The blue-eyed beauty of the 1980s and 90s, Preeti Sapru, the daughter of veteran actor D. K. Sapru, is known for her works as an actress, writer, and filmmaker in Punjabi and Hindi cinema.
Early Life
Preeti Sapru was born on December 24, 1957, into a Kashmiri Pandit family. Her father, D.K. Sapru, was a legendary actor. Her mother, Hemvathi Sapru, was a theatre actress and film producer. Preeti grew up in a filmy environment, which influenced her early interest in acting. Her brother Tej Sapru is also a renowned author. She studied at St. Joseph’s High School in Juhu, Mumbai, up until the 9th standard. She started acting at the age of 13.
Preeti Sapru – Acting Career
Preeti Sapru made her acting debut in 1975 with a small role in the film “Sunehra Sansar,” starring Rajendra Kumar, Mala Sinha, and Hema Malini. She followed it with doing small supporting roles in Darinda (1977) and Rangaa Aur Raja (1977).
The 1979 film “Habari” was the first time she played a lead role opposite Mahendra Sandhu, but the film did not get any significant success at the box office. She then did many supporting roles in memorable films like “Bandish (1980),” “Laawaris (1981),” “Arpan (1983),” “Avtaar (1983),” “Haadsaa (1983), “Jagir (1984),” and “Dharm Adhikari (1986),” where she played small but important parts.
Preeti Sapru – The Punjabi Superstar
In 1982 she made her Punjabi film debut with “Sarpanch,” opposite superstar Veerendra. Over the years, she became a prominent figure in Punjabi cinema, delivering several memorable performances in films like Aasra Pyaar Da (1983), Jigri Yaar (1984), Duja Viah (1984), Nimmo (1984), Yaari Jatt Di (1987), Ucha Dar Babe Nanak Da (1987), Jatt Soormay (1988), Suhag Chooda (1988), and Bhabo (1989).
In 1990 she wrote, directed, produced, and starred in Qurbani Jatt Di (1990). The film also had stars like Dharmendra and Gurdas Maan. It went on to become a major success. She then directed Mehndi Shagna Di (1992), starring Anita Raj, Balwinder Bullet, Dan Dhanoa, and Hans Raj Hans. The film is also special for the reason that star cricketer Yuvraj Singh acted in it as a child artist.
In 1997 she came up with Sardari (1997), starring Guggu Gill, Pankaj Dheer, Dara Singh, Upasana Singh, and Preeti Sapru. Some of her later films include Diva Bale Sari Raat (1991), Jigra Jatt Da (1992), Ucha Pind (1994), Nasibo (1994), Sir Dhad Di Baazi (1995), Truck Driver (1997), Sadda Muqaddar (1998), and Sikandera (2001).
Other Work
In Hindi films she did not get many prominent roles in big films, and she remained restricted to supporting characters in films like “Jagir (1984),” Palay Khan (1986), Dharm Adhikari (1986), Raahee (1987), Nazrana (1987), Aaj Ka Arjun (1990), Heer Ranjha (1992). Although she did a few small-budget and horror films where she had significant roles, such as Tahkhana (1986), Om (1986), Tera Karam Mera Dharam (1987), and Purani Haveli (1989).
In addition to her acting and filmmaking career, Preeti Sapru also wrote the script for the Hindi film “Zameen Aasman” (1984), which starred Shashi Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Rekha, and Anita Raaj.
After 2000 she took a haitus from films. Preeti made a comeback in 2019 with the Punjabi film “Kaake da Viyah.” In 2022 she co-directed the Punjabi film “Teri Meri Gal Ban Gayi,” starring Guggu Gill, Rubina Bajwa, Karamjit Anmol, and herself.
Preeti Sapru is married to Upvan Ahluwalia, an architect. The couple has twin daughters, Riya Walia and Rene Walia, born in 2009.
Preeti Sapru on IMDB
