From winning Miss India at 18 to acting in Bollywood, South films, and even Hollywood — Deepti Bhatnagar eventually left the screen to build a global career as a travel show host and content creator.
Deepti Bhatnagar — once a familiar face in 90s Bollywood, South cinema, and even an international film — is back in the spotlight after fans rediscovered her journey through a viral feature. A former Miss India, an actress who worked with big stars, and now a globe-trotting content creator, Deepti is also connected to one of Hindi cinema’s most iconic families as Dharmendra’s daughter-in-law.
Her transformation from model to movie star to travel entrepreneur is as dramatic as any film storyline, and her life today, filled with international journeys, production work, and digital content, shows how she chose passion over fame.
Early Life & Modelling
- Deepti Bhatnagar was born in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.
- She moved to Mumbai as a young adult, initially to run a handicraft business.
- By age 18, she won Miss India, which launched her modelling career.
- In her first month in Mumbai, she reportedly saved ₹1 lakh.
- Within a year, she bought a house in Juhu — the home was reportedly purchased from Madhuri Dixit.
Acting Career in Films and Television
- Her film debut was in Ram Shashtra (1995), directed by Sanjay Gupta.
- Deepti also acted in Telugu (Pelli Sandadi, 1996) and Tamil (Dharma Chakkaram, 1997) films.
- She appeared in the Hollywood spy thriller Inferno (1997).
- In Bollywood, she acted in Mann (1999) with Aamir Khan & Manisha Koirala.
- On television, she played a cop in the 1998 show Yeh Hai Raaz.
- She revealed she was trained by Shah Rukh Khan to audition for the film Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa, but she “ran away from the screen test.”
Connection With Dharmendra
- Deepti is married to Randeep Arya, whose father Veerendra is Dharmendra’s cousin.
- This relationship makes her Dharmendra’s daughter-in-law.
- She and Randeep have two sons, named Shubh and Shiv.
Shift to Travel
- Deepti founded her own production company in 2001.
- She produced and hosted travel shows like Yatra (on Star Plus) and Musaafir Hoon Yaaron, travelling to about 90 countries.
- She has shared that she gave birth to both her children while traveling during her shows — a testament to her commitment to the lifestyle.
- Today, she is a full-time travel vlogger / YouTuber, sharing her global experiences with a wide audience.
- She has said that travel brought her more happiness and balance than the film industry ever did.
Philosophy & Public Persona
- Despite her film career, Deepti admitted that acting “didn’t feel natural” to her.
- She has spoken about prioritising happiness over fame, choosing a life that allows her to explore, connect, and grow.
- Her travel shows are not just about destinations; they focus on cultural and spiritual journeys, reflecting her deeper approach to life.
