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Meet Bollywood's first black belt actress, became an overnight star with her debut, was involved in several controversies, career failed to take off, her name is…
Who can forget the bubbly air hostess 'Sweety' of 'Garam Masala'? Actress Neetu Chandra, who made her Bollywood debut with this film in 2005, won the hearts of the audience with her very first film. However, she had a deep connection with controversies. The actress's 41st birthday is on June 20. Neetu is not only a great actress but also a model, producer, theater artist, classical dancer, and an actress who has a black belt in Taekwondo. Known as Bollywood's first black belt actress, Neetu's journey has been inspiring as well as full of controversies. This actress represented India in the World Taekwondo Championship
Neetu Chandra was born on 20 June 1984 in Patna, Bihar. After completing her schooling at Notre Dame Academy in Patna, she graduated from Indraprastha College in Delhi. Neetu credits her success to her mother Neera Chandra, who hails from East Champaran. Neetu, who started her career with modeling, worked in many advertisements and gradually entered the world of films.
Neetu made her Bollywood debut in 2005 with Priyadarshan's comedy film 'Garam Masala', in which she played the lead role alongside Akshay Kumar and John Abraham. Her character's name in the film is 'Sweety'. The success of this film made her famous overnight. Neetu said in an interview, 'Garam Masala was a superhit. Because of Priyadarshan sir, I was sure that the audience would like this film. Even today, people call me 'Garam Masala Girl'.' Priya Chandra's impressive film portfolio
After this, she proved her acting prowess in the Telugu film 'Godavari' in 2006 and Madhur Bhandarkar's 'Traffic Signal' in 2007. The special thing is that for 'Traffic Signal', Neetu was on the streets of Mumbai for a week. Neetu prepared for her character by staying on the streets.
Neetu is the first Bollywood actress to have a fourth Dan black belt in Taekwondo. She represented India in the World Taekwondo Championship in Hong Kong in 1997 and also participated in the World Korfball Championship in Delhi in 1995. She has also won a silver medal in Taekwondo at the National Games. Neetu Chandra's controversial life
With her first hit film, she achieved many milestones. However, she also had a deep connection with controversies. In 2009, during the shooting of the Telugu film 'Satyamev Jayate', actor Rajasekhar was accused of misbehaving and assaulting her. Neetu filed a complaint with the Hyderabad Police Commissioner, Human Rights and Women's Commissions. Rajasekhar's wife and the film's director, Jeevitha accused Neetu of harassing her.
In the year 2025, Neetu filed a PIL in Patna High Court against rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh's song 'Maniac'. She called the lyrics of the song insulting to women and Bhojpuri. Neetu had said, 'Such obscene songs create discomfort for women and girls in Bihar. This is harmful for the society and the country.' Neetu Chandra's Hollywood film
Neetu also went to Hollywood after leaving Bollywood. In 2021, she made a special identity worldwide by playing the role of a martial arts fighter named Jaya in the Hollywood film 'Never Back Down: Revolt'. According to the information, Neetu got this role without audition. Actually, filmmaker David Zellon decided to cast her in his film after seeing her films and martial arts skills. Apart from this, she was also seen in the Hollywood show 'Gown and Out in Beverly Hills'.
Neetu has worked in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada films. She has worked in films like 'Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!', '13B: Fear Has a New Address' and many more. Her production company Champaran Talkies made the Bhojpuri film 'Mithila Makhan', which won a National Award. This film was directed by her brother Nitin Chandra.
