Aanchal Kumar is a name that resonates with beauty, talent, and versatility. Born on October 24, 1979, in Chandigarh, India, she rose to fame as a supermodel and actress, later becoming widely known as the wife of Anupam Mittal, the founder of Shaadi.com. From winning the Gladrags Manhunt and Megamodel Contest in 1999 to gracing Bollywood films like Fashion and Bluffmaster!, Aanchal has carved a niche for herself in the entertainment industry. This article delves deep into her life, from her early days to her professional achievements and personal milestones.

Key Information About Aanchal Kumar
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Aanchal Kumar |
Nickname | Not Known |
Date of Birth | October 24, 1979 |
Place of Birth | Chandigarh, India |
Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
Height | 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) |
Weight | 65 kg |
Parents | Father: S. Kumar (Marketing Manager), Mother: Sharan Kumar (Homemaker) |
Siblings | Payal Datwani (Businesswoman), Pooja Kumar (Entrepreneur), another sister |
Spouse | Anupam Mittal (Founder of Shaadi.com) |
Children | Daughter: Alyssa Mittal |
Education | Bachelor of Arts from Mithibai College, Mumbai |
Ethnicity | Punjabi |
Profession | Model, Actress |
Net Worth | Not Publicly Disclosed |
Famous For | Winning Gladrags Contest, Bollywood Films, Reality TV (Bigg Boss) |
Early Life & Childhood
Aanchal Kumar was born into a Punjabi family in Chandigarh. Her father worked as a Marketing Manager for a multinational company, while her mother was a homemaker. She grew up alongside three sisters in an environment that encouraged creativity and ambition. Aanchal was a bright student, scoring an impressive 91% in her board exams. She also excelled in sports and was part of her school basketball team.
Her modeling journey began at the age of 16 when she moved to Mumbai to live with her elder sisters. Encouraged by her family, she participated in various school-level modeling contests before being discovered by Maureen Wadia for the Gladrags Manhunt and Megamodel Contest.
Education
Aanchal completed her schooling at St. Stephen’s School in Chandigarh before moving to Mumbai for higher education. She pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree at Mithibai College. Despite her academic achievements, she was drawn to the glamour world early on and balanced her studies with modeling assignments.
Professional Journey & Achievements
Modeling Career
- In 1999, Aanchal won the prestigious Gladrags Manhunt and Megamodel Contest alongside John Abraham.
- She represented India at the Miss Intercontinental pageant in Germany and secured a spot among the top five contestants.
- Aanchal became one of the most sought-after models in India, working with brands like Sunsilk, Rexona, Bombay Dyeing, Marks & Spencer, and Shoppers Stop.
- She also walked the runway for renowned designers like Ritu Kumar and Manish Malhotra.

Acting Career
- Aanchal debuted in Bollywood with Bluffmaster! (2005), followed by a cameo in Fashion (2008).
- She appeared in music videos such as Jagjit Singh’s Aaina and Surjit Bindrakhia’s Dupatta Tera Satrang Da.
Television Appearances
- Participated in reality shows like Bigg Boss Season 4 and Baazi Kiski, winning accolades for her performances.
Awards & Recognition
- Winner of Gladrags Manhunt and Megamodel Contest (1999)
- Best Female Model of the Year at Bollywood Fashion & Music Awards (2007)
- Ranked among Webindia123’s Top 100 Beautiful Women (2021)
Timeline of Key Events
Year | Event |
---|---|
1979 | Born in Chandigarh |
1999 | Won Gladrags Manhunt & Megamodel Contest |
2005 | Made Bollywood debut with Bluffmaster! |
2007 | Won Best Female Model at Bollywood Fashion & Music Awards |
2013 | Married Anupam Mittal |
2017 | Welcomed daughter Alyssa |
Cultural & Social Background
Aanchal hails from a traditional Punjabi family but has embraced modernity through her career choices. Her upbringing instilled values of hard work and determination. Despite being rooted in Indian culture, she has successfully adapted to global fashion trends.
Relationships
Aanchal’s personal life has been equally fascinating:
- Dated Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh (rumored).
- Married Anupam Mittal on July 4, 2013, in a grand ceremony held at The Fairmont Hotel in Jaipur.
- Together they have a daughter named Alyssa Mittal.
Hobbies & Interests
Aanchal enjoys:
- Yoga and fitness routines.
- Traveling to exotic destinations.
- Cooking traditional Punjabi dishes like parathas with white butter.

Memorable Quotes & Anecdotes
- “I like waking up early and doing yoga; it sets my tone for the day.”
- “Winning Gladrags was not just a title; it was my ticket to dreams.”
- “Balancing fame with family is an art I am still learning.”
Did You Know?
- Aanchal started modeling at just 16 years old.
- She won ₹1.25 lakh for a Diet Coke commercial in 1999.
- Her wedding celebrations spanned three days with themes like Victorian supper and pool parties.
- She ranked among India’s Top 100 Beautiful Women in 2021.
- Aanchal has worked with international brands like Marks & Spencer.
- She is an occasional consumer of alcoholic beverages.
- Her favorite foods include chicken soup and parathas.
- She has a tattoo on her left shoulder.
- Aanchal was once rumored to be dating Yuvraj Singh.
- She participated in Bigg Boss Season 4 but was evicted after 40 days.