Saloni Batra Bio, Career, Movies, Family, Net Worth and More

Saloni Batra’s Biography

Early Life and Education

Saloni Batra was born and raised in Delhi, India. Long before Bollywood casting directors noticed her, she was steeped in design and performance culture.

She studied at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Chennai, specializing in accessories.

After graduating, she shifted to Mumbai and initially worked in the fashion space, including a stint under designer-entrepreneur Malini Agarwal, while simultaneously exploring theatre.

This cross-disciplinary start fashion plus stage would later feed into the expressive restraint and visual confidence you see in her on-screen work.¹

Although she has often said she lacked “formal” acting school credentials, Batra’s on-ground theatre practice became her training.

Stage work taught her vocal control, posture, and emotional continuity skills that show up clearly in Soni, where micro-gestures and silence communicate authority as effectively as dialogue.

#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/Q7WgDMcIn4

— Saloni Batra (@salonibatra_29) June 19, 2025

Quick Stats

From Shorts and Web Sketches to a Major Festival Breakthrough

First steps (2013–2016)

Batra’s earliest screen credits include short films and appearances in web sketches, followed by supporting parts in features like The Legend of Michael Mishra (2016).

She also appeared in the comedy web series Life Sahi Hai (2016) as Neha, a performance that got her noticed by casting circles increasingly scouting for actors with realistic timing and contemporary presence.

Breakout with Soni (2018)

Her big turn came as ACP Kalpana Ummat in Ivan Ayr’s Soni, which premiered at the 75th Venice International Film Festival (Orizzonti section) before streaming on Netflix.

The film is a restrained portrait of two Delhi policewomen Soni (Geetika Vidya Ohlyan) and her superior Kalpana (Saloni Batra) caught between institutional pressures, public scrutiny, and the burdens of gender in a violent city.

Critics noted how the film avoids melodrama for simmering realism, and how Batra’s composed, layered portrayal balances the title character’s volatility. ²

Soni was covered widely, won festival acclaim, and is often cited as part of the post-2010 wave of Indian indies using quiet formal control to tackle social issues.

Batra has discussed reading the script multiple times to internalize the film’s psychology. She later shared milestones from Venice on her social media, underscoring how pivotal this project was for her.

Taish (2020), The Knot (2021), 200: Halla Ho (2021)

Post-Soni, Saloni alternated between mainstream and indie spaces:

• Taish (2020, ZEE5) — Bejoy Nambiar’s revenge drama paired her with a starry ensemble. The film’s dual release (as a feature and as a series cut) highlighted the evolving OTT landscape and Batra’s comfort in stylized, high-conflict narratives.

• The Knot (Uljhan) (2021) — As Geeta Mathur, Batra joined an introspective indie about class, guilt, and moral fracture. The film kept her in the zone of ethically complex characters that don’t beg for easy sympathy.³

• 200: Halla Ho (2021, ZEE5) — A socially charged drama inspired by real events. Her appearance here added to a pattern: Batra gravitates to material with sharp sociopolitical edges, even within the constraints of commercial storytelling.

Into the Mainstream Spotlight: Animal (2023)

In Animal (2023), Saloni Batra played Reet Singh Malhotra, sister to Ranbir Kapoor’s character.

While the film’s gaze and gender politics drew strong debate, Animal became one of the year’s most talked-about Hindi releases, pushing every actor in its cast into the public spotlight.

Profiles and explainers introduced audiences to Batra’s earlier festival-circuit work, creating a feedback loop: indie credibility meeting mainstream visibility.⁴

For Saloni, the film served as a platform to be seen by a significantly wider audience without diluting the credibility she had built through quieter, character-centric roles.

It exemplified a strategic career balance using a commercial juggernaut to fuel attention toward nuanced parts elsewhere.

Streaming Presence and Critical Kudos

Batra’s 2024 project, Gaanth, is a Delhi-set crime mystery that begins with a chilling case resembling a mass suicide.

She plays a central role in the show’s investigative mosaic, opposite Manav Vij and Monika Panwar. Released on JioCinema on June 11, 2024, the series drew consistent notice for its darkness and social texture.

Reviews called it “bold,” “grisly,” and “complex and compelling,” and highlighted its ensemble craft.⁵

This project further consolidated Batra’s niche: tense dramas with psychological shading, set in the modern urban churn.

It also showcased how OTT has opened room for actors like her to topline demanding parts without the pressure of box-office formulas.⁶

Filmography

This list focuses on feature films and long-form series most associated with Saloni Batra’s career trajectory. Ordering is roughly chronological.

• The Legend of Michael Mishra (2016) – Supporting role in a mainstream comedy caper.

• Soni (2018) – ACP Kalpana Ummat; Venice premiere, Netflix release; widely praised for realism.

• Taish (2020) – Ensemble revenge drama for ZEE5; issued as film and limited series.

• 200: Halla Ho (2021) – Social-justice drama on ZEE5.

• The Knot (Uljhan) (2021) – Geeta Mathur; indie feature probing class guilt and complicity.

• Animal (2023) – Reet Singh Malhotra; high-profile theatrical hit.

• Gaanth: Chapter 1 – Jamnaa Paar (2024, series) – Crime mystery on JioCinema; critics noted its gritty tone.

• Murderbaad (announced) – Industry trade listing; project in the pipeline.

Additional early web credits include Life Sahi Hai (2016), which helped her gain traction among digital audiences.

Acting Style and Craft

Understatement over flourish: Batra’s best work relies on calibrated restraint especially effective in realistic dramas.

