Check out an actress' journey from near-drowning debut to epic roles in Bollywood’s biggest films

Lara Dutta may be a familiar face in Bollywood today, but her beginnings were far from the niche of the film world. Raised in a disciplined, non-film household whose father served in the Indian Air Force, Lara’s childhood was one of travel and learning. Eventually settling in Bengaluru, she went on to complete her education at a reputed institution before stepping into the limelight through beauty pageants.After winning several pageants, she achieved global recognition by being crowned 'Miss Universe' in 2000, making India proud on an international stage. What followed was a rush of film offers and an inevitable entry into Bollywood.A dramatic debut with Akshay and PriyankaIn 2003, Lara made her silver screen debut with 'Andaaz', sharing screen space with Akshay Kumar and another debutante, Priyanka Chopra. She played the bold and energetic role that resonated with audiences and marked a successful start to her acting journey.However, behind the scenes, her debut almost took a tragic turn. According to reports shared in DNA India, while shooting the romantic track 'Rabba ishq na Hove' in Cape Town, Lara encountered a terrifying incident. During high tide, a powerful wave struck the rock she was standing on which caused her to lose balance and fall into the water. Unable to swim, she was quickly swept away by the current until Akshay Kumar jumped in and rescued her. The incident could’ve ended badly but thankfully, it turned into a story of survival and camaraderie.A steady rise in BollywoodPost 'Andaaz' Lara carved a niche for herself in the industry with a string of hit films such as 'Masti, No Entry, Bhagam Bhag, Partner, Billu Barber, Housefull, and Don 2.' Her versatile performances and charismatic presence made her a favorite among fans and filmmakers alike.Love, marriage, and motherhoodWhile her film career was soaring, Lara’s personal life took a beautiful turn when she met tennis star Mahesh Bhupathi. The two got engaged in 2010 and tied the knot in a civil ceremony in Mumbai in 2011, followed by a Christian wedding in Goa. A year later, the couple welcomed their daughter, Saira, bringing a new chapter of joy into Lara’s life.What’s next for Lara DuttaLara is far from slowing down. She’s set to appear in the star-studded comedy 'Welcome to the Jungle' featuring a massive ensemble including Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Arshad Warsi, Paresh Rawal, Raveena Tandon and Jacqueline Fernandez.She’s also gearing up for one of her most exciting roles yet—playing Princess Kaikeyi in Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious epic 'Ramayana.' With her elegance and screen presence, Lara is expected to bring depth and nuance to the powerful mythological character.From almost drowning on her debut set to standing tall among industry veterans in major upcoming releases, Lara Dutta’s journey is nothing short of inspiring.