It’s 8:43 PM IST on April 2, 2025, and I’m nestled in my Hyderabad apartment, the city’s neon glow a fitting backdrop as I unravel Apsara Rani’s journey. At 29, she’s a firecracker—born Anketa Maharana, rechristened by Ram Gopal Varma, her bold Thriller role still buzzing in Tollywood. From Dehradun’s quiet lanes to Bigg Boss Malayalam 6’s spotlight, she’s danced through controversies—RGV’s tweets, viral bathing videos—and carved a niche with 4 Letters and Krack. I’ve followed her since her 2019 debut, awed by her grit. This isn’t just a bio—it’s her spark, her storm.
Apsara’s tale is one of ambition and allure. A Telugu cinema star with Odia roots, she’s juggled glamour, gossip, and growth—her 2025 film Racharikam a testament to her staying power. She’s not just an actress; she’s a sensation—a model-turned-heroine whose every move ignites chatter. Let’s dive into Apsara Rani’s world—where beauty meets boldness, and every role’s a revelation.
Early Life: From Dehradun to Dreams
Apsara Rani, born Anketa Maharana, arrived on January 12, 1996, in Dehradun, Uttarakhand—a hill town far from Tollywood’s glitz. Her father, an Indian Air Force officer, and mother, Sandhya Maharana, a homemaker, rooted her in a middle-class Hindu family with Odia heritage from Kantilo, Odisha. “I’d mimic heroines in the mirror,” she told OdishaTV in 2021. An older brother, Ankan, was her first fan. Raised in Bengaluru, she balanced books and Bollywood dreams.
School at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Bengaluru, honed her discipline; Gogte Institute of Technology, Belgaum, gave her a Computer Science degree. “I coded by day, danced by night,” she laughed on News18. Modeling at Miss Bangalore 2016 sparked her fire—acting was next.
Apsara Rani: Updated Personal Details (April 2, 2025)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Anketa Maharana (aka Apsara Rani) |
| Date of Birth | January 12, 1996 |
| Age | 29 years |
| Birthplace | Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (167 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 127 lbs (58 kg) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Black (often wears blue lenses) |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Family | Father: (Name unavailable, Air Force officer); Mother: Sandhya Maharana; Brother: Ankan Maharana |
| Net Worth | Estimated ₹5–7 crore (2025) |
| Education | B.E. in Computer Science, Gogte Institute of Technology, Belgaum |
| Occupation | Actress, Model (Telugu, Odia, Hindi films) |
| Notable Achievements | Debut in 4 Letters (2019), Item song in Krack (2021), Bigg Boss Malayalam 6 contestant |
| Current Residence | Hyderabad, Telangana, India |
| Social Media | Instagram: @apsararaniofficial_(2.1M followers); Twitter: @_apsara_rani (100K followers) |
Stepping into Stardom: The 4 Letters Debut
Apsara’s acting journey kicked off in 2019 with 4 Letters, a Telugu romantic drama by R. Raghuraj. She played Anupama, a fiery lead opposite Eswar, her chemistry crackling despite the film’s lukewarm reviews. “I was nervous but alive,” she told Global Zone Today. Modeling gigs—like Miss Bangalore 2016—had prepped her, but this was her stage. The same year, she starred in Patnagarh, a bilingual Odia-Telugu film on the Balangir bomb case, directed by Rajesh Touchriver.
Her debut year was a whirlwind—two films, raw talent on display. “I knew I’d arrived,” she posted on Instagram, 500K followers cheering. Apsara was no longer Anketa—she was Tollywood’s new flame.
Ram Gopal Varma’s Muse: The Thriller Breakthrough
July 2020—Ram Gopal Varma (RGV) changed everything. He rechristened Anketa as Apsara Rani for his steamy web film Thriller, opposite Rock Kacchi. “Odisha creates hurricanes,” RGV tweeted, sharing her bold photoshoot—10K followers in hours. Released on Shreyas ET App amid Covid, Thriller flopped—critics called it “all sizzle, no substance.” But Apsara’s allure shone. “I took a risk,” she told OdishaTV.
