If you’re searching for information on Medha Shankar, you’ve landed at the perfect place. Medha Shankar has quickly captured the hearts of movie lovers and critics, especially for her transformative performance in 2023’s “12th Fail.”
Biography on Medha Shankar
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Medha Shankar |
| Date of Birth | August 1, 1997 |
| Age (2025) | 27 years |
| Place of Birth | Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Father’s Name | Abhay Shankar |
| Mother’s Name | Rachna Raj Shankar (deceased) |
| Sibling | Elder brother, Apoorv Shankar |
| Education | Vishwa Bharati Public School, Noida; B.Com. (University of Delhi); MFM (NIFT, Delhi) |
| Early Career | Modelling and TV ads for Coca-Cola, Paytm, Big Bazaar |
| Acting Debut | 2019 – British miniseries ‘Beecham House’ as Roshanara |
| Bollywood Debut | 2021 – ‘Shaadisthan’ as Arshi |
| Major Roles | ‘Dil Bekaraar’ (2021), ‘Max, Min and Meowzaki’ (2022), ‘12th Fail’ (2023) |
| Breakthrough | Shraddha Joshi in ‘12th Fail’ (2023) |
| Awards | Zee Cine Award Best Female Debut (2024), Pinkvilla Best Actress, IMDb Breakout Star |
| Net Worth | ₹1 crore to ₹10 crores (2025 estimate) |
| Social Media | Instagram – @medhashankr (2M+ followers) |
| Hobbies | Singing, playing instruments, reading, dancing, teaching underprivileged kids |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
Early Life, Family, and Education
Medha comes from a middle-class, culturally rich family in Noida, enriched with music, arts, and education. Her late mother, Rachna Raj Shankar, was a children’s theatre director and Medha’s earliest mentor. Her father, Abhay Shankar, was initially unsure about show business but became supportive after witnessing his daughter’s growth. Medha is also close to her elder brother, Apoorv Shankar, who works in the tech industry.
Education:
- Attended Vishwa Bharati Public School in Noida.
- Graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Delhi.
- Earned a Master’s in Fashion Management from NIFT, New Delhi.
An Artistic Soul: Beyond Acting
Medha is not just an actress; she is a multi-talented artist:
- Music: Trained in Hindustani classical singing; plays the sitar, harmonium, and keyboard.
- Dance: Well-versed in Bharatanatyam.
- Teaching & Social Service: Actively teaches underprivileged children with a commitment to giving back.
- Hobbies: Enjoys reading (“The Palace of Illusions” is a favourite), dancing, travelling, yoga, and painting.
The On-Screen Journey: From Modelling to Movie Fame
Modeling & Commercials
Medha started her career with modelling and television advertisements for major brands like Coca-Cola, Paytm, and Big Bazaar, building her confidence and camera presence.
Acting Debut & Key Roles
| Year | Project | Role | Notes/Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Beecham House | Roshanara | TV debut, British period drama, international acclaim |
| 2021 | Shaadisthan | Arshi | Bollywood debut, praised for realism |
| 2021 | Dil Bekaraar | Eshwari Thakur | OTT miniseries, youthful, nuanced performance |
| 2022 | Max, Min and Meowzaki | Minara | Festival acclaim, complex, gray-shaded role |
| 2023 | 12th Fail | Shraddha Joshi | Breakthrough performance opposite Vikrant Massey |
12th Fail: The Role That Changed Everything
Medha’s portrayal of Shraddha Joshi in “12th Fail” (2023) became a cultural milestone. The biographical drama, directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, depicted the real-life struggles and triumphs of India’s civil-service aspirants. Medha’s nuanced performance as the supportive, strong partner was both critically acclaimed and widely loved, propelling her to national fame. The film’s surprise commercial success resulted in an extended 25-week theatrical run.
Awards & Recognition:
- Zee Cine Award for Best Female Debut (2024)
- Pinkvilla Screen and Style Icons Best Actress Jury Choice (2024)
- IMDb Breakout Star (2024)
- Social media followers surged from 16,000 to 2 million post-release
Overcoming Struggles & Staying Grounded
Despite her sunny public image, Medha has spoken about her share of struggles—periods of financial worry, self-doubt, and losing film offers during the pandemic. She leaned on her father for support and treated every failed audition as a learning opportunity, refusing to let setbacks shake her determination.
Personality, Style, and Public Persona
- Height: 5’5″ (165 cm)
- Weight: 54–55 kg
- Hair/Eyes: Black hair, black eyes
- Tattoos: None
- Style: Known for her radiant smile, approachable and natural look
Medha is simple and grounded, private about personal relationships, and passionately advocates for mental health, education, and authenticity.
Favorites:
- Actress: Deepika Padukone
- Singer: Shreya Ghoshal
- Food: Dosa, Medu Vada, Biryani, Pizza, Chinese cuisine, Ice-cream, Chocolate
- Destinations: Goa, Dubai, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Shimla, Uttarakhand
Net Worth and Endorsements
Medha’s earnings come from acting, modelling, brand endorsements, and collaborations. Her estimated net worth in 2025 is between ₹1 crore and ₹10 crore, with further growth expected as her popularity soars.
Lesser-Known & Unique Facts
- Medha is a trained singer and sang “Bolo Na” in “12th Fail.”
- She competed in Campus Princess 2016, held by Miss India Organisation.
- Her Instagram (@medhashankr) is now a fan-favourite hub with 2M+ followers.
- Despite sudden fame, she maintains a simple, grounded life in Mumbai.
- Her grandmother was a multi-instrumentalist and a huge influence on Medha’s artistic growth.
- She’s vocal about women’s empowerment and regularly teaches children from underprivileged backgrounds.
FAQs About Medha Shankar
What is Medha Shankar’s age and date of birth?
Born on August 1, 1997, Medha is 27 years old as of 2025.
What is Medha Shankar’s educational background?
She studied at Vishwa Bharati Public School (Noida), graduated in Commerce from the University of Delhi, and completed her master’s at NIFT.
Which performance made Medha Shankar famous?
Her role as Shraddha Joshi in “12th Fail” (2023) gained her nationwide acclaim and awards.
Is Medha Shankar married?
No, she is unmarried and keeps details about her romantic life private.
What is the estimated net worth of Medha Shankar in 2025?
Between ₹1 crore and ₹10 crore ($120,000 to $1.2 million approximately).
What are Medha Shankar’s main hobbies and interests?
Singing, playing musical instruments, reading, teaching, dancing, painting, and travelling.
Has Medha Shankar won any major awards?
Yes, including Zee Cine Award (Best Female Debut), Pinkvilla Best Actress (Jury Choice), and IMDb Breakout Star (for “12th Fail”).
What languages does Medha Shankar speak?
Fluent in Hindi and English.
Who are Medha Shankar’s family members?
Her father is Abhay Shankar, her late mother was Rachna Raj Shankar, and her elder brother is Apoorv Shankar.
Is Medha Shankar active on social media?
Yes, she is active on Instagram as @medhashankr, engaging with over 2 million followers.
This profile captures Medha Shankar’s multi-faceted journey—her roots, rise, and the refreshing energy she brings to Indian cinema.