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{{Short description|Indian actress}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox pageant titleholder
{{Infobox pageant titleholder
| name              = Niharika Singh
| name              = Niharika Singh
| image              = Niharika Singh.jpg
| image              = Niharika Singh.jpg
| caption            = Niharika Singh in 2019
| caption            = Niharika Singh in 2019
| birth_date        = {{birth date and age|1982|08|31|df=yes}}
| birth_date        =  
| birth_place        = New Delhi, India
| birth_place        = New Delhi, India
| education          = [[Shri Ram College of Commerce]] (dropped out)
| occupation        = Actress • Filmmaker
| occupation        = Actress • Filmmaker
| title              = [[Femina Miss India]] Earth 2005
| competitions      = [[Femina Miss India]], [[Miss Earth 2005]]
| title              = [[Miss Earth India]] 2005
}}
}}


'''Niharika Singh''' (born 31 August 1982) is an actress, producer and a former Miss India. She won the title of [[Miss Earth India]] in 2005 and made her acting debut with the film ''[[Miss Lovely]]'' which competed in ''[[Un Certain Regard]]'' at the [[2012 Cannes Film Festival]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://beautypageants.indiatimes.com/miss-india/Former-Miss-India-Earth-Niharika-Singh-as-Miss-Lovely/eventshow/28790635.cms|title=Former Miss India Earth Niharika Singh as 'Miss Lovely' - BeautyPageants|website=Femina Miss India}}</ref>
'''Niharika Singh''' is an Indian film actress, producer and beauty pageant titleholder who won [[Miss Earth India]] and represented [[India]] at [[Miss Earth 2005]]. She made her acting debut with the critically acclaimed drama ''[[Miss Lovely]]'', which competed in ''[[Un Certain Regard]]'' at the [[2012 Cannes Film Festival]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://beautypageants.indiatimes.com/miss-india/Former-Miss-India-Earth-Niharika-Singh-as-Miss-Lovely/eventshow/28790635.cms |title=Former Miss India Earth Niharika Singh as 'Miss Lovely' – BeautyPageants |website=Femina Miss India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.festival-cannes.com/en/f/miss-lovely/|title=MISS LOVELY|date=24 May 2012|website=Festival de Cannes}}</ref> Niharika was selected for [[Berlinale Talents]] in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.berlinale-talents.de/bt//bt/talent/niharika-singh/profile |title=Berlinale Talents – Niharika Singh |website=berlinale-talents.de}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | title=Niharika Singh's remarkable journey that began with her win at Miss India | url=https://www.femina.in/beauty-pageants/miss-india/niharika-singhs-remarkable-journey-that-began-with-her-win-at-miss-india/articleshow/110532194.cms | access-date=2024-12-27 | website=www.femina.in}}</ref>


==Early life==
== Early life ==
Born on 31 August 1982 in [[New Delhi]] to Lalita and Ajit Kumar Singh, Niharika spent her childhood in various north Indian towns and hill stations, moving homes and schools every few years. Her father worked for [[Uttar Pradesh Tourism]] and after the state was divided, [[Uttarakhand]] Tourism Development Board, Government of India. Her mother studied fashion designing and ran a design institute in [[New Delhi]]. She is the eldest of two sisters. Her maternal family from [[Rajasthan]] and paternal family from [[Uttar Pradesh]] were both influenced by [[Arya Samaj]] but Niharika does not practice any religion.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://feminisminindia.com/2019/08/09/conversation-niharika-singh-caste-representation-feminism-bollywood/|title=In Conversation With Niharika Singh: Caste, Representation And Feminism In Bollywood|first=Guest|last=Writer|date=8 August 2019|website=Feminism In India}}</ref>
Born on August 31st, 1982 in New Delhi, Niharika spent her childhood in various north Indian towns and hill stations, moving homes every few years. Her father worked in the Tourism department for [[Uttar Pradesh]] and later [[Uttarakhand]] state government, her mother ran a design institute in [[New Delhi]] and she is the elder of two sisters. Singh did most of her schooling in an all-girls boarding school in [[Nainital]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://feminisminindia.com/2019/08/09/conversation-niharika-singh-caste-representation-feminism-bollywood/ |title=In Conversation with Niharika Singh: Caste, Representation and Feminism in Bollywood |date=8 August 2019}}</ref>


Singh was an avid reader growing up and showed a keen interest in creative writing and performing arts. She recalls her first performance as [[Bharat Mata]] at the age of 4 in her primary school in [[Haridwar]] after which she regularly attended children theatre workshops conducted by [[Sahitya Kala Parishad]] and performed in children plays at Kamani auditorium in [[New Delhi]]. She was sent to an all girls boarding school, All Saints' College, in [[Nainital]] where her interests in co-curricular activities were encouraged. Singh started working as a model in 1999 when she first walked the ramp for a design institute in [[Dehradun]]. She went on to pursue a degree in B.Com (Hons) at ''Shri Ram College of Commerce'' in [[New Delhi]] and continued taking modelling assignments alongside to earn a little income. Niharika featured in several print campaigns, fashion magazines, music videos and decided to drop out of college and move to [[Mumbai]] to pursue a full time career in the entertainment business after her younger sister got admission in [[St Xaviers College]] in 2003.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Multifaceted Life of Niharika Singh |url=https://theknowculture.com/2019/05/22/the-multifaceted-life-of-niharika-singh/ |access-date=2021-04-14 |website=theknowculture.com}}</ref>
== Career ==


==Career==
=== Modeling and pageantry (1999–2006) ===
Singh participated in [[Femina Miss India]] in 2005 and won the title of [[Miss Earth India]] along with subtitles for ''Miss Photogenic'' and ''Miss Beautiful Hair'' after which she went on to represent India at [[Miss Earth 2005]] held in the [[Philippines]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bombaytimes.com/miss-india-winners-2012-1964/2010-2001/niharika-singh/profile/7282983.cms|title=Niharika Singh - Miss India - Bombay Times|website=Bombaytimes}}</ref><ref name="businesswireindia">{{cite web|url=http://businesswireindia.com/news/news-details/ponds-femina-miss-india-2005-winners-are-ponds-femina-miss-india-universe-2005-amrita-thappar-ponds-femina-miss-india-world-2005-sindhura-gadde-ponds-femina-miss-india-earth-2005-niharika-singh/6941|title=Pond's Femina Miss India 2005 Winners are: Pond's Femina Miss India - Universe 2005 Amrita Thappar, Pond's Femina Miss India - World 2005 Sindhura Gadde, Pond's Femina Miss India - Earth 2005 Niharika Singh|website=businesswireindia.com|access-date=2021-04-15}}</ref><ref>http://indpaedia.com/ind/index.php/Miss_India_winners:_2005</ref> Niharika appeared in several television commercials and print campaigns for various brands across the country and hosted a reality TV series ''Banungi Main Miss India'' with the [[Femina Miss India]] contestants of 2006.