RGV’s spotlight made her a sensation. “She’s a star,” he posted, stirring Odisha pride—and trolls. Apsara, unfazed, leaned into her bold image. “I’m here to act, not please,” she said on News18. Her career? Just heating up.
2020–2021: Horror Flops and Item Song Highs
January 2020—Oollalla Oollalla, a Telugu romantic horror by Satya Prakash, cast Apsara as Trisha alongside Nataraj. The film tanked—critics panned its plot, box office yawned. “A learning curve,” she told FilmiBeat. But 2021 brought a win—Krack, Gopichand Malineni’s action thriller with Ravi Teja. Apsara sizzled in the item song Bhoom Bhaddhal, her dance moves viral. “I felt electric,” she posted, 500K Insta fans agreeing.
She also featured in D Company (2021), a crime drama, and Dangerous (2022), a thriller—both small roles, mixed reviews. “I’m experimenting,” she told Times of India. Apsara was finding her groove, one bold step at a time.
Bigg Boss Malayalam 6: Reality TV Spotlight
March 2024—Apsara entered Bigg Boss Malayalam 6, hosted by Mohanlal. “I’m here to win,” she declared on FilmiBeat. Her bubbly charm—Odisha’s “happy-go-lucky” girl—won hearts, but drama followed. Clashes with housemates like Nandana sparked buzz; voting updates pegged her as a top contender. “Apsara’s a fighter,” a fan tweeted, 50K retweets. Rumors swirled—she exited mid-season. “False,” she clarified on Insta, staying till the finale, finishing fourth.
The show skyrocketed her fame—500K Insta followers by April 2025. “Bigg Boss taught me resilience,” she told News18. Reality TV wasn’t just a stint—it was her launchpad.
2025 and Beyond: A Career on Fire
April 2025—Apsara’s riding high. Racharikam (2025), a Telugu drama, earned her a 9.3/10 on IMDb—her best yet. “I poured my soul,” she posted. I Love You 2 and Thalakona (both 2024) showed her range—romance to action. Pyara Kulhad (2023) as Vidhi, a small role, got an 8.7/10. Upcoming? Blood Roses and Rama Janma Bhoomi, both in post-production. “I’m evolving,” she told Times of India.
She’s also a social media queen—500K Insta fans adore her dance reels. “I’m unstoppable,” she tweeted, March 2025. At 29, Apsara’s not just acting—she’s commanding Tollywood’s stage.
Affairs and Relationships: Love in the Limelight
Apsara’s love life? A mystery. “I’m single,” she told Dreshare in 2020, and nothing’s changed by 2025. Rumors linked her to Thriller co-star Rock Kacchi in 2020—RGV’s “pairing” tweets fueled it. “Just friends,” she clarified on Twitter. Her Insta—500K strong—shows no romance, just family and friends. “Dehradun’s my love,” she posted, 2024.
She’s close to Wajid Memon, a bestie, not a beau. “I’m focused on work,” she told News18, March 2025. Apsara’s heart? It beats for cinema—unmarried, unattached, her only affair is with the camera.
Controversies: RGV’s Tweet Storm
July 2020—RGV’s tweet about Apsara stirred chaos. “Before meeting Apsara, I didn’t hear about Odisha since the 1999 hurricane,” he posted, calling her a “hurricane.” Odisha netizens trolled him—“Lack of knowledge!” raged 10K tweets. Apsara’s bold photoshoot, shared by RGV, added fuel—some called it “cheap publicity.” “I’m proud of Odisha,” she shot back on Prameya News.
She stayed calm, RGV doubled down: “Odisha’s a talent pool!” The storm passed, but Apsara’s bold image stuck. “I’ll own it,” she told OdishaTV. Controversy didn’t break her—it built her.
The Viral Bathing Video
December 2021—Apsara’s “Forest Bathing” video went viral. Captioned “Forest Bathing ,” the clip—her in a waterfall, barely clad—hit 1M views. “Nature lover,” she wrote, but netizens split. “Too bold!” some cried; others cheered, “She’s fearless!” RGV commented, “Nature’s lost in you,” sparking more buzz. Apsara replied, “It’s just forest bathing therapy!”—defending her art.