In Soni, she communicates rank, fatigue, and moral clarity through body language more than volume; the character’s authority rarely needs raised voices. Critics observing the film’s Venice run emphasized its aesthetic economy, which suits Batra’s style.⁷

Grounded presence in heightened worlds: Even in stylized setups like Taish or the operatic tonality of Animal, Batra’s screen energy stays grounded.

That contrast naturalistic acting inside heightened frames often becomes the stabilizing element a scene needs.

Social texture as subtext: Projects like The Knot and 200: Halla Ho show her interest in stories with social charge.

Rather than speechifying, she lets contradictions sit in the pauses the cost of privilege here, the weight of institutional inertia there. It is a form of performance that trusts the audience’s intelligence.

Also Read: Tanya Maniktala Bio, Age, Career, Movies, Family and More

Music, Training and Other Interests

Away from the camera, Saloni Batra sings, performing live with bands and showcasing a warm vocal tone in intimate settings. She’s also shared her training in kickboxing, which complements physically demanding roles and underscores her preference for a fitness-forward lifestyle.

These elements music and martial discipline feed into her screen confidence and stamina for long-form shoots.

Personal Life and Family

Public profiles note her Delhi roots, family background, and education. She has kept most of her private life low-key, a choice typical of actors who came up through indie and theatre circuits rather than celebrity machinery, but profiles have mentioned her parents and sibling names.

As always, details can evolve as public interviews accumulate; the fundamentals remain constant: Delhi upbringing, NIFT-Chennai education, and a Mumbai-based creative career.

Recognition and Impact

• Festival credibility: Soni remains a standout for its Venice premiere and critical discussion around gender and policing. It’s frequently referenced in Indian independent cinema round-ups post-2018.

• Mainstream reach: Animal introduced Saloni to a much larger audience; explainers and features identified her as the actor playing Ranbir Kapoor’s sister, prompting many viewers to explore her earlier work.

• OTT evolution: Gaanth exemplifies the era’s strongest reason to work in streaming writers can build slow-burn arcs, and actors like Batra can inhabit textured roles that might not exist in the Friday-box-office race.

Lesser-Known Facts

• She studied fashion accessories and moved to Mumbai for styling before acting took over. That visual literacy shows in her costuming instincts and how she “wears” a character.

• She has done theatre for years and often mentions no formal acting school her craft was honed on stage and sets.

• She is a trained kickboxer and a dog lover, details she has shared publicly.

Career Timeline

• 2013–2015: Shorts, theatre, and early digital appearances.

• 2016: The Legend of Michael Mishra; Life Sahi Hai (web).

• 2018: Soni premieres at Venice (Orizzonti), later Netflix release.

• 2020: Taish on ZEE5.

• 2021: The Knot (Uljhan); 200: Halla Ho.

• 2023: Animal (theatrical).

• 2024: Gaanth: Chapter 1 – Jamnaa Paar (JioCinema).

• Announced: Murderbaad.

What Makes Saloni Batra Stand Out

1. Hybrid credibility: She is one of the few actors who can credibly lead a Venice-caliber indie and then show up in a giant theatrical juggernaut without looking out of place.

2. Minimalist power: Her style is economical, relying on posture, breath, and gaze instead of large emotive flourishes—ideal for grounded drama and morally complex arcs.

3. The OTT advantage: Projects like Gaanth prove she can carry the ethical weather of a show, keeping viewers engaged across episodes.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ria Singh (@_riasingh_)

 FAQ’s

1) Who is Saloni Batra?

Saloni Batra is an Indian actor and singer who has worked across independent films, mainstream Bollywood, and streaming series. She is best known for Soni, Taish, The Knot (Uljhan), 200: Halla Ho, Animal, and the 2024 JioCinema series Gaanth: Chapter 1 – Jamnaa Paar.

2) Where is Saloni Batra from and what did she study?

She hails from Delhi and studied Fashion Accessories at NIFT, Chennai. She moved to Mumbai and initially worked in fashion before committing to acting and theatre.

3) What was her breakout role?

Soni (2018). The film premiered in the Orizzonti section at the 75th Venice International Film Festival and later streamed on Netflix, earning praise for its realism and performances.

4) What role did she play in Animal (2023)?

She played Reet Singh Malhotra, Ranbir Kapoor’s character’s sister, which expanded her mainstream visibility.

5) Is Saloni Batra active on streaming platforms?

Yes. Beyond earlier OTT releases like Taish and 200: Halla Ho, she starred in Gaanth (2024) on JioCinema, a gritty crime thriller set in Delhi.

6) Does she have formal acting training?

She has frequently said she did not attend a formal acting school; theatre and on-set work shaped her craft.

7) What are some skills and interests beyond acting?

Saloni is a singer who performs live, and she has kickboxing training, which supports physically demanding roles.

8) What’s next for Saloni Batra?

Industry listings include an upcoming project titled Murderbaad. Keep an eye on trade portals and official announcements for confirmations and dates.

Conclusion

Saloni Batra’s journey from a NIFT graduate experimenting with theatre to a performer at the intersection of indie credibility and mainstream reach feels emblematic of the last decade in Hindi storytelling.

She thrives in stories with social sting and psychological complexity, yet she can turn around and add texture to a giant commercial film.

Whether it’s the calm, steely ACP Kalpana of Soni, the morally shaded worlds of Taish and The Knot, or the ominous mystery of Gaanth, Batra’s performances invite you to lean in and listen to the silences, to the subtext, and to the modern city breathing behind every scene.