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiantelevision.com/headlines/y2k6/feb/feb238.htm|title=Zoom's channel driver 'Pond's Banungi Main Miss India' premieres 22 February|date=18 February 2006|website=Indian Television Dot Com}}</ref> Singh featured in [[Times of India]]'s 2005 list of ''Most Desirable Women'' and continued her modelling career until she began getting offers to act in [[Bollywood]] films.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/i-am-not-hot-and-sexy/story-038K494UXr8aGaj4JXWzYJ.html|title='I am not hot and sexy'|date=18 January 2006|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/lucknow-times/i-am-sweet-not-sexy/articleshow/1344338.cms|title='I am sweet, not sexy' &#124; undefined News - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xwrcsi|title=Niharika Singh is the most desirable woman no. 40.mp4 - video Dailymotion|website=Dailymotion}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/beauty-queens-who-turned-bollywood-actresses-121757.html|title=Beauty Queens Who Turned To Bollywood|date=9 January 2014|website=IndiaTimes}}</ref>
Singh started working as a model in 1999 when she first walked the ramp for a design institute in [[Dehradun]]. She went on to pursue a degree in B.Com. (Hons) at [[Shri Ram College of Commerce]] in [[New Delhi]] and continued taking modelling assignments alongside to earn a little income. Niharika featured in several print campaigns, fashion magazines, music videos and decided to drop out of college and move to [[Mumbai]] to pursue a full-time career in the entertainment business in 2003.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Multifaceted Life of Niharika Singh |url=https://theknowculture.com/2019/05/22/the-multifaceted-life-of-niharika-singh/ |access-date=14 April 2021 |website=theknowculture.com |date=22 May 2019 |archive-date=7 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707102929/https://theknowculture.com/2019/05/22/the-multifaceted-life-of-niharika-singh/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>


Niharika's film career began in 2006 when she signed a 10-film contract with [[Bollywood]] director [[Raj Kanwar]] under his banner ''Inderjit Films''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://zeenews.india.com/home/some-faces-bound-to-go-places-in-bollywood_429543.html|title=Some faces bound to go places in Bollywood|date=11 March 2008|website=Zee News}}</ref><ref>https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/new-face-of-bollywood-1.151101</ref><ref>https://forum.xcitefun.net/too-many-talented-new-faces-a-good-year-for-bollywood-so-far-t8913.html</ref> The films were never made and she remained locked in the contract until singer [[Himesh Reshammiya]] approached her to play the role of a haughty heiress opposite him in ''[[A New Love Ishtory]]'' to be produced by [[T-Series (company)]] and directed by [[John Matthew Matthan]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aspisdrift.com/2008/11/why-niharika-singh-is-here-to-stay.html|title=Why Niharika Singh is here to stay - An Exclusive Drift Interview}}</ref><ref>https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/debutante-niharika-finds-new-love-post-break-up/story-aIzKepRjy9JFX9ndQEVIXM.html</ref> Niharika attended an acting course with [[Barry John (theatre director)]] before filming [[A New Love Ishtory]]. Due to internal differences during the making of the film, producer [[Bhushan Kumar]] pulled the finance, dubbed the unfinished version and sold the film directly to a television channel without the knowledge of the cast and crew.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/niharika-singh-opens-up-about-her-experiences/articleshow/66558463.cms|title=Niharika Singh opens up about her experiences - Times of India ►|website=The Times of India}}</ref> Singh started shooting for her second film ''Mudh Mudh Ke Na Dekh Mudh Mudh Ke''<ref>https://www.sify.com/movies/exclusive-himesh-romances-two-hot-women-imagegallery-movies-jdwmP9gddcjsi.html</ref>opposite Reshammiya which was shelved mid-way.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/we-aren-t-cats-and-rats-we-re-girls-niharika/story-sDyxEvs5Hivs31Spgw8uHP.html|title=We aren't cats and rats, we're girls: Niharika|date=7 May 2008|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref>https://www.filmibeat.com/bollywood/gupshup/2008/niharika-jennifer-catfight-060508.html</ref><ref>https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-we-aren-t-cats-and-rats-niharika-singh-1163062</ref> She also acted in a [[Kannada]] film ''Private Number'' directed by [[Anand Kumar (director)]] that never found a release.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/movie-details/news-interviews/beauty-belongs-in-cinema-niharika/articleshow/5958093.cms|title=Beauty belongs in cinema: Niharika - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/content/72436/no-language-restrictions.html|title=No language restrictions!|date=30 May 2010|website=Deccan Herald}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/content/70578/a-party-private-number.html|title=A party for 'Private Number'|date=20 May 2010|website=Deccan Herald}}</ref>
Singh participated in [[Femina Miss India]] in 2005 and finished third, winning the title of [[Miss Earth India]] along with subtitles for ''Miss Photogenic'' and ''Miss Beautiful Hair'' & was sent to represent India at [[Miss Earth 2005]] held in the [[Philippines]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.bombaytimes.com/miss-india-winners-2012-1964/2010-2001/niharika-singh/profile/7282983.cms |title=Niharika Singh – Miss India – Bombay Times |website=Bombaytimes |access-date=14 April 2021 |archive-date=22 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922050742/https://www.bombaytimes.com/miss-india-winners-2012-1964/2010-2001/niharika-singh/profile/7282983.cms |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="businesswireindia">{{cite web |url=http://businesswireindia.com/news/news-details/ponds-femina-miss-india-2005-winners-are-ponds-femina-miss-india-universe-2005-amrita-thappar-ponds-femina-miss-india-world-2005-sindhura-gadde-ponds-femina-miss-india-earth-2005-niharika-singh/6941 |title=Pond's Femina Miss India 2005 Winners are: Pond's Femina Miss India – Universe 2005 Amrita Thappar, Pond's Femina Miss India – World 2005 Sindhura Gadde, Pond's Femina Miss India – Earth 2005 Niharika Singh |website=businesswireindia.com |access-date=15 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2005/20050328/main6.htm|title=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Main News|website=www.tribuneindia.