KKN Gurugram Desk | Bollywood actress Disha Patani turns 33 today, June 13. Known for her stunning looks and bold fashion choices, Disha has carved a niche for herself in the Indian film industry over the last decade. On the occasion of her birthday, we take a look back at her cinematic journey, box office hits, and what’s next for the glamorous diva.

Disha Patani: A Style Icon with a Growing Film Legacy

Disha Patani is not just a pretty face; over the years, she has established herself as one of Bollywood’s most stylish and confident actresses. From red carpet appearances to brand endorsements and action-packed roles, her evolution has been remarkable.

While she is constantly in the spotlight for her fashion-forward social media posts, Disha’s journey in films has been filled with both challenges and moments of success. As she celebrates her 33rd birthday, it’s the perfect time to revisit her 10-year-long career in cinema.

Early Days: Debut in Telugu Cinema

Disha Patani began her film career in 2015 with the Telugu movie “Loafer”, directed by Puri Jagannadh. She played the role of Mouni opposite Varun Tej. Unfortunately, the film failed to make an impact at the box office and was considered a flop.

Despite the rocky start, Disha remained committed to building a career in acting. Her early setbacks didn’t deter her spirit, and she soon got a break in Bollywood that changed everything.

Breakthrough Role in “M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story”

Disha’s big Bollywood break came in 2016 with “M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story”, a biographical sports drama based on the life of Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Directed by Neeraj Pandey, the film starred Sushant Singh Rajput in the lead role.

Disha portrayed Priyanka Jha, Dhoni’s first love interest who tragically passed away. Though her screen time was limited, her emotional performance resonated deeply with the audience. The film was both a critical and commercial success, earning nearly ₹200 crore at the box office against a budget of ₹104 crore.

Her performance earned her multiple awards, including the IIFA Award for Best Female Debut, officially cementing her position in the Hindi film industry.

From Bollywood to International Cinema: “Kung Fu Yoga”

Following the success of her Bollywood debut, Disha took a major step forward by featuring in “Kung Fu Yoga” (2017), an international project alongside Jackie Chan. She played the role of Ashmita, an Indian archaeology professor.

The Indo-Chinese film gained international recognition and expanded Disha’s visibility outside of Indian cinema. The experience of working with an action legend like Jackie Chan also boosted her profile as an actress capable of performing stunts and handling physically demanding roles.

Box Office Journey: Hits, Misses, and Glamour

After establishing herself with a few successful projects, Disha appeared in several notable Bollywood films, showcasing both action and glamour:

• “Baaghi 2” (2018) with Tiger Shroff became a massive box office hit

• “Bharat” (2019), where she starred opposite Salman Khan, added another feather to her cap

• “Malang” (2020), a dark romantic thriller with Aditya Roy Kapur, was appreciated for her bold role

• “Baaghi 3” (2020) and “Radhe” (2021) kept her in the limelight, though the films received mixed reviews

• In 2024, she appeared in the futuristic multi-starrer “Kalki 2898 AD”, sharing the screen with heavyweights like Amitabh Bachchan, Prabhas, Kamal Haasan, Deepika Padukone, and Ranbir Kapoor

Despite not having an extensive list of blockbusters, Disha Patani remains a prominent face in Bollywood thanks to her consistent media presence, fitness persona, and massive fan following.

Disha Patani’s Social Media Influence

With over 60 million followers on Instagram, Disha Patani is one of the most followed Indian actresses on social media. Her fitness routines, beach vacations, brand collaborations, and dance videos frequently go viral.

She is also known for her association with fitness brands, lingerie lines, and wellness products. Her digital influence makes her a go-to face for youth-centric marketing campaigns.

Upcoming Projects: “Welcome to the Jungle Book” and More

Disha Patani is currently working on her upcoming film, “Welcome to the Jungle Book”, which is said to be a comedy-adventure with a high-budget ensemble cast. Filming is reportedly underway with high expectations from producers and fans alike.

While the plot remains under wraps, industry insiders suggest that the movie will feature Disha in a unique avatar, likely diverging from her usual glamorous roles.

Apart from this, rumors also hint at Disha being in talks for a digital series and a South Indian big-budget film, which could mark her return to Telugu or Tamil cinema.

Versatility and Career Choices: Glamour Meets Action

Over the years, Disha Patani has shown an inclination toward playing strong, fashionable, and bold characters. While her choice of roles often leans toward high-glam or action-oriented narratives, she has gradually begun exploring varied genres.

However, critics often point out that despite her stunning presence, Disha is yet to land a career-defining lead role in a female-centric film. With changing trends in Bollywood, where women-led stories are gaining momentum, it remains to be seen if Disha will take that leap in her second decade in cinema.

As Disha Patani celebrates her 33rd birthday, her journey in Indian cinema is far from over. From a humble debut in South Indian cinema to becoming a pan-India face and social media icon, she has steadily risen in popularity.

While not all her films have been box office hits, her ability to stay relevant in an ever-changing industry speaks volumes about her adaptability and public appeal. With exciting projects lined up and a loyal fan base behind her, the next phase of Disha’s career could bring the versatility and depth that both fans and critics hope to see.