Mouni Roy

Mouni Roy is an Indian actress who has built one of the most recognizable careers in Hindi television and film. Born on 28 September 1985 in Cooch Behar, West Bengal, she is celebrated for her versatility and striking screen presence. She rose to national prominence with her portrayal of a shape-shifting serpent in the supernatural drama Naagin (2015–2016) and its sequel Naagin 2 (2016–2017), a role that made her a household name and one of the highest-paid television actresses in India. Her transition to films includes a Bollywood debut in Gold (2018) and a critically acclaimed performance as Junoon in the fantasy epic Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva (2022), which earned her the IIFA Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Roy's journey in entertainment began on television in 2006, and she has since balanced commercial projects with more nuanced roles. Known for her compelling performances and an ability to captivate audiences across mediums, she remains a prominent figure in Indian entertainment. Her current work continues to reflect her range, and she is regarded as one of the most influential actresses of her generation, with a career that spans television, film, and digital platforms. [edit]

Mouni Roy grew up in a Bengali-speaking Rajbongshi family in Cooch Behar, West Bengal. She attended Kendriya Vidyalaya in Baburhat through her 12th class, where she was an active participant in cultural activities. She then moved to Delhi to pursue higher education, studying mass communication at Jamia Millia Islamia, though some sources also mention her enrollment at Miranda House for English Literature. During her time in Delhi, she trained in Kathak dance, honing the classical skills that would later enhance her performances. Roy dropped out of college to pursue acting in Mumbai, a decision that marked the beginning of her professional journey. Her television debut came in 2006 when she was cast in Ekta Kapoor's long-running family drama Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, playing Krishna Tulsi opposite Pulkit Samrat. That role launched her career and opened the door to a string of television projects. [edit]

Mouni Roy's breakthrough came in 2015 with Ekta Kapoor's supernatural drama Naagin, where she played Shivanya, a shape-shifting snake out for revenge. The show became a massive hit, and Roy's performance turned her into a household name. She returned for Naagin 2 (2016–2017) in a double role and made a cameo in Naagin 3. During this period, she established herself as one of the highest-paid television actresses in India. She made her Bollywood debut in 2018 with Gold, opposite Akshay Kumar; the film grossed approximately ₹1.5 billion and earned her a Filmfare nomination for Best Female Debut. She followed with Romeo Akbar Walter (2019) and the OTT film London Confidential (2020). In 2022, she delivered one of her most acclaimed performances as Junoon in Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva, alongside Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Amitabh Bachchan, winning the IIFA Award for Best Supporting Actress and a second Filmfare nomination. [edit]

Mouni Roy is widely regarded as one of India's most prominent television actresses, known for her compelling performances and commercial success. Her role as the shape-shifting snake in Naagin made her a household name, and she is often referred to as the 'Naagin Queen' in media and fan circles. Her style is frequently praised, and she won the Star Screen Award for Best Ethnic Style (Female) in 2018. Fans admire her versatility and her ability to move seamlessly between television and film. [edit]

Mouni Roy commands a devoted following that has grown alongside her career, evolving from the fervent support of her early television days to a global audience captivated by her film work. While her fanbase does not operate under a single formal moniker, their engagement is marked by a deep appreciation for her artistic range and resilience in the face of public scrutiny. The community often rallies around her professional milestones, celebrating her transition from the supernatural drama Naagin to major cinematic releases like Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva. Recent years have seen this collective spirit tested during significant personal events, including her 2026 divorce announcement and the subsequent media storm involving dating rumors with Arjun Bijlani. Fans have largely remained supportive, echoing the sentiment of her colleagues who defended her character against false narratives, creating a dynamic where loyalty to her craft often outweighs gossip-driven speculation. This steadfast connection underscores her status as a cultural fixture rather than just a celebrity. Her enduring influence is quantified by her standing in the iFANN Global Fame Rankings. Based on data from August 2026, Mouni Roy is currently the 11th most famous person in Indian Dramas, a position she holds steady from the previous cycle.[edit]

Performing arts were deeply rooted in Mouni Roy's family; her grandfather was a renowned Jatra artist while her mother worked as a theatre actress, providing a natural foundation for her own path. A trained Kathak dancer, she won the first season of the dance reality show Zara Nachke Dikha before launching her acting career. Her filmography includes notable works such as Kasturi (2007), Pati Patni Aur Woh (2009), and Do Saheliyaan... Kismat Ki Kathputaliyaan (2010). Gold (2018) holds the distinction of being the first Bollywood film released in South Arabia. In the series London Confidential, she portrayed Uma Kulkarni, a pregnant spy. She is known for addressing rumors directly, including the biggest one she ever heard about herself. More recently, her public narrative expanded beyond roles to real-life events that fans discuss as modern lore. Following her mutual separation from husband Suraj Nambiar in July 2026, a wave of dating rumors surfaced in August linking her to actor Arjun Bijlani. While Bijlani publicly clarified these claims as false defamation attempts, the story became a focal point of public discourse, with fans rallying behind her defense of character against unfair questioning of her habits.[edit]

Mouni Roy's father, Anil Roy, worked as an office superintendent at the Cooch Behar Zilla Parishad. Her mother, Mukti Roy, was a theatre artist, and her grandfather, Shekhar Chandra Roy, was a well-known Jatra artist. She has a younger brother named Mukhar Roy. Roy married Dubai-based businessman Suraj Nambiar on 27 January 2022, but reports indicate the couple has since divorced. No children have been reported from the marriage. [edit]

Mouni Roy has worked with several prominent figures in Indian entertainment. Ekta Kapoor cast her in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and later Naagin. She co-starred with Akshay Kumar in Gold (2018), John Abraham and Jackie Shroff in Romeo Akbar Walter (2019), and Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Amitabh Bachchan in Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva (2022). [edit]

Mouni Roy married Dubai-based businessman Suraj Nambiar on 27 January 2022 in a private ceremony. The couple has since divorced, with reports of their separation surfacing in late 2025 and into 2026. No children were reported from the marriage. Earlier in her career, Roy was the subject of various dating rumours, though none were confirmed by credible sources. As of 2026, she is reportedly single after her divorce. [edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Mouni Roy's net worth in 2026 is estimated at $10 Million. Her financial portfolio reflects a diverse mix of television salaries, film fees, and lucrative brand endorsements. As one of India's highest-paid television actresses, she commanded premium per-episode fees during her tenure on Naagin and Naagin 2. Her Bollywood ventures, including Gold, Romeo Akbar Walter, London Confidential, and Brahmāstra, added significant earnings to her accumulation. Additionally, her appearances on dance reality shows like Zara Nachke Dikha and Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa contributed to her overall wealth, cementing her status as a top earner in the entertainment industry.[edit]

Mouni Roy has won several notable awards throughout her career. She won the Indian Television Academy Award and Gold Award for Best Actress for Naagin in 2016, and a Gold Award for Best Actress (Critics) for Naagin 2 in 2017. Her film work earned her the IIFA Award for Best Supporting Actress for Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva in 2023. She also received a Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award for Best Smile of the Year in 2016. [edit]