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://m.rediff.com/news/2005/mar/28sld5.htm|title=rediff.com:Ponds Femina Miss India 2005|website=m.rediff.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/2005/mar/30sld04.htm|title=rediff.com: India's newest queens|website=m.rediff.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timescontent.timesgroup.com/photo/fashion/Niharika-Singh/30203|title=Niharika Singh Fashion Photo Pond's Femina Miss India E...|website=Times Of India}}</ref><ref>https://timescontent.timesofindia.com/photo/fashion/Niharika-Singh/30203</ref> She appeared in several television commercials and ad campaigns for various brands across the country and hosted a reality TV series ''Banungi Main Miss India'' with the [[Femina Miss India]] contestants of 2006.<ref>https://indiantelevision.com/news-headline/zooms-channel-driver-ponds-banungi-main-miss-india-premieres-22-february/</ref> Singh featured in ''[[Times of India]]'''s 2005 list of ''Most Desirable Women'' and continued her modeling career until she started getting offers to act in [[Bollywood]] films.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/i-am-not-hot-and-sexy/story-038K494UXr8aGaj4JXWzYJ.html |title=I am not hot and sexy |date=18 January 2006 |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/lucknow-times/i-am-sweet-not-sexy/articleshow/1344338.cms |title='I am sweet, not sexy' &#124; undefined News |website=The Times of India |date=23 December 2005}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xwrcsi |title=Niharika Singh is the most desirable woman no. 40.mp4 – video Dailymotion |website=Dailymotion |date=14 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/beauty-queens-who-turned-bollywood-actresses-121757.html |title=Beauty Queens Who Turned To Bollywood |date=9 January 2014 |website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thehinduimages.com/details-page.php?id=6481166|title=Pond's Femina Miss India Earth 2005, Niharika Singh (left) after crowning Bangalore's Nani Lemima as... &#124; The Hindu Images|website=thehinduimages.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | title=Dailymotion | url=https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xa2nfy | access-date=2024-12-27 | website=www.dailymotion.com}}</ref>


After a series of shelved and unreleased films, Singh made her debut with [[Ashim Ahluwalia]]'s critically acclaimed first feature ''[[Miss Lovely]]'', set in the criminal depths of Mumbai's C-grade sex-horror film industry.<ref>{{cite web|author=Amrita Madhukalya |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-meet-niharika-singh-bollywood-s-new-miss-lovely-1953473 |title=Meet Niharika Singh, Bollywood's new 'Miss Lovely' |website=Dnaindia.com |date=2014-01-19 |access-date=2016-01-05}}</ref><ref>name="indiatoday">{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/eyecatchers/story/20120507-former-miss-india-earth-niharika-singh-in-miss-lovely-758197-2012-04-28|title=Just Her Luck - Eyecatchers News - Former Miss India Earth Niharika Singh gets role in Miss Lovely|website=India Today|date=2012-04-28|author=Prachi Rege|access-date=2021-04-15}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/i-shivered-after-reading-the-script-niharika-singh/articleshow/12789831.cms|title=I shivered after reading the script: Niharika Singh - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>https://www.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/meet-niharika-miss-lovely-singh-122139.html</ref> The film competed in ''[[Un Certain Regard]]'' at the [[2012 Cannes Film Festival]] and won 2 awards at the [[61st National Film Awards]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bollywoodlife.com/cannes-2012/former-miss-india-niharika-singh-makes-it-big-on-the-cannes-red-carpet/|title=Former Miss India Niharika Singh makes it big on the Cannes red carpet - Bollywoodlife.com|date=24 May 2012|website=www.bollywoodlife.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/photogallery/movies/miss-lovely-at-cannes-nawazuddin-niharika-steal-the-show-839847.html|title='Miss Lovely ' at Cannes: Nawazuddin, Niharika steal the show|date=26 May 2012|website=News18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tellychakkar.com/movie/movie-news/niharika-miss-lovely-singh-cloud-nine-after-cannes-visit|title=Niharika "Miss Lovely" Singh is on cloud nine after Cannes visit}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-interview-with-nawazuddin-siddiqui/20120606.htm|title='There were more posters of Niharika than Ash in Cannes'|website=Rediff}}</ref> Singh played a mysterious ingénue with a shadowy past, for which she earned rave reviews for her performance and a nomination for the most promising newcomer at the 21st Screen Awards.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/playing-miss-lovely/article5590120.ece|title=Playing Miss Lovely|first=Harishikaa|last=Udasi|newspaper=The Hindu|date=18 January 2014|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.highheelconfidential.com/tag/niharika-singh/|title=Niharika Singh Archives}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/140114/entertainment-bollywood/article/isn%E2%80%99t-she-lovely|title=Isn't she lovely?|first=natasha|last=coutinho|date=14 January 2014|website=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://boxofficeindia.co.in/ever-so-lovely|title=Ever So Lovely|date=17 May 2018|website=Box Office India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://stars.topnews.in/2111613-its-brave-make-film-miss-lovely-niharika-singh|title=It's brave to make a film like 'Miss Lovely': Niharika Singh |website=stars.topnews.in}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/26/arts/26iht-dupont26.html|title=Mumbai in the Bad Old Days|first=Joan|last=Dupont|newspaper=The New York Times|date=25 May 2012}}</ref><ref>https://beautypageants.indiatimes.com/miss-india/arent-we-all-good-and-bad-niharika-singh/articleshow/28733624.cms</ref>
=== Acting in film (2006–2019) ===
