Indian television’s most influential faces KARAN KUNDRRA has built his career on courage, consistency, and constant evolution. Known for his commanding screen presence, strong personality, and fearless choices Karan has successfully ruled fiction shows, reality television, OTT platforms, and youth-centric formats for over a decade.
Early Life
Born on 11 October 1984 ( age 41) Karan Kundrra comes from a Punjabi business family in Jalandhar Punjab. He is the youngest of four siblings with three elder sisters and was raised in a disciplined value-driven environment. His upbringing shaped his leadership mindset and strong work ethic.
Karan completed his schooling at the prestigious Mayo College Ajmer and later pursued an MBA in the United States. Despite having global exposure and the option to build a high-paying corporate career. Karan chose to follow his passion for acting proving early on that success means following conviction not comfort.
Before stepping into the entertainment industry Karan showed remarkable entrepreneurial skills. At just 17 years of age he started his own international call-centre business in Jalandhar. He also assisted his father in the construction and infrastructure business gaining hands-on experience in real estate and large-scale projects. Even today Karan remains actively involved in business ventures alongside his acting career.
Journey into Acting
Karan’s acting journey began in 2009 when he auditioned for Ekta Kapoor’s romantic television show Kitani Mohabbat Hai. Selected as the lead Arjun Punj he made an unforgettable debut. His intense performance, emotional depth and natural charisma instantly connected with audiences making him one of television’s most loved newcomers.
Soon after he played the lead role of Veeru in Bayttaab Dil Kee Tamanna Hai and appeared in episodic roles in Aahat. He also participated in the dance reality show Zara Nachke Dikha showcasing his willingness to experiment early in his career.
Karan returned with Kitani Mohabbat Hai 2 as Arjun Singhania followed by roles in Teri Meri Love Stories and V The Serial. However a major turning point came when he stepped into hosting with Gumrah – End of Innocence where his bold narration and impactful presence made him a youth favourite.
He further strengthened his acting portfolio with shows like Yeh Kahan Aa Gaye Hum, Dil Hi Toh Hai, and Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai
Karan’s popularity skyrocketed with his association with MTV Roadies where he became one of the most respected and feared gang leaders. Known for his strategy, mentorship, and fierce loyalty he became synonymous with the Roadies brand.
He also hosted Love School for three seasons, Dating Aaj Kal ,Dance Deewane Juniors and later took over as host of MTV Splitsvilla 16 in January 2026 continuing his strong connection with youth television.
Films & OTT Journey
Karan made his Punjabi film debut with Pure Punjabi (2012) followed by Horror Story (2013). His Bollywood breakthrough came with Anees Bazmee’s Mubarakan (2017) where he played Manpreet Sandhu alongside Arjun Kapoor and Ileana D’Cruz.
In 2018 he starred as the lead in Vikram Bhatt’s horror film 1921 earning praise for his intense performance. That same year he returned to television with Dil Hi Toh Hai which successfully expanded into multiple seasons on ALTBalaji and MX Player.
In 2020 he impressed digital audiences as Ronobir Chatterjee in It Happened in Calcutta further proving his adaptability to evolving platforms.
Nationwide Fame
In October 2021 Karan entered Bigg Boss 15 where his journey was marked by leadership emotional vulnerability, controversies, and genuine relationships. He emerged as the second runner-up becoming one of the most talked-about contestants of the season. He reportedly earned around ₹8 lakh per week during the show.
Post Bigg Boss he appeared as a jailor in LockUpp (2022) hosted Dance Deewane Juniors and later stunned audiences as Veer in Colors TV’s Tere Ishq Mein Ghayal (2023).
In 2024 he participated in Laughter Chef where his pairing with Arjun Bijlani was widely appreciated. In June 2025 he appeared on Prime Video’s The Traitors and in December 2025 he joined Naagin 7 as Dr. Tushar Sinha.
Personal Life
Karan was previously in a relationship with actress Kritika Kamra with whom he shared immense popularity as the on-screen pair “Karnika.” Later he dated Anusha Dandekar with whom he also launched the fashion label “Man Up! Woman Up” in 2020.
Since 2021 Karan has been in a relationship with actress Tejasswi Prakash. The two met during Bigg Boss 15 and their bond quickly won fans’ hearts. Despite public attention Karan prefers keeping his personal life grounded often crediting his family and sisters for being his emotional strength.
Social Media Presence
Karan Kundrra has a strong social media presence with over 5.6 million followers on Instagram where he stays connected with fans through work updates, fitness posts, and personal moments.
- Favourites
- Cuisine: Punjabi, Chinese & South Indian
- Actors: Shah Rukh Khan, Leonardo DiCaprio, Heath Ledger
- Actresses: Priyanka Chopra, Jennifer Lawrence
- Music Genres: Punjabi, Hip-Hop, R&B
- Sports: Tennis, Badminton
- Desserts: Cheesecake, Gulab Jamun
- Cartoon Character: Johnny Bravo
- Loves animals and owns pet dogs
- Cars & Lifestyle
Karan has Sea-facing apartment at 81 Aureate, Bandra (Mumbai). He’s Luxury cars collocation including Range Rover, Mini Cooper, Lamborghini, Jeep Wrangler Rubicon ,Vintage HM Contessa (purchased in March 2024) and Harley Davidson 48 bike
Interesting Facts
- Added an extra ‘R’ to his surname on numerologist’s advice
- Fans once sent letters written in blood during his early TV fame
- Was once mistaken for businessman Raj Kundra during a controversy
- Guest of Honour at Asia’s largest youth conference (2013)
- Successfully balances acting with entrepreneurship
- Featured twice in Forbes India Celebrity 100 List
Filmography
- Television
- Kitani Mohabbat Hai Role ( Arjun Punj)
- Bayttaab Dil Kee Tamanna Hai (Veeru)
- Kitani Mohabbat Hai 2 (Arjun Singhania)
- V The Serial
- Yeh Kahan Aa Gaye Hum (Rahul Khanna)
- Dil Hi Toh Hai (Ritwik Noon)
- Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai ( Ranveer Chauhan)
- Tere Ishq Mein Ghayal ( Veer)
- Naagin 7 (Dr.Tushar Sinha)
- Reality Shows
- Gumrah – End of Innocence
- MTV Love School
- Dating Aaj Kal
- Dance Deewane Juniors
- Zara Nachke Dikha
- MTV Roadies
- Box Cricket League (2014)
- Bigg Boss 15
- LockUpp
- Laughter Chef
- Contestant
- The Traitors
- MTV Splitsvilla 16
- Web Series
- It Happened in Calcutta
- Dil Hi Toh Hai
- Films (Hindi Cinema)
- Horror Story
- Mubarakan
- 1921
- Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare
- Tera Kya Hoga Lovely
- Punjabi film
- Pure Punjabi
- Jatt Romantic
- Bade Changay Ne Mere Yaar Kaminey
- Control Bhaji Control
- Music Videos
- Do Chaar Din
- Jiss Waqt Tera Chehra
Na Maar
Karan Kundrra has built a career that goes far beyond stardom. He stands today as a symbol of longevity, reinvention, and resilience proving that true success is not about shortcuts but about staying real and moving forward.
