Upasana Singh is a versatile actress in Punjabi and Hindi films and TV who made her mark in the industry with her impeccable comic timing and distinctive acting style. She is best known for films like Judaai, Sarfarosh, Hulchul, Wattanaan Tonn Door, Disco Singh, Jatt & Juliet, and Comedy Nights with Kapil.
Early Life and Career
Upasana Singh was born on June 29, 1975, in Kapurthala. Some sources cite 1966 or 1964, suggesting a possible discrepancy. Her father, Mohinder Singh, was a businessman. Her mother, Santosh Singh, served as a health visitor under the Punjab Government. She has an elder sister, Nirupma, who holds a PhD in English Literature. Upasana grew up in a supportive family that encouraged her creative pursuits despite initial resistance from her father.
Upasana completed her schooling in Hoshiarpur. She earned a graduate degree in arts from Government College, Hoshiarpur. She pursued a postgraduate degree in Indian Theatre at Panjab University, Chandigarh, where she developed her acting skills. Her education laid a foundation for her performance career.
Upasana Singh In Films
Upasna started her acting career with a small role in 1986 with Govind Moonis‘s “Babul.” Her next film was horror film “Pyaasi Mamta (1986).” She then acted in TV movie “Rubaroo (1986).” In 1988, she appeared in the iconic Rajasthani film “Bai Chali Sasariye” opposite Gyan Shivpuri. The movie was later made in Hindi as Saajan Ka Ghar (1994), starring Juhi Chawla and Rishi Kapoor.
Upasana went on to do many films, both as a lead and character actress, in films like Jawani Zindabad (1991), Badla Jatti Da (1991), Main Hoon Geeta (1992), Ganga Ki Vachan (1992), Sanam Tere Hain Hum (1992), Khoon Ka Sindoor (1993), Ab To Jeene Do (1995), Ashique Mastana (1995), Bhishma (1996), and many more.
Despite being a good actress, Upasana never got meaty roles in mainstream films, but whatever role came her way, she always gave her 100 percent and made the role memorable. In 1997, she acted as a deaf and dumb girl in “Judaai” opposite Johnny Lever. In the film, She has only one dialogue – “Abba Jabba Dabba,” which she deliver with different emotions. It was famous that she became Abba Jabba Girl for many years.
Upasana Singh – Versatile Actor and Comedienne
Similarly, her small role as bar dancer Mala in Sarfarosh is still fresh in the minds of film lovers, where she appeared in the song “Yeh Jawani Hadh Kar De.” Some other notable films of her career include Deewana Mastana (1997), Mr. and Mrs. Khiladi (1997), Badal (2000), Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai (2000), Haan Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya (2002), Ishq Vishk (2003), Hungama (2003), Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004), Hulchul (2004), Humko Deewana Kar Gaye (2006), Golmaal Returns (2008), Judwaa 2 (2017), and many more.
Upasana also acted in serials like Ardhangini (1996), Jai Hanuman (1997), and Om Namah Shivay (1997). She acted in the fantasy TV series “Son Pari,” where she played the antagonist, Cruella/Kalipari, a dark fairy. She followed it with serials like Lady Inspector: Thrills and Spills (2003), Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani (2003), Ye Meri Life Hai (2004), Tamanna House (2004), Maayka (2007), Dill Mill Gayye (2007), Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat (2008), Pari Hoon Main (2008), Aashiq Biwi Ka (2009), Mrs. Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuein (2011), Yeh Zindagi Hai Gulshan (2012), Bani-IIshq Da Kalma (2013), Nadaniyaan (2013), Santoshi Maa (2015), Jijaji Chhat Per Hain (2018), Masoom (2022), and many more.
Beloved Bua Of TV
However, it was her comedic roles that won the hearts of millions. Upasna Singh became a household name with her character of “Bua” (paternal aunt) in the popular television show “Comedy Nights with Kapil,” where her catchphrase “Bittu, Kaun hai ye aadmi?” became iconic. Her ability to deliver lines in a Punjabi accent and her unique style of funny English dialogue delivery have been widely appreciated.
Upasana also worked in regional cinema, including Bhojpuri, Rajasthani, Gujarati, and especially Punjabi films. Some of her remarkable performances came in movies like Chak De Phatte (2008), Wattanaan Tonne Door (2008), Jatt & Juliet (2012), Daddy Cool Munde Fool (2013), Disco Singh (2014), Taanko Bhid Gayo (2014, Rajasthani), Control Bhaji Control (2015), Tussi Ghaint Ho (2015), Myself Pendu (2015), Carry on Jatta 2 (2018), Ardab Mutiyaran (2019), Jind Jaan (2019), Naukar Vahuti Da (2019), Bai Ji Kuttange (2022), and many more.
Personal Life
Upasana married Neeraj Bharadwaj, an actor known for Saath Nibhaana Saathiya, on November 15, 2009. She has a son, Nanak Singh (Probably from an earlier marriage, need verification), who debuted in the Punjabi film Bai Ji Kuttange. Upasana Singh turned director and writer with the Punjabi film “Yaaran Diyan Poun Baaran (2023),” starring son Nanak Singh, Swati Sharma, Harnaaz Sandhu, and herself.
Upasana Singh on IMDB
