 27 October 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231027161519/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/12th-fail-movie-review-vidhu-vinod-chopra-delivers-yet-another-hug-of-hope-that-is-more-earnest-than-magical/article67460764.ece. live.
  15. News: 12th Fail box office collection: Vikrant Massey's film crosses ₹50 crore during 5th week in India . Hindustan Times . 29 November 2023 . 30 November 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231130083912/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/12th-fail-box-office-collection-vikrant-masseys-film-crosses-rs-50-crore-during-5th-week-in-india-101701246864646.html . live .
  16. News: 12th Fail's Medha Shankar gets overnight fame, earn million followers on social media . Jagran . 10 January 2024 . 9 January 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240109083912/https://www.jagran.com/lite/entertainment/bollywood-medha-shankar-got-overnight-fame-from-12th-fail-success-increase-million-followers-on-social-media-23625013.html . live .
  17. Web site: 2024-07-04 . Rajkummar Rao and Medha Shankar to star in action flick Maalik from Bhakshak director Pulkit; film goes on floors in September . live . 2024-07-04 . . en.
  18. Web site: Singh . Rajni . 2024-07-04 . Rajkummar Rao and 12th Fail actress Medha Shankr set to star in action thriller Maalik? Here's what we know . live . 2024-07-04 . . en.
  19. Web site:
    1. AgainstAllOdds! Medha Shankar
    . The Times of India. 22 July 2021. 28 December 2022. 11 January 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240111052840/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/againstallodds-medha-shankar-self-belief-and-perseverance-are-your-only-two-best-friends-in-this-industry/articleshow/84620449.cms. live.
  20. Web site: Shaadisthan Review: Woke but weak . The Times of India . 2022-01-15 . 2021-07-29 . 28 September 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230928162622/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-series/reviews/hindi/shaadisthan/ottmoviereview/83421581.cms . live .
  21. Web site: 12th Fail: Vikrant Massey, Medha Shankar seek blessings at Patna's Hanuman temple. Deccan Herald. 29 November 2023. 31 December 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231231145123/https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/12th-fail-vikrant-massey-medha-shankar-seek-blessings-at-patna-temple-2735204. live.
  22. Web site: 12th Fail (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) . Apple Music . 2 January 2024 . 24 December 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231224125046/https://music.apple.com/us/album/12th-fail-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-ep/1719756548 . live .
  23. Web site: Beecham House characters guide: Who's who in new PBS period drama. British Period Dramas. 11 December 2022. 20 June 2020. 31 January 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230131024905/https://britishperioddramas.com/news/beecham-house-characters-cast-guide-whos-who/. live.
  24. Web site: Sharma. Sampada. Dil Bekaraar first impression: Disney Plus Hotstar series stays true to Anuja Chauhan's novel. live. The Indian Express. 26 November 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211126101632/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/dil-bekaraar-review-first-impression-those-pricey-thakur-girls-disney-plus-hotstar-7642376/ . 26 November 2021.
  25. Web site: 2024 – Zee Cine Awards . 2024-07-16 . en.
  26. Web site: Pinkvilla Screen & Style Icons Awards: Complete list of winners ft. Medha Shankr, Akshay Kumar, Karan Johar and more . 19 March 2024 . Pinkvilla . en.