Girija Oak, a seasoned actress in Marathi and Hindi cinema, has recently become an internet sensation, charming audiences with her grace and elegance. A video clip of her in a blue saree from an interview with The Lallantop went viral, sparking widespread admiration and earning her the title of the "new national crush".
Born on December 27, 1987, in Nagpur, Maharashtra, Girija Oak is the daughter of veteran Marathi actor Girish Oak and Padmashree Phatak. She holds a degree in Biotechnology from Thakur College of Science and Commerce, Mumbai, and also studied business management while training in theatre. Girija is married to filmmaker Suhrud Godbole, and is the daughter-in-law of Marathi film actor, dialogue writer, and film producer Shrirang Godbole.
Oak began her acting career at the age of 15, starting with Marathi films. She has appeared in several notable films and television series across Marathi, Hindi, and Kannada industries. Her Marathi film credits include "Gulmohar", "Lajja", and "Navra Maza Bhavra". She also acted in the Kannada film "House Full". In Bollywood, she played Jabeen in Aamir Khan's critically acclaimed "Taare Zameen Par" (2007). More recently, she appeared in Shah Rukh Khan's "Jawan" (2023). Oak has also played leading roles in Marathi plays. Additionally, she led the Sony TV show "Ladies Special".
The viral video clip that captured the internet's attention is from a recent interview where Oak shared a humorous anecdote about her physics lecturer. In the interview, she recounted how her professor had misspoken "waves" as "babes", which left the viewers amused. The clip showcases her calm demeanor, natural smile, and effortless elegance, endearing her to a wider audience.
The actress has been compared to international stars like Monica Bellucci and Sydney Sweeney, with many calling her "India's Monica Bellucci". Responding to the online buzz, Oak expressed amusement and stated that while such trends come and go, her body of work remains her priority. She also acknowledged some negative attention, including objectification of the viral clip, but noted her appreciation for viewers discovering her extensive work.
Beyond her recent viral fame, Oak has a long-standing career in theatre and cinema. She has also been part of several OTT projects like "Modern Love: Mumbai", "13th: Some Lessons Aren't Taught in Classrooms", and "Inspector Zende". Her filmography includes "Shor in the City", "Qala", "Mauli", and "The Vaccine War".
Oak's connection to Bollywood extends beyond her roles on screen. She shared an anecdote from the set of "Jawan," recalling how she knew more trivia about Shah Rukh Khan's career than he did. She also recounted a heartfelt conversation with Shah Rukh Khan about the challenges of balancing film shoots and parenthood.
As Girija Oak enjoys her newfound internet fame, she remains grounded and focused on her craft. She appreciates the attention if it leads more people to discover and appreciate her work.