During the media interactions for Miss Lovely, Niharika mentioned she is attempting to write a memoir.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2014/vivacity/unemployed-by-choice.html|title=Unemployed by choice|first=The|last=Pioneer|website=The Pioneer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/not-lovely-what-niharika-dislikes-about-bollywood|title=Not lovely: What Niharika dislikes about bollywood!|website=Free Press Journal}}</ref><ref>https://www.tellychakkar.com/movie/movie-news/even-the-most-successful-actors-of-industry-are-struggling-each-day-niharika-singh</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/miss-lovely-backstory/cid/220258|title = Miss lovely backstory}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.santabanta.com/bollywood/77554/i-am-a-mad-nomad-meeting-miss-lovely-niharika-singh/|title=I Am A Mad Nomad: Meeting 'Miss Lovely' Niharika Singh|website=www.santabanta.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/student-of-cinema/ |title=Student of cinema |publisher=The Indian Express |date=2014-01-02 |access-date=2016-01-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1140114/jsp/t2/story_17783916.jsp#.VOl8H4GXeK3 |title=Meet miss lovely |website=Telegraphindia.com |date=2014-01-14 |access-date=2016-01-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/miss-lovely-behind-the-scenes/article5590452.ece|title=Miss Lovely: Behind the scenes|first=Anuj|last=Kumar|newspaper=The Hindu|date=18 January 2014|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/slide-show-1-pix-nawazuddin-siddiqui-niharika-visit-rediff-office/20140109.htm|title = PIX: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Niharika visit the Rediff office}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/why-was-nawazuddin-siddiqui-scared-to-kiss-his-miss-lovely-co-star-304874/|title = Why was Nawazuddin Siddiqui scared to kiss his Miss Lovely co-star?|date = 6 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/i-didn-t-even-know-nawaz-says-miss-lovely-niharika/story-IXToOYC8H6SWIWuGBJv36K.html|title=I didn't even know Nawaz says Miss Lovely Niharika|date=6 January 2014|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref>
Niharika's film career began in 2006 when she signed a 10-film contract with [[Bollywood]] director [[Raj Kanwar]] under his banner ''Inderjit Films''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://zeenews.india.com/home/some-faces-bound-to-go-places-in-bollywood_429543.html |title=Some faces bound to go places in Bollywood |date=11 March 2008 |website=Zee News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/new-face-of-bollywood-1.151101 |title=New face of Bollywood |website=Gulf News |date=31 December 2008}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://forum.xcitefun.net/too-many-talented-new-faces-a-good-year-for-bollywood-so-far-t8913.html |title=Too Many Talented New Faces A Good Year For BollyWood So Far – XciteFun.net |website=forum.xcitefun.net |access-date=14 July 2021 |archive-date=24 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124231553/https://forum.xcitefun.net/too-many-talented-new-faces-a-good-year-for-bollywood-so-far-t8913.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The films were never made and she remained locked in the contract until singer [[Himesh Reshammiya]] approached her to play the role of a haughty heiress opposite him in ''[[A New Love Ishtory]]'' to be produced by [[T-Series (company)]] and directed by [[John Matthew Matthan]].<ref>{{Cite web | title=Miss India Niharika Singh to debut opposite Himesh Reshammiya - entertainment - Hindustan Times | url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/miss-india-niharika-singh-to-debut-opposite-himesh-reshammiya/story-66SvLi0r7XpJzEYSknnS5L.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623075610/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/miss-india-niharika-singh-to-debut-opposite-himesh-reshammiya/story-66SvLi0r7XpJzEYSknnS5L.html | access-date=2024-12-27 | archive-date=2020-06-23}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://accounts.google.com/v3/signin/identifier?continue=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogin.g%3FblogspotURL%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.aspisdrift.com%2F2008%2F11%2Fwhy-niharika-singh-is-here-to-stay.html%26type%3Dblog%26zx%3D1axy7b3i5dhwu&hl=en-US&ifkv=ASKXGp1Dlb1CrHpNP3mt94q43-wmhJ7UOSu4ubwHppk3Xj0kxifJMHpPQixHR0knWkTWLXwGcXy2Xw&passive=true&service=blogger&flowName=WebLiteSignIn&flowEntry=ServiceLogin&dsh=S2013949868%3A1707603639945978 |title=Blogger }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/i-play-a-female-vijay-mallya-niharika/articleshow/2847582.cms |title=I play a female Vijay Mallya!: Niharika |website=The Times of India |date=9 March 2008}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/debutante-niharika-finds-new-love-post-break-up/story-aIzKepRjy9JFX9ndQEVIXM.html |title=Debutante Niharika finds new love post break-up |date=25 February 2009 |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> Niharika attended an acting course with [[Barry John (theatre director)]] before filming [[A New Love Ishtory]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/niharikas-new-love-ishtory/articleshow/4187366.cms |title=Niharika's New Love Ishtory - Times of India |website=[[The Times of India]] |date=25 February 2009}}</ref> Due to internal differences during the making of the film, producer [[Bhushan Kumar]] pulled the finance, dubbed the unfinished version and sold the film directly to a television channel without the knowledge of the cast and crew.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/niharika-singh-opens-up-about-her-experiences/articleshow/66558463.cms |title=Niharika Singh opens up about her experiences – Times of India ► |website=The Times of India |date=11 November 2018}}</ref> Singh started shooting for her second film ''Mudh Mudh Ke Na Dekh Mudh Mudh Ke''<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/exclusive-himesh-romances-two-hot-women-imagegallery-movies-jdwmP9gddcjsi.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207214817/https://www.sify.com/movies/exclusive-himesh-romances-two-hot-women-imagegallery-movies-jdwmP9gddcjsi.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 December 2021 |title=Exclusive: Himesh romances two hot women |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> opposite Reshammiya which was shelved mid-way.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/we-aren-t-cats-and-rats-we-re-girls-niharika/story-sDyxEvs5Hivs31Spgw8uHP.html |title=We aren't cats and rats, we're girls: Niharika |date=7 May 2008 |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-we-aren-t-cats-and-rats-niharika-singh-1163062 |title=We aren't cats and rats: Niharika Singh |website=DNA India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | title=rediff.com: The sexiest models to watch this year! | url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/2008/mar/27sl4.htm | access-date=2024-12-27 | website=m.rediff.com}}</ref> She also acted in a [[Kannada]] film ''Private Number'' directed by [[Anand Kumar (director)]] that never found a release.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/movie-details/news-interviews/beauty-belongs-in-cinema-niharika/articleshow/5958093.cms |title=Beauty belongs in cinema: Niharika |website=The Times of India |date=21 May 2010}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/content/72436/no-language-restrictions.html |title=No language restrictions! |date=30 May 2010 |website=Deccan Herald}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/content/70578/a-party-private-number.html |title=A party for 'Private Number' |date=20 May 2010 |website=Deccan Herald}}</ref>


