Aarti Gupta Surendranath is an Indian model, actress, producer, and creative consultant known for her work in advertising, public service cinema, and cultural advocacy. Her career began at very early age of 15 as a model, for which she was selected after a nationwide search for the prestigious Sunsilk shampoo ad campaign. She gained national recognition through prominent print and television advertising campaigns before transitioning into films and creative production.[1]
Born in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, she gained national recognition in the 1980s as one of India's most prominent models, appearing in several high-profile television commercials and magazine covers. She later transitioned to acting and became a notable figure in the entertainment and advertising industries, working alongside her husband, ad filmmaker Kailash Surendranath.[2]
She is well known for her work in Hindi cinema, particularly for her roles in the horror films. Her performances contributed to popularisation of the horror genre in the 1980s, making her debut in the 1984 movie Purana Mandir, which became a major box-office success and one of the highest-grossing films of its time.[3][4]
Parallel to her work in advertising and films, Gupta pursued an independent entrepreneurial venture in fashion. During this phase, she established a specialised and exclusive business focused on the creation of bridal trousseaus and couture garments. Operating on a by-appointment-only basis from a small workshop, the venture gained a strong reputation through word-of-mouth without formal advertising. Known for its personalised approach and craftsmanship, the business achieved considerable popularity before Gupta gradually stepped away from it due to the demands of film production, family life, and her expanding professional commitments.[5]
In addition to her work in acting and production, she has been involved in Wildlife Trust of India for conservation and animal welfare initiatives. She was associated with the Say No to Shahtoosh campaign, which focused on protecting the endangered Tibetan antelope (also known as Chiru), and later worked very actively for the Emeralds for Elephants charity auction in 2011, which raised funds for elephant conservation corridors in India.[6][7]
Gupta was widely recognised for her influence on fashion and style during the 1980s and 1990s, and was featured in Femina India’s list in 2025. In addition to her work in cinema and advertising, she has been involved in initiatives supporting women's rights as well as animal rights. She is a co-founder of the production company Kailash Picture Company. Since 1984, She has been married to filmmaker Kailash Surendranath, with whom she has two children.[8][9]
Early Life and education
Aarti Gupta was born in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, into a family with a military background. Her father, Major Gyanchandra Gupta, served as an officer in the Indian Army's 3rd Guards Battalion, and she also has an elder sister.[10]
She received her education at St. Joseph's Convent of Jesus & Mary in Colaba, Bombay, during one of her father's postings. Alongside her studies, Gupta participated in extracurricular activities, including dramatics. While still in school, at the age of 15, she began her modelling career, which marked her entry into the entertainment industry.[11]
Career
Modelling
Aarti began her modelling career at the age of 15 while still in school, making her debut in a Sunsilk shampoo advertisement. She quickly rose in the field, featuring in both print and film campaigns as well as ramp shows. She launched the Garden Sarees campaign for Bombay Dyeing and was the face of the brand for three consecutive years, creating her own look by styling it herself and adding an ethnic touch. She also modelled for other high-profile brands along with Sunsilk like Nescafé, Band-Aid, Clearasil, and Tata Tea at the time.[12]
In addition to her advertising work, Aarti has participated in numerous fashion shows across India and abroad. Her modelling career also included Halo Shampoo, Campa Cola, Bombay Dyeing Sarees. During Campa Cola, she introduced Salman Khan to her then-fiancé, Kailash Surendranath, which led to Salman's first appearance as a model in the entertainment industry.[13]
Films
Aarti Gupta made her acting debut with Purana Mandir (1984), a horror film produced by the Ramsay Brothers.[14] The film was a commercial success and is regarded as a cult horror film in India. She had also worked in the film Aamne Saamne (1982), an action-crime drama directed by Ashim Samanta, opposite Mithun Chakraborty, in which she played the role of Rita.
Aarti also appeared in Apna Jahan (1985) as Komal, a friend of the main leads, Naseeruddin Shah and Deepti Naval. She continued her association with the horror genre by starring in Saamri (1985) which was recognised as India's first 3D Hindi horror film and Tahkhana (1986). Aarti acted in the art film Aashiana (1986), directed by Mahesh Bhatt, where she portrayed a tribal girl alongside Mark Zuber and Deepti Naval.
