Celina Jaitly

2001–04: Debut and setback

Jaitley started her career from a marketing job in a mobile phone company in Kolkata before she decided to participate in a local beauty contest.^[8][9] She won the title at Femina Miss India 2001.^[6] She also won the Miss Margo Beautiful Skin, Indiatimes Surfer's Choice, and MTV's Most Wanted award. She was subsequently sent to the Miss Universe 2001 contest representing India where she finished 4th runner-up.^[10]

In 2001, she featured in Jazzy B's music video of "Oh Kehri", which was immensely popular.^[11] She also featured in music videos for Bombay Vikings.^[12]

In 2003, she made her film debut in Feroz Khan's Janasheen. The movie was a moderate box office success in India.^[13] For her second release, she had a starring role opposite Sunny Deol in the romantic action Khel, but the feature was poorly received and earned little at the box office.^[14]

In 2004, Jaitly turned down the lead role in Julie. In an interview with Stardust, Jaitly commented: "I turned down Julie because I didn't agree with the reasoning of the protagonist in the story, who resorts to prostitution because her man ditches her. I didn't see why any educated girl would take such a drastic step. I take up roles that I mentally agree with, and this was not such a role".^[15] The same years Jaitly appeared in the Telugu language drama Suryam opposite Vishnu Manchu.

2005–08: Professional expansion

By 2005, under the direction of Khalid Mohamed, Jaitly played the role of Preeti, an air hostess, in Silsiilay. The movie was well received by critics.^[16] Rediff.com reported that "Celina Jaitley sizzles in the song Belibaas". She next portrayed the character of Sanjana in No Entry, the film was received favourably by critics and became successful at the box office with gross earnings of ₹840.9 million (US$12 million).^[17][18]

The following year, Jaitley co-starred in Deepak Tijori's comedy Tom, Dick, and Harry. The film became successful at the box office with gross earnings of ₹250.7 million (US$3.5 million).^[19] She next appeared in Apna Sapna Money Money, directed by Sangeeth. It received mixed reviews, though it became a financial success, with a domestic total of ₹390.4 million (US$5.4 million).^[20][21]

In 2007, Jaitley starred in Red: The Dark Side, directed by Vikram Bhatt, alongside Aftab Shivdasani. Her final release of 2007 was Suneel Darshan's comedy Shakalaka Boom Boom, with Bobby Deol, Upen Patel and Kangana Ranaut. Upon release it did moderately well at the box office but was critically panned.^[22]

In 2008, she took a supporting role in Golmaal Returns. It received mixed reviews, though it became a financial success, with a domestic total of ₹660.9 million (US$9.2 million).^[23] Jaitley's performance was applauded, with critic Taran Adarsh writing: "Celina stays on your mind even after the show is over".^[24]

Recent work (2009–present)

During 2009 and 2010, all three films in which she starred; Paying Guests, Accident on Hill Road and Hello Darling, were critically and commercially unsuccessful.^[25]

In 2011, Jaitley had two leading roles. Her first was Anees Bazmee's Thank You, a romantic comedy. The film was poorly received by critics but became an economic success, earning over ₹950.6 million (US$13 million).^{[26] [27]} She next appeared in Shrimathi, a Kannada film directed by Ravi Kumar. It proved a commercial success.^[28]

There were reports that Jaitly was slated to play a Persian princess in the film Quest of Scheherezade with actors Sean Connery and Orlando Bloom, and directed by Ken Khan.^[29] This has yet to be confirmed.

Endorsements

Sepang Circuit Malaysia 2002, Ayur (ayurvedic hair shampoos) 2002-2004, Ponds (Dreamflower talc) 2001-2004, Margo (skin soap) 2001-2003, Gitanjali (Diamond jewels) 2003 - present, Jashn (Leading Indian apparels) 2006 -present, Proactv (International skin solutions) 2008 - present, RICHFEEL (trichology clinics) 2012 - present, 18 Again (women’s intimate care) 2012 - present, PETA 2005-till present, United Nations Equality Champions 2013 - present.