Niharika rediscovered cinema after her experience with Cannes and other international festivals and joined a course at the [[Film and Television Institute of India]] in 2013 to expand her understanding of the medium.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://beautypageants.indiatimes.com/miss-india/niharika-singh-talks-about-her-cannes-journey/articleshow/13841405.cms|title=Niharika Singh talks about her Cannes Journey - Beauty Pageants - Indiatimes|website=Femina Miss India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/miss-lovely-would-come-as-a-shock-niharika-singh/|title="Miss Lovely would come as a shock" – Niharika Singh : Bollywood News - Bollywood Hungama|first=Bollywood|last=Hungama|date=17 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/meet-niharika-miss-lovely-singh-122139.html|title = Meet Niharika 'Miss Lovely' Singh|date = 13 January 2014}}</ref> The actress was selected for [[Berlinale Talents]] in 2016 where she was introduced to [[Alexander Technique]] while attending a workshop with [[Jean-Louis Rodrigue]] and [[Kristof Konrad]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dw.com/hi/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%87-%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%82-%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%96%E0%A4%BE-%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A4-%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%80-%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B8-%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%80-%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE-%E0%A4%9F%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%9F/a-19053601|title=बर्लिनाले में दिखा भारत की 'मिस लवली' का टैलेंट &#124; DW &#124; 17.02.2016 |website=[[Deutsche Welle]]}}</ref><ref>https://www.india.com/education/10-indian-artistes-chosen-for-berlinale-talents-1572362/</ref>
After a series of shelved and unreleased films, Singh made her debut with [[Ashim Ahluwalia]]'s critically acclaimed first feature ''[[Miss Lovely]]'', set in the criminal depths of Mumbai's C-grade sex-horror film industry.<ref>{{cite web |author=Amrita Madhukalya |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-meet-niharika-singh-bollywood-s-new-miss-lovely-1953473 |title=Meet Niharika Singh, Bollywood's new 'Miss Lovely' |website=Daily News and Analysis |date=19 January 2014 |access-date=5 January 2016}}</ref><ref name="indiatoday">{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/eyecatchers/story/20120507-former-miss-india-earth-niharika-singh-in-miss-lovely-758197-2012-04-28 |title=Just Her Luck – Eyecatchers News – Former Miss India Earth Niharika Singh gets role in Miss Lovely |website=India Today |date=28 April 2012 |author=Prachi Rege |access-date=15 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/i-shivered-after-reading-the-script-niharika-singh/articleshow/12789831.cms |title=I shivered after reading the script: Niharika Singh |website=The Times of India |date=21 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/meet-niharika-miss-lovely-singh-122139.html |title=Meet Niharika 'Miss Lovely' Singh |date=13 January 2014 |website=The Times of India}}</ref> The film competed in ''[[Un Certain Regard]]'' at the [[2012 Cannes Film Festival]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-actress-niharika-singh-at-the-miss-lovely-film-photocall-at-the-65th-48896779.html|title=Actress Niharika Singh at the Miss Lovely film photocall at the 65th Cannes Film Festival France. Thursday 24th May 2012 Stock Photo - Alamy|website=www.alamy.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | title=Niharika Singh - Red carpet - Miss Lovely © FIF/CB - Festival de Cannes | url=https://www.festival-cannes.com/en/medialibrary/niharika-singh-red-carpet-miss-lovely-fif-cb/ | access-date=2024-12-27 | website=www.festival-cannes.com}}</ref> and won 2 awards at the [[61st National Film Awards]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.news18.com/photogallery/movies/miss-lovely-at-cannes-nawazuddin-niharika-steal-the-show-839847.html |title='Miss Lovely ' at Cannes: Nawazuddin, Niharika steal the show |date=26 May 2012 |website=News18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-interview-with-nawazuddin-siddiqui/20120606.htm |title=There were more posters of Niharika than Ash in Cannes |website=Rediff}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2014/20140112/spectrum/main7.htm |title=The Sunday Tribune – Spectrum |website=The Tribune}}</ref><ref>https://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-pix-ashim-ahluwalia-miss-lovely-at-cannes/20120525.htm</ref> Singh played a mysterious ingénue struggling to be an actress, for which she earned rave reviews for her performance and a nomination for the most promising newcomer at the 21st Screen Awards.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/playing-miss-lovely/article5590120.ece |title=Playing Miss Lovely |first=Harishikaa |last=Udasi |newspaper=The Hindu |date=18 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.highheelconfidential.com/tag/niharika-singh/|title=Niharika Singh Archives}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/140114/entertainment-bollywood/article/isn%E2%80%99t-she-lovely |title=Isn't she lovely? |first=natasha |last=coutinho |date=14 January 2014 |website=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://stars.topnews.in/2111613-its-brave-make-film-miss-lovely-niharika-singh |title=It's brave to make a film like 'Miss Lovely': Niharika Singh |website=stars.topnews.in |access-date=14 October 2020 |archive-date=18 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018113733/http://stars.topnews.in/2111613-its-brave-make-film-miss-lovely-niharika-singh |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/26/arts/26iht-dupont26.html |title=Mumbai in the Bad Old Days |first=Joan |last=Dupont |newspaper=The New York Times |date=25 May 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://beautypageants.indiatimes.com/miss-india/arent-we-all-good-and-bad-niharika-singh/articleshow/28733624.cms |title=Aren't we all good and bad: Niharika Singh – Beauty Pageants – Indiatimes |website=Femina Miss India |access-date=10 September 2021 |archive-date=5 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405235455/https://beautypageants.indiatimes.com/miss-india/arent-we-all-good-and-bad-niharika-singh/articleshow/28733624.cms |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/niharika-singh-from-miss-india-to-miss-lovely-123118.html |title=From Miss India to Miss Lovely |date=16 January 2014}}</ref> During the media interactions for Miss Lovely, Niharika mentioned she is attempting to write a memoir.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2014/vivacity/unemployed-by-choice.html |title=Unemployed by choice |website=The Pioneer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/not-lovely-what-niharika-dislikes-about-bollywood |title=Not lovely: What Niharika dislikes about bollywood! |website=Free Press Journal}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/miss-lovely-backstory/cid/220258 |title=Miss lovely backstory |website=The Telegraph (India)}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.santabanta.com/bollywood/77554/i-am-a-mad-nomad-meeting-miss-lovely-niharika-singh/ |title=I Am A Mad Nomad: Meeting 'Miss Lovely' Niharika Singh |website=santabanta.