Shibani Akhtar (formerly known as Shibani Dandekar) is a powerhouse of talent in the global entertainment industry. From hosting nationally syndicated shows in the United States to becoming a household name in India, her career spans singing, acting, modeling, and elite sports anchoring.
Early Life and Global Roots
Born in Pune into a Marathi family, Shibani’s upbringing was truly international. She grew up in Australia and Africa, giving her a unique global perspective that later defined her hosting style.
She comes from a family of artists; her father, Shashidhar Dandekar, is a theater actor in Australia, and her sister, Anusha Dandekar, is a well-known VJ and actress in Bollywood. Together with her sisters, she formed the musical trio D-Major, showcasing her deep-rooted passion for music.
A Stellar Career: From New York to Mumbai
1. The American Television Debut
Shibani’s professional journey began in New York City, where she hosted three major shows: Namaste America, V Desi, and the Asian Variety Show. She was instrumental in introducing Bollywood icons to the American audience.
2. India’s Favorite Anchor
Upon returning to India, Shibani became the face of major brands and events. Her most notable stint was as a co-host for Extraa Innings – T20 (IPL) starting in 2011, which earned her a nomination for Best Anchor at the Indian Television Academy Awards.
3. Reality TV and Movies
Shibani has never shied away from challenges, participating in high-octane reality shows like:
- Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 5 (Dance reality)
- Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 8 (Adventure reality)
In the film world, she made her mark with the Marathi dance number “Hi Poli Saajuk” and her role as ‘Zoya’ in the 2015 Bollywood film Roy.
Personal Life: The Farhan Akhtar Connection
In 2018, Shibani began dating renowned filmmaker and actor Farhan Akhtar. The couple tied the knot on 19 February 2022 in an intimate, non-religious ceremony in Khandala. Shortly after, she officially adopted the name Shibani Akhtar, reflecting her new journey.
Read More: Karan Johar
Major Achievements and Hosting Highlights
- ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Co-hosted the opening ceremony alongside Andrew Flintoff.
- Brand Ambassador: Hosted major events for Nike, Rolls-Royce, Puma, and Mercedes.
- Music: A trained singer who has performed at major international venues.
Shibani Dandekar Height Weight Age Boyfriend Biography & More
| Bio | |
|---|---|
| Profession(s) | Actress, VJ, Singer, and Model |
| Physical Stats & More | |
| Height (approx.) | in centimeters- 168 cm in meters- 1.68 m in Feet Inches- 5' 6" |
| Weight (approx.) | in Kilograms- 50 Kg in Pounds- 110 lbs |
| Figure Measurements (approx.) | 33-25-33 |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Personal Life | |
| Date of Birth | 27 August 1981 (Thursday) |
| Age (as of 2026) | 45 Years |
| Birthplace | Pune, Maharashtra, India |
| Zodiac sign | Virgo |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Hometown | Pune, Maharashtra, India |
| Debut | Film Debut: Timepass (2014) TV Debut: Namaste America (2001) |
| Family | Father- Shashidhar Dandekar Mother- Sulabha Dandekar  Sister(s)- Apeksha Dandekar (elder) and Anusha Dandekar (younger; a popular VJ)  Brother- N/A |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Hobbies | Singing, yoga, dancing and travelling |
| Controversy | In February 2018, she posted a topless photo on her Instagram account, which earned her lots of criticism on social media. |
| Favourites | |
| Food | Seafood, Chocolate Cake, Burger, Pizza |
| Actor(s) | Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan |
| Actress | Madhuri Dixit |
| Restaurant | Aoi in Mumbai |
| Holiday Destination(s | Sydney, London, New York |
| Boys, Affairs and More | |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Marriage Date | 19 February 2022 |
| Affairs/Boyfriends | Keith Sequeira (Model) Farhan Akhtar (Actor)  |
| Husband | Farhan Akhtar |
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Timepass | Marathi | ||
| Sangharsh | Chameli | |||
| 2015 | Roy | Zoya | Hindi | |
| Shaandaar | Sonia | |||
| 2016 | Sultan | TV Host | ||
| 2017 | Naam Shabana | Special appearance in a song | ||
| Noor | Zara Patel | |||
| 2018 | Bhavesh Joshi | Item girl | in the song “Chavanprash” | |
| 2021 | Love in the Times of Corona | Hindi English | Voot Select anthology film; segment “Dinner in Lockdown” |
Television
| Year | Shows | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Namaste America | Host | |
| 2001 | V Desi | ||
| 2001 | Asian Variety Show | ||
| 2009 | After Hours | ||
| 2010 | Let’s Design | ||
| 2010 | AXN’s Men 2.0 | ||
| 2011 | India’s Sexiest Bachelor | ||
| 2012 | Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 5 | Contestant | 8th place |
| 2012 | Mission Cover Shot | Host | |
| 2013 | Grammy Nominees | ||
| 2013 | Style and the City | ||
| 2011-15 | Indian Premier League | ||
| 2015 | I Can Do That | Contestant | |
| 2017 | Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 8 | 12th place | |
| 2018 | Top Model India | Mentor | |
| 2020 | Four More Shots Please | Sushmita Sengupta | Season 2 |
| 2020 | Hostages | Isha Andrews | |
| 2020 | What the Love! with Karan Johar | Herself | Guest |
| 2023 | Made in Heaven | Aditi | Season 2 |