Aarti played a significant role in nurturing early talent in Indian advertising, contributing to the early screen appearances of numerous actors and models who later established careers in film, television, and fashion.[16]
She is credited with identifying a young Salman Khan, whom she noticed as a teenager at a swimming pool, and recommending him for a Campa Cola commercial directed by Kailash Surendranath. This became Khan's first on-screen appearance and a well-documented early milestone in his career.[17]
Among the early works she was associated with was the 1982 Nirma washing-powder commercial featuring Sangeeta Bijlani, for which she designed the costumes and styling. She later played a key creative role in the JCT Phagwara textile advertisement featuring Juhi Chawla in the mid-1980s, contributing to one of Chawla's first campaigns.[18]
In the 1990s, she continued working across major FMCG brands, including co-conceiving, styling, and casting the Fair & Lovely commercial featuring Deepti Bhatnagar and Randeep Arya, becoming one of Bhatnagar's earliest notable television appearances. She also cast and styled the Nirma Lime Fresh advertisement featuring a young Riya Sen in what became Sen's first major commercial, alongside model-actor Sanjay Suri.[19]
She was involved in the MR Coffee campaign featuring Arbaaz Khan and Malaika Arora,[20] one of their earliest paired appearances, and worked on early advertisements featuring child actors who went on to become successful film personalities, including Kunal Khemu, Jugal Hansraj, and Hansika Motwani.
Aarti also worked on influential advertising projects that featured Jackie Shroff and Sangeeta Bijlani during their early careers, including the classic Cadbury Drinking Chocolate commercial directed by Kailash Surendranath.[21]
Production Work
Aarti Gupta Surendranath and Kailash Surendranath for their work Mile Sur Mera Tumhara
Beyond acting and advertising, Aarti contributed significantly to Indian media and Industry. She was the associate producer for Mile Sur Mera Tumhara (1988),[22] a film promoting national integration, and produced its sequel Phir Mile Sur (2010). She also worked as a creative producer for the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign (2022).[23]
She has also been associated with the Indian art and cultural space, including inaugurating exhibitions by contemporary artists such as painter Subodh Poddar in 2009.[26]
Wildlife advocacy and Conservation Work
Say No to Shahtoosh Campaign (2000–2005)
Aarti is actively involved in wildlife conservation, particularly through her work with the Wildlife Trust of India. She has advocated for the protection of the Tibetan antelope, known as the chiru, which is critically endangered. The animal's undercoat is used to create shahtoosh shawls, a practice that has led to the decline of the species.[27] She was honoured with the title of Campaign Advisor for the Say No to Shahtoosh initiative—a collaboration between the Wildlife Trust of India and the World Land Trust (UK). The campaign aimed to end the trade and use of shahtoosh shawls made from the endangered Tibetan antelope, or chiru. Surendranath played a pivotal role in mobilizing awareness within India's fashion and film circles, leveraging her influence to engage top designers and public figures.[28][29]
The campaign gained remarkable momentum at events like India Fashion Week, where leading voices from Bollywood and fashion—including Hrithik Roshan, Jaya Bachchan, Preity Zinta, Kareena Kapoor, Milind Soman, Rahul Dev, Pooja Batra, and others—endorsed the cause by signing a symbolic scroll. Their support, alongside Aarti's strategic outreach, helped bring ethical fashion and wildlife conservation to the national spotlight.[30]
In addition to her formal conservation campaigns, Surendranath has also participated in public advocacy efforts, including peace marches and civic protests in Mumbai in 2008, reflecting her engagement with social and humanitarian causes alongside environmental work.[31][32]
Emeralds for Elephants Charity Auction (2011)