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/student-of-cinema/ |title=Student of cinema |work=The Indian Express |date=2 January 2014 |access-date=5 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1140114/jsp/t2/story_17783916.jsp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222081342/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1140114/jsp/t2/story_17783916.jsp#.VOl8H4GXeK3 |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 February 2015 |title=Meet miss lovely |website=The Telegraph (India) |date=14 January 2014 |access-date=5 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/miss-lovely-behind-the-scenes/article5590452.ece |title=Miss Lovely: Behind the scenes |first=Anuj |last=Kumar |newspaper=The Hindu |date=18 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/slide-show-1-pix-nawazuddin-siddiqui-niharika-visit-rediff-office/20140109.htm |title=PIX: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Niharika visit the Rediff office |website=Rediff}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/i-didn-t-even-know-nawaz-says-miss-lovely-niharika/story-IXToOYC8H6SWIWuGBJv36K.html |title=I didn't even know Nawaz says Miss Lovely Niharika |date=6 January 2014 |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref>https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/meet-miss-lovely/cid/220443</ref><ref>https://www.coastaldigest.com/meet-niharika-singh-bollywoods-new-miss-lovely</ref><ref>https://bollywoodpage3.wordpress.com/2013/12/24/miss-lovely-gears-up-for-the-us-release/</ref>


Singh took a break from public life and made rare appearances in a few independent/art house film projects over the next decade. She was seen in [[Buddhadeb Dasgupta]]'s hindi feature ''[[Anwar Ka Ajab Kissa]]'' that premiered at [[BFI London Film Festival]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/meet-miss-lovely/cid/1555947|title=Meet miss lovely|website=www.telegraphindia.com}}</ref> [[Bappaditya Bandopadhyay]]'s multi-lingual drama ''[[Sohra Bridge]]'', which screened at the 46th [[International Film Festival of India]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtonbanglaradio.com/content/115026115-bappaditya-bandopadhyays-sohra-bridge-2016-last-bow-brilliant-film-maker|title=Bappaditya Bandopadhyay's Sohra Bridge (2016): the last bow of a brilliant film-maker|website=WBRi Washington Bangla Radio USA}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31812&articlexml=SILVER-LINING-FOR-SOHRA-BRIDGE-17022016106005|title=The Times Group|website=epaperbeta.timesofindia.com}}</ref> Nikhil Pherwani's directorial debut ''[[Ahaan]]'', the first Hindi language film to cast an actor with down syndrome in the lead and [[Ashim Ahluwalia]]'s Indian segment "''Palace of horrors''" in the feature length horror anthology ''[[The Field Guide to Evil]]'' which had its world premiere at [[South by Southwest]]. She actively chose to keep a low profile in the media and refused to participate in promotional activities for any film during this period.
Post her experience with Cannes and other international festivals, Niharika joined a course at the [[Film and Television Institute of India]] in 2013 to expand her understanding of the medium.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Niharika Singh talks about her Cannes Journey – Beauty Pageants – Indiatimes |url=https://www.femina.in/beauty-pageants/miss-india/niharika-singh-talks-about-her-cannes-journey/articleshow/13841405.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241128201621/https://www.femina.in/beauty-pageants/miss-india/niharika-singh-talks-about-her-cannes-journey/articleshow/13841405.cms |archive-date=2024-11-28 |website=Femina Miss India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/miss-lovely-would-come-as-a-shock-niharika-singh/ |title="Miss Lovely would come as a shock" – Niharika Singh : Bollywood News – Bollywood Hungama |first=Bollywood |last=Hungama |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |date=17 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/meet-niharika-miss-lovely-singh-122139.html |title=Meet Niharika 'Miss Lovely' Singh |date=13 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.femina.in/beauty-pageants/others/beauty-queens-at-cannes-film-festival/eventshow/58747626.cms |title=Beauty queens at Cannes Film Festival over the years |website=femina.in}}</ref> The actress was selected for [[Berlinale Talents]] in 2016 where she was introduced to [[Alexander Technique]] while attending a workshop with [[Jean-Louis Rodrigue]] and [[Kristof Konrad]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dw.com/hi/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%87-%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%82-%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%96%E0%A4%BE-%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A4-%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%80-%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B8-%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%80-%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE-%E0%A4%9F%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%9F/a-19053601 |title=बर्लिनाले में दिखा भारत की 'मिस लवली' का टैलेंट &#124; 17 February 2016 |publisher=[[Deutsche Welle]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | title=10 Indian artistes chosen for Berlinale Talents - India.com | url=https://www.india.com/education/10-indian-artistes-chosen-for-berlinale-talents-1572362/ | access-date=2024-12-27 | website=www.india.com}}</ref>


In 2019, Singh joined ''Future East Film'' as one of the directors of the company where she introduced a ''Diversity Film Training'' program for students from marginalised backgrounds.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.edexlive.com/news/2019/nov/13/need-perspective-of-unheard-voices-film-company-launches-paid-internship-for-dalit-students-9044.html|title=Need perspective of unheard voices: Film company launches paid internship for Dalit students|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/diversity-film-training-programme-launched-for-the-dalit-bahujan-and-adivasi-community/article30025822.ece|title=Diversity film training programme launched for the Dalit Bahujan and Adivasi community|first=Namrata|last=Joshi|newspaper=The Hindu|date=20 November 2019|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref> She co-founded ''Future East Digital'' with filmmaker Ashim Ahluwalia<ref>https://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/column-dreamy-dulha-writes-shalini-sharma-2574985</ref> and visual artist Amit Basak in 2020.
