Shibani Dandekar is an Indo-Australian model, singer, anchor, VJ, and actress. She rose to fame when she hosted the Indian Premier League (IPL) from 2011 to 2015.
Contents
Wiki/Biography
Shibani Dandekar was born on 27 August 1981 (age 43 years; as of 2024) in Pune, Maharashtra, India.
Shibani Dandekar (left) with her sister Anusha Dandekar (right)
She was born to Indian parents and spent the majority of her childhood in London, Africa, and later, in Kingsgrove, New South Wales, a suburb in Sydney, Australia.
Shibani Dandekar (left) with her sister Anusha Dandekar (right)
Growing up, she had a special interest in music and sports. She, along with her sisters, incepted a music band named D-Major. After completing her studies, she moved to New York, where she did modelling and hosting. Her life took a turn when she got a chance to host an event called An Evening With Shah Rukh Khan In Atlantic City, which provided her with the much-needed breakthrough she was looking for. Since then, there has been no looking back for her.
Physical Appearance
Height (approx.): 5′ 6″
Weight (approx.): 55 kg
Hair Colour: Brown
Eye Colour: Black
Figure Measurements (approx.): 32-26-32
Family, Caste & Boyfriend
Shibani was born into a Marathi Chitpavan Brahmin family with roots in Pune. She is the second eldest daughter of Shashidhar Dandekar and Sulabha Dandekar.
Shibani Dandekar with her family
Popular VJ, Anusha Dandekar, is her younger sister, whereas, Apeksha Dandekar is her elder sister.
Shibani Dandekar (left) with Anusha Dandekar (centre) and Apeksha Dandekar (right)
Husband
On 19 February 2022, she got married to her boyfriend Farhan Akhtar.
Farhan Akhtar and Shibani Dandekar’s wedding photo
Relationships/Affairs
Shibani Dandekar with Keith Sequeira
Shibani Dandekar kissing Dino Morea during a reality show
In August 2018, on the occasion of her 38th birthday, Farhan Akhtar confessed his love for her after he posted an Instagram story and wrote, “Happy birthday Shibani Dandekar.” Shibani gave the first hint of their love when she shared the same on her Instagram story, and wrote, “Thank you @faroutakhtar.”
Farhan Akhtar’s Instagram story
In September 2018, she piqued the curiosity when she posted a romantic photo of herself, holding someone’s hand with a back view, which one could easily assume to be Farhan Akhtar. From there on, they kept on sharing their photos together. Moreover, the couple has also been seen together at various places and displaying their love in public.
Shibani Dandekar with Farhan Akhtar
Career
Shibani was always fascinated by the world of glamour. In 2001, she moved from Australia to New York and initially hosted a few shows like Namaste America, V Desi, and the Asian Variety Show. Apart from hosting, she also did modelling for a while. It was her hosting skills at An Evening With Shah Rukh Khan In Atlantic City, which provided her with the much-required breakthrough and recognition.
When she came to India, she continued her journey as a host with shows like such as AXN’s Men 2.0, The Stage, Style And The City and Top Model India. She also took part in reality shows like Khatron Ke Khiladi and Jhalak Dikhla Ja. However, she became a household name after she co-hosted the Indian Premier League (IPL) for 5 years.
Shibani Dandekar in IPL
Her first screen appearance was in Ravi Jadhav’s Marathi film Timepass (2014); as an item girl.
In the very next year, she made her Bollywood debut with the romantic-thriller film Roy (2015), where she played the role of Jacqueline Fernandez‘s friend, Zoya.
Shibani Dandekar with Jacqueline Fernandez during the making of Roy
Controversy
In February 2018, she was heavily criticised on social media after posting a topless photo on her Instagram.
Favourite Things
- Food: Seafood, Chocolate Cake, Burger, Pizza
Shibani Dandekar eating a burger
- Actors: Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan
- Actress: Madhuri Dixit
- Restaurant: Aoi in Mumbai
- Holiday Destinations: Sydney, London, New York
Facts
- She is an avid dog lover.
Shibani Dandekar, a dog lover
- She is a frequent traveller.
- She is a fine singer and dancer who has expertise in Western & Indian styles in both dancing and singing.
- She is a fitness enthusiast. Gymming and Yoga are an integral part of her daily routine.
- During an interview in September 2024, Shibani revealed that she was emotionally distressed when she became the target of online trolling, being labelled a “gold digger” following her marriage to Farhan. She also mentioned that some netizens referred to her relationship with Farhan as a “love jihad.” Her emotional state improved after Farhan advised her to ignore the negative comments.