The video cemented her “bold” tag—some loved it, others judged. “I’m unapologetic,” she told Update Odisha. At 29, she’s learned to shrug off the noise, her 500K Insta fans proof of her pull.
Rumors: From Bigg Boss to Bollywood
2024—Bigg Boss Malayalam 6 exit rumors swirled. “Apsara’s out!” FilmiBeat speculated mid-season. “I’m still here,” she posted, 100K likes. Post-show, whispers of a Bollywood debut surfaced—RGV hinted at a “big project.” “Not yet,” she told Times of India, March 2025. A 2020 “affair” with RGV? “Ridiculous,” she laughed on News18.
Her 2023 Pyara Kulhad role sparked “flop actress” jibes—unfair, given its 8.7/10. “She’s all glamour, no talent,” an X troll sniped. Apsara’s Racharikam—9.3/10—silenced them. Rumors? She lets her work roar louder.
Style and Substance: Apsara’s Screen Magic
Apsara’s a glamour queen—5’6”, 58 kg, her 34-28-36 frame a Tollywood draw. “I love sarees,” she told Dreshare, often pairing them with blue lenses. Her dance—seen in Krack’s Bhoom Bhaddhal—is electric, a nod to her hobby. “I train hard,” she posted, gym selfies viral. She’s a Mahesh Babu fan, per Sprintally.
Her roles? Bold, unapologetic—Thriller’s seductress, Oollalla Oollalla’s Trisha. Racharikam showed depth—critics praised her emotional range. “I’m more than glamour,” she told News18. At 29, Apsara’s evolving—her screen presence a mix of fire and finesse.
Apsara Rani: Physical Status (As of April 2, 2025)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (167 cm) |
| Weight | 58 kg (127 lbs) |
| Body Measurements | 34-28-36 inches |
| Hair Color | Black (often styled in waves) |
| Eye Color | Black (sometimes wears blue lenses) |
| Skin Tone | Fair |
| Diet Preference | Non-vegetarian (loves biryani) |
| Fitness Routine | Gym (cardio, strength), yoga, dance |
| Notable Features | Toned physique, expressive eyes |
Personal Life: Roots and Rhythms
Dehradun’s her heart—family visits keep her grounded. “Mom’s my rock,” she told OdishaTV. A non-vegetarian, she loves cooking—biryani’s her specialty. “I dance to unwind,” she posted, 2024—500K Insta fans adore her reels. Hyderabad’s home now, but Odisha’s pride runs deep. “Kantilo’s my soul,” she said on News18.
Net worth? ₹5–7 crore—films, modeling, endorsements. “I’m simple,” she told Times of India. No tattoos, just pendants—she’s traditional at heart. At 29, Apsara’s a star balancing fame, family, and a love for Telugu cinema’s magic.
FAQs About Apsara Rani
1. What’s Apsara Rani’s latest 2025 project?
Racharikam—a Telugu drama, rated 9.3/10 on IMDb, her career-best.
2. Did she exit Bigg Boss Malayalam 6 early?
No—rumors debunked; she reached the finale, placed fourth.
3. Is she dating anyone?
No—she’s single, focused on work, per News18, 2025.
4. What’s her net worth?
Estimated ₹5–7 crore—films, modeling, endorsements fuel it.
5. Why’d RGV rename her ?
He saw her as a “hurricane” for Thriller, per his 2020 tweet.
As a seasoned content writer with a deep passion for Indian cinema, I’ve been captivated by Apsara Rani’s journey since her 2019 debut in 4 Letters. It’s 8:58 PM IST on April 2, 2025, and I’m thrilled to present her complete filmography in a detailed tabular form, updated with every project she’s touched. From her bold Thriller role under Ram Gopal Varma’s lens to her recent Racharikam triumph, this table captures her cinematic arc—roles, directors, release dates, and more. Sourced from FilmiBeat, IMDb, and Times of India, it’s a fan’s tribute to her fiery rise in Tollywood.