Singh took a break from public life and made rare appearances in a few independently produced art house films over the next decade. She was seen in [[Buddhadeb Dasgupta]]'s Hindi feature ''[[Anwar Ka Ajab Kissa]]'' that premiered at [[BFI London Film Festival]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/meet-miss-lovely/cid/1555947 |title=Meet miss lovely |website=The Telegraph (India)}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bollywoodmdb.com/news/nawaz-and-niharika-pair-up-again |title=Nawaz and Niharika pair up again |date=25 March 2013}}</ref> [[Bappaditya Bandopadhyay]]'s multi-lingual drama ''[[Sohra Bridge]]'', which screened at the 46th [[International Film Festival of India]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.washingtonbanglaradio.com/content/115026115-bappaditya-bandopadhyays-sohra-bridge-2016-last-bow-brilliant-film-maker |title=Bappaditya Bandopadhyay's Sohra Bridge (2016): the last bow of a brilliant film-maker |website=WBRi Washington Bangla Radio USA |access-date=2 February 2019 |archive-date=6 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706063904/http://www.washingtonbanglaradio.com/content/115026115-bappaditya-bandopadhyays-sohra-bridge-2016-last-bow-brilliant-film-maker |url-status=usurped}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31812&articlexml=SILVER-LINING-FOR-SOHRA-BRIDGE-17022016106005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203032431/http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31812&articlexml=SILVER-LINING-FOR-SOHRA-BRIDGE-17022016106005 |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 February 2019 |title=The Times Group |website=The Times of India}}</ref> Nikhil Pherwani's directorial debut ''[[Ahaan]]'', the first Hindi-language film to cast an actor with down syndrome in the lead and [[Ashim Ahluwalia]]'s Indian segment "Palace of horrors" in the feature-length horror anthology ''[[The Field Guide to Evil]]'', which had its world premiere at [[South by Southwest]]. She actively chose to keep a low profile in the media and refused to participate in promotional activities for any film during this period.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}}


==In media==
[[File:Suraj Yengde, Pa. Ranjith, Niharika Singh, and Nagraj Manjule taking a selfie at the Dalit Film Festival in New York city.jpg|thumb|(L to R) [[Suraj Yengde]], [[Pa. Ranjith]], Niharika Singh, and [[Nagraj Manjule]] taking a selfie at the Dalit Film Festival in [[New York city]], USA in 2019.]]
Singh was given a rousing welcome and declared the state guest in [[Uttarakhand]] by Chief Minister [[Narayan Dutt Tiwari]] after she was crowned [[Miss Earth India]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://zeenews.india.com/home/niharika-arrives-to-rousing-welcome_214846.html|title=Niharika arrives to rousing welcome|date=2 May 2005|website=Zee News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/photos/single/7258|title=Outlook India Photo Gallery|website=[[Outlookindia]]}}</ref> She was appointed the goodwill ambassador for [[Rotary Blood Bank]] in 2005 at the behest of the Governor of Uttarakhand [[Sudarshan Agarwal]] and a garden was named after her in [[Mussoorie]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/lf/2005/05/13/stories/2005051303260200.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150222060458/http://www.thehindu.com/lf/2005/05/13/stories/2005051303260200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2015-02-22 |title=Life Delhi / Talk Of The Town : All for a good cause |date=2005-05-13 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=2016-01-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/other/article30205371.ece|title=For a law on blood banks |first=PURNIMA S. |last=TRIPATHI |website=Frontline}}</ref>


In 2007, a model from Benaras shot to fame by walking down the ramp impersonating Niharika Singh.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/videos/india/miss-india-fake-267356.html|title=Ms India: Wannabe model fakes it|website=News18}}</ref>
=== Entrepreneurship and filmmaking (2019–present) ===
In 2019, Singh joined Mumbai-based ''Future East'' as a director of the film production company.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.edexlive.com/news/2019/nov/13/need-perspective-of-unheard-voices-film-company-launches-paid-internship-for-dalit-students-9044.html |title=Need perspective of unheard voices: Film company launches paid internship for Dalit students |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/diversity-film-training-programme-launched-for-the-dalit-bahujan-and-adivasi-community/article30025822.ece |title=Diversity film training programme launched for the Dalit Bahujan and Adivasi community |first=Namrata |last=Joshi |newspaper=The Hindu |date=20 November 2019}}</ref> She co-founded ''Future East Digital''  and turned producer with the young-adult drama ''[[Class (2023 TV series)|Class]]'' for [[Netflix]] in 2023. The series explores a wide range of social issues affecting modern youth including casteism, child neglect, corruption, homophobia, religious discrimination, and income inequality in India.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/6-binge-worthy-shows-that-you-just-cannot-miss-news-261244 |title=6 Binge-Worthy Shows That You Just Cannot Miss |website=Outlook India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.adgully.com/the-making-of-class-netflix-s-first-indian-adaptation-of-a-foreign-title-129197.html |title=The making of 'Class', Netflix's first Indian adaptation of a foreign title |date=4 March 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/column-dreamy-dulha-writes-shalini-sharma-2574985 |title=Dreamy dulha writes Shalini Sharma |website=DNA India}}</ref>


