Sara Arjun, born on June 18, 2005, in Mumbai, has transitioned from being one of India's highest-paid child actors to a young woman making her mark in Bollywood. The 20-year-old is the daughter of actor Raj Arjun, known for his roles in films like "Secret Superstar" and "Thalaivi", and Sanya Arjun, a dance instructor who actively manages Sara's career.
Sara's journey in the entertainment industry began remarkably early. Even before she could speak full sentences, she was already a familiar face in television commercials. By the age of five, she had appeared in over 100 commercials for major brands like McDonald's and Maggi, becoming a household name due to her expressive face and endearing charm.
Her film debut came in 2011 with the Tamil drama "Deiva Thirumagal," where she played Nila, the daughter of a man with special needs, portrayed by actor Vikram. Her performance was critically acclaimed and commercially successful, earning her the Vijay Special Jury Award and national recognition.
Following "Deiva Thirumagal," Sara starred in several successful Tamil films, including "Saivam" and "Sillu Karupatti," receiving awards and nominations for her work. Her talent transcended language barriers as she appeared in Hindi films such as "Ek Thi Daayan," "404," and "Jazbaa". She also acted in Telugu and Malayalam cinema. In 2021, Sara secured a significant role as the young Nandini in Mani Ratnam's "Ponniyin Selvan". While her appearance in the first part was brief, her role was more prominent in the second installment. These films collectively grossed over ₹800 crore worldwide, further boosting her recognition.
Reports suggest that Sara Arjun was one of the highest-paid child actors in India, with some claiming she earned up to ₹10 crore by the time she was 18. It was reported that she charged ₹4 lakh per film. By 2023, her estimated net worth was around Rs 10 crore.
Sara is now making her transition to lead roles as a mainstream heroine. She is set to appear opposite Ranveer Singh in Aditya Dhar's action-spy thriller, "Dhurandhar," scheduled for release in 2025. However, the casting has drawn criticism from some due to the age gap between Sara and Ranveer Singh. Despite the controversy, this project marks a significant step in her career. There are also rumors of her starring as the second lead in Vijay’s upcoming project.