Apsara Rani (Anketa Maharana) Filmography: Complete Details (As of April 2, 2025)
| Film Title | Release Date | Role | Director | Genre | Language | Co-Stars | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Letters | February 22, 2019 | Anupama (Lead) | R. Raghuraj | Romantic Drama | Telugu | Eswar | Apsara’s debut; a college love story with mixed reviews. |
| Patnagarh | 2019 | Supporting Role | Rajesh Touchriver | Crime Drama | Odia/Telugu | Atul Kulkarni | Based on the 2018 Balangir bomb case; bilingual release. |
| Oollalla Oollalla | January 1, 2020 | Trisha (Lead) | Satya Prakash | Romantic Horror | Telugu | Nataraj, Noorin Shereef | Flopped at the box office; criticized for weak plot. |
| Thriller | August 14, 2020 | Lead | Ram Gopal Varma | Romantic Thriller | Telugu | Rock Kacchi | Released on Shreyas ET App due to Covid; RGV renamed her Apsara Rani. |
| Krack | January 9, 2021 | Item Girl (Special Appearance) | Gopichand Malineni | Action Thriller | Telugu | Ravi Teja, Shruti Haasan | Featured in the viral song Bhoom Bhaddhal; a box office hit. |
| D Company | March 26, 2021 | Supporting Role | Ram Gopal Varma | Crime Drama | Telugu | Naina Ganguly | A crime anthology; Apsara in a small role, mixed reviews. |
| Seetimaarr | September 10, 2021 | Pepsi Aunty (Special Appearance) | Sampath Nandi | Sports Drama | Telugu | Gopichand, Tamannaah | Item song Jwala Reddy with Gopichand; a moderate success. |
| Dangerous | May 6, 2022 | Lead (Lesbian Role) | Ram Gopal Varma | Crime Action Drama | Telugu | Naina Ganguly | RGV’s first lesbian film; released as Khatra: Dangerous on April 8. |
| Khatra (Dangerous) | December 9, 2022 | Lead (Lesbian Role) | Ram Gopal Varma | Crime Action Drama | Telugu | Naina Ganguly | Re-release of Dangerous; controversial, received mixed reviews. |
| Pyara Kulhad | May 26, 2023 | Vidhi (Supporting) | Not Available | Drama | Telugu | Not Available | Rated 8.7/10 on IMDb; a small but impactful role. |
| Thalakona | 2024 | Lead | Nagesh Naradasi | Action Thriller | Telugu | Not Available | Launched by Mantra Entertainment; Apsara in a fierce role. |
| I Love You 2 | 2024 | Lead | Not Available | Romance | Telugu | Not Available | A romantic drama; details sparse but confirmed by FilmiBeat. |
| Racharikam | 2024 | Lead | Not Available | Drama | Telugu | Not Available | Rated 9.3/10 on IMDb; Apsara’s highest-rated film, a critical success. |
| Blood Roses | 2025 (Upcoming) | Not Disclosed | Not Available | Not Disclosed | Telugu | Not Available | In post-production; announced via FilmiBeat. |
| Rama Janma Bhoomi | 2025 (Upcoming) | Not Disclosed | Not Available | Not Disclosed | Telugu | Not Available | In post-production; Apsara’s next big project, per Times of India. |
Final Thoughts: Apsara Rani’s Rising Star
Apsara Rani’s no fleeting spark—she’s a blaze. From Dehradun to Hyderabad, she’s stacked roles—4 Letters, Krack, Racharikam—and faced storms—RGV’s tweets, viral videos. 2025’s her year—Racharikam’s 9.3/10, Bigg Boss fame, 500K Insta fans. I’ve cheered her every dance, awed by her fire—controversies can’t dim her. She’s not just an actress; she’s a force—bold, evolving, Odisha’s pride. Apsara’s next act? I’d bet my chai on a Bollywood debut—29’s just her beginning.