In October 2011, Aarti Gupta Surendranath played a significant role in the Emeralds for Elephants charity auction held at the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai, organized by Gemfields in association with the Wildlife Trust of India and the World Land Trust. The initiative aimed to raise funds to establish a network of elephant corridors across India to reduce human-elephant conflict.[33] As the event designer and curator, Aarti was instrumental in bringing together a high-profile guest list and ensuring the event's creative execution. The collection featured 11 exclusive emerald jewelry pieces, including a 630-carat emerald Ganesh sculpture by artist Arzan Khambatta. Participating jewellers included leading houses from across India, such as Abaran Jewellers (Bangalore), Anmol Jewellers (Mumbai), and Gem Palace (Jaipur), the latter of which Surendranath was associated with. The collection launched in July and culminated in a grand auction on 14 October 2011. The initiative was supported by sponsors such as Jaguar Land Rover, The Taj Hotels, Sotheby’s, and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA India).[34]
The Indian chapter of the project was launched by actress Madhuri Dixit, who was present at the event alongside other notable figures including World Land Trust patron and former cricketer David Gower, His Highness Arvind Singh Mewar (Maharaja of Udaipur), Princess Diya Kumari, the Princess of Panna, and numerous celebrities and socialites such as Tisca Chopra, Sophie Choudry, Shobha De, Kaykasshan Patel, Pria Kataria Puri, Shaina NC, Natasha and Adar Poonawala, Rhea Pillai, Madhoo Shah, Malvika Sangghvi, and Laila Lamba. The auction raised an estimated US$750,000 for elephant conservation efforts.[35]
Notable Events and Campaigns
Catalunya Lifestyle & Fashion Event (2013)
In 2013, Aarti Gupta Surendranath served as the event coordinator for a Catalonia-themed cultural and fashion showcase held in Mumbai. The event coincided with the official visit of Artur Mas, President of the Government of Catalonia, and aimed to promote cultural and creative collaboration between Spain and India.
Held on November 27, 2013, at the Grand Central Hotel in Mumbai, the evening brought together Indian celebrities, international guests, and government officials. Actress Aditi Rao Hydari served as the celebrity showstopper, while Indian models such as Tamara Moss, Kanishtha Dhankhar, Erika Packard, and Iris Maity walked the runway. Spanish fashion designers including Custo, Brain & Beast, Mango, and Justicia Ruano were featured in the showcase, accompanied by Spanish DJ Gerard Estadella.
Spanish actress Ariadna Cabrol hosted the event, which also included a segment spotlighting lesser-known Spanish fashion labels alongside established brands. The showcase aimed to enhance cross-cultural exchange and introduce Spanish fashion to the Indian market.
The evening was attended by public figures including Rasmi Nigam, Sangita Singh, Divya Palat and Aditya Hitkari, Schauna Chauhan and Bikram Saluja, Rouble Nagi, Varuna D. Jani, Chhaya Momaya, Maheka Mirpuri and Arzan Khambatta, Anandita De, Deepti Bhatnagar, Rashmi Uday Singh, Randeep Arya, and Sabina and Anil Chopra. The event was hosted by the Government of Catalonia as part of its cultural diplomacy efforts in India.[36]
Honours and Recognition
In 2019, Aarti Gupta Surendranath and her husband Kailash Surendranath were featured at the IE Business School and Karan Gupta Education Foundation's “I Am Woman” event, which honoured women from diverse fields. The profile listed them among the notable industry figures recognised for their contributions to advertising, culture, and social impact.[37]
On 18 June 2018, she also served as chairperson of the awards committee and moderated the IMC Ladies’ Wing annual felicitation, organized by the Indian Merchants’ Chamber, which felicitated women achievers from various fields, where the chief guest was former Principal Scientific Adviser R. Chidambaram and Ashok Kurien was guest of honour.[38]
Aarti was featured in Femina magazine’s special edition titled “We Live in Hope” in January 2025, which profiled Indian women known for their resilience and social impact. In the feature, she reflected on her journey and shared her thoughts on generational resilience among those born between the 1950s and 1970s, artificial intelligence, gender acceptance, and environmental advocacy.[39]
Personal life
Aarti Gupta Surendranath is married to ad filmmaker Kailash Surendranath[40] and has been involved in creative work as well as animal welfare, environmental advocacy, and event organisation.[41] Together they have two children, a son, Angadveer Surendranath, a director, who co-directed the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign and worked on the Bollywood film Race 3 and a daughter, Kshiraja Surendranath, who is a classical Odissi dancer.[42] Aarti is also known for her active social engagement.[43]
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