Anjali Arora: From ‘Kacha Badam’ Sensation to Playing Mata Sita on the Big Screen

Kamal 10 min read

Anjali Arora. Photo: Sunil.shah.S via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

By ScoopPunjab Entertainment Desk | Published: October 22, 2026

Born on June 3, 2000, in New Delhi, Anjali Arora has become one of India’s most recognizable digital personalities. What started as a young girl with a passion for dance and acting would soon transform into a story of viral fame, controversy, resilience, and a surprising leap into mythological cinema.

Standing at 5’4″ (163 cm) with a charismatic on-screen presence, the Delhi-based actress has amassed over 13 million followers across social media platforms, cementing her status as one of India’s top content creators.

Arora’s journey to stardom began on TikTok, where her lip-sync and dance videos quickly caught the attention of Indian audiences. However, it was her dance to the viral Bengali folk song “Kacha Badam” that truly catapulted her to nationwide fame.

The track, originally by Bhuban Badyakar, became a social media phenomenon in 2020-2021, and Anjali’s rendition earned her the moniker “Kacha Badam Girl” – a title that continues to define her early career to this day. Following India’s TikTok ban, she successfully transitioned to Instagram Reels, MX TakaTak, and YouTube Shorts, where her popularity only continued to soar.

In 2022, Anjali took a significant step towards mainstream entertainment by participating in Lock Upp, the ALT Balaji reality show hosted by Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut. Emerging as the second runner-up, the show introduced her to a wider audience and showcased a different side of her personality beyond her viral dance reels.

Her stint on Lock Upp proved to be a turning point, opening doors to opportunities in music videos and acting projects while also exposing her to the intense scrutiny that comes with reality television fame.

Anjali’s transition into acting primarily came through Punjabi and Hindi music videos, where her natural screen presence and dance prowess made her a sought-after face. Some of her notable music video appearances include:

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“Temporary Pyar” (2021) with Kaka – one of her most popular collaborations
“Aashiq Purana” (2021) with Kaka
“Saiyyan Dil Mein Aana Re” (2022)
“Oh Humnasheen” (2022) with Yasser Desai
“Shayad Fir Se” (2021) with Rahul Vaidya

These projects helped establish her credentials as more than just a social media influencer, proving her ability to connect with audiences through performance.

Like many young digital celebrities thrust into the spotlight, Anjali’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. In August 2022, a morphed MMS video falsely attributed to her went viral across social media platforms.

The actress vehemently denied the video’s authenticity, calling it fake and digitally manipulated. She took legal action against those circulating the content, filing a defamation case and approaching the cybercrime cell. Forensic analysis would later confirm what she had maintained all along – the video was AI-manipulated and not her.

Despite the immense mental trauma and professional setbacks that followed, Anjali demonstrated remarkable resilience, continuing to create content and rebuild her career. She has since spoken openly about the incident, emphasizing how people often resort to character assassination when unable to compete.

In one of the most unexpected casting choices of recent times, Anjali was roped in to play the role of Mata Sita in Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha, directed by Abhishek Singh. The film, which hit theaters on September 25, 2026, also stars Dev Sharma as Lord Ram and Rajniesh Duggall as Ravana.

The casting immediately sparked intense debate online, with trolls questioning how the “Kacha Badam girl” could portray one of Hinduism’s most revered goddesses. However, Anjali has handled the criticism with grace and maturity.

“People are trolling me that I used to dance, so how can I play the role of Mata Sita? Everyone dances; which actor doesn’t dance? I love to dance; it is my hobby. I am not ashamed of it,” she stated at the film’s trailer launch.

The actress has also urged audiences to separate her social media persona from her on-screen character, insisting that viewers judge her portrayal based on the film rather than preconceived notions about her digital image. For Anjali, playing Mata Sita represents more than just a role – it’s being viewed as a new beginning in her acting journey and a chance to showcase her versatility as a performer.

Despite her glamorous public image, Anjali remains deeply rooted in her faith. A regular visitor to gurudwaras, she often shares moments of her spiritual journey with her followers. The actress has also expressed interest in giving back, having launched the Anjali Arora Foundation.

When asked about her transformation from influencer to actress, Arora humbly states, “I think being an influencer is also a talent. Social media gave me an opportunity to connect with people and build my identity. Now, as an actress, I want to explore different characters and show another side of myself.”

At just 26 years old, Anjali Arora’s career trajectory defies easy categorization. From viral dance sensation to reality TV star, from music video queen to mythological actress, she continues to reinvent herself with each new venture.

While controversies have tested her, they’ve also demonstrated her tenacity. Her bold casting as Mata Sita has certainly raised eyebrows, but it also signals her ambition to break free from being typecast as just a “reels star”.

As she continues to navigate the complex landscape of Indian entertainment – where digital stardom and traditional acting are still often seen as separate worlds – Anjali Arora stands as a symbol of a new generation of entertainers. One who refuses to be defined by a single viral moment, and who isn’t afraid to take on the biggest challenges, both on and off screen.

For more updates on Anjali Arora and the latest in Punjabi and Hindi entertainment, stay tuned to ScoopPunjab.com.