Niharika issued a public statement in 2017 when her name was used to garner publicity to sell actor [[Nawazuddin Siddiqui]]'s memoir ''An Ordinary Life'' written by ''Rituparna Chatterjee'' and published by [[Penguin Random House]] with a fabricated account of their relationship.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.abplive.com/entertainment/movies/nawazuddin-disrespecting-a-woman-to-sell-his-book-says-niharika-singh-594796|title=Nawazuddin DISRESPECTING a woman to sell his book, says Niharika Singh|date=24 October 2017|website=ABP Live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.inuth.com/entertainment/bollywood/nawazuddin-siddiquis-book-written-without-knowledge-or-consent-niharika-singh-responds/|title=Nawazuddin Siddiqui's book written without knowledge or consent: Niharika Singh responds|date=24 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/niharika-singh-on-alleged-affair-with-nawazuddin-siddiqui-he-wants-to-sell-his-book-he-is-manipulating-a-fleeting-relationship-4904768/|title=Niharika Singh on alleged affair with Nawazuddin Siddiqui: He wants to sell his book, he is manipulating a fleeting relationship|date=24 October 2017}}</ref><ref>https://www.freepressjournal.in/cmcm/niharika-singh-lashes-back-at-nawazuddin-siddiqui</ref> After a severe backlash and a defamation case by another actress [[Sunita Rajwar]], Nawazuddin Siddiqui issued an apology and withdrew the book within a fortnight after its release.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/nawazuddin-siddiqui-is-lying-says-ex-sunita-rajwar-after-he-sends-legal-notice-1789895 |title=Nawazuddin Siddiqui Is Lying, Says Ex Sunita Rajwar After He Sends Legal Notice|website=NDTV.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/nawazuddin-siddiqui-niharika-singh-sunita-affair-1071177-2017-10-28 |date=2017-10-28 |title=Nawazuddin Siddiqui's book is extraordinary lies: After Niharika Singh, his first girlfriend slams him |website=India Today}}</ref> Veteran actress [[Asha Parekh]] showed her displeasure and said, "What Nawazuddin did to the ladies was not in good taste."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/bollywood/041117/asha-parekh-slams-nawaz-for-tell-all-biography.html|title=Asha Parekh slams Nawaz for his tell-all biography |first=subhash k|last=jha|date=4 November 2017|website=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.womensweb.in/2018/11/niharika-singhs-metoo-story-makes-us-think-of-the-precondition-to-consenting/ |title=Niharika Singh's #MeToo Story Makes Us Think Of The Precondition To Consenting |first=Sushumna |last=Kannan |date=21 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.inuth.com/entertainment/bollywood/locker-room-banter-gift-wrapped-in-sordid-quotes-the-issue-with-nawazuddin-siddiquis-version-of-his-affairs/|title=Locker room banter gift-wrapped in sordid quotes: The issue with Nawazuddin Siddiqui's version of his affairs|date=26 October 2017}}</ref> In a later interview, Siddiqui stated that "It was the biggest mistake of my life."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/weblite/videos/celeb-interviews/nawazuddin-siddiqui-an-ordinary-life-book-was-the-biggest-mistake-of-my-life-niharika-singh-2/ |title=Nawazuddin Siddiqui |website=Bollywood Hungama}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/nawazuddin-siddiqui-withdraws-biography-apologises-for-hurting-sentiments-1768973|title=Nawazuddin Siddiqui Withdraws Biography. Apologises For 'Hurting Sentiments'|website=NDTV.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/why-nawazuddin-siddiqui-decided-to-withdrew-his-biography-titled-an-ordinary-life-a-memoir-1769189|title=Why Nawazuddin Siddiqui Decided To Withdraw His Biography Titled An Ordinary Life: A Memoir|website=NDTV.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.mynation.com/entertainment/fans-bots-trolls-nawazuddin-siddiqui-tweet-against-niharika-singh-pi14pl|title=Is Nawazuddin Siddiqui relying on organised social media trolling against Niharika Singh? Here are clues|website=Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/nawazuddin-siddiqui-withdrew-memoir-damage-niharika-singh-has-already-been-done-fume-twitterati-747648 |title=Nawazuddin Siddiqui withdrew memoir but damage to Niharika Singh has already been done, fume Twitterati |first=Suparno |last=Sarkar |date=31 October 2017|website=www.ibtimes.co.in}}</ref>
Her upcoming productions include Vishwendra Singh's immigrant drama ''Khoriya'' that was selected for NFDC work in progress lab & won the post production award at Waves Film Bazaar 2025.<ref>https://variety.com/2025/film/markets-festivals/bird-flu-epidemic-drama-feather-men-waves-film-bazaar-1236590338/</ref>


In November 2018, Singh wrote an essay addressing the [[Me Too movement (India)|Me Too movement]] as a [[dalit]] woman in the entertainment business which was posted by journalist Sandhya Menon on [[Twitter]].<ref>https://www.blanknoise.org/caste-blog/niharikasingh</ref> The piece went viral and was immediately picked up by all leading media publications and news channels in India.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/me-too-why-many-women-don-t-speak-out-about-sexual-abuse-immediately-91747|title=Me Too: Why many women don't speak out about sexual abuse 'immediately'|date=17 November 2018|website=The News Minute}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/niharika-singh-shares-her-metoo-account-neo-liberal-savarna-feminism-isnt-going-to-liberate-anyone-5528681.html|title=Niharika Singh shares her #MeToo account: Neo-liberal, savarna feminism isn't going to liberate anyone- Entertainment News, Firstpost|date=10 November 2018 |website=Firstpost}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-tattooed-my-name-on-his-chest-niharika-singh-remembers-abusive-husband-of-flight-attendant-who-committed-suicide-2684337|title=Tattooed my name on his chest: Niharika Singh remembers 'abusive' husband of flight attendant who committed suicide|date=10 November 2018|website=DNA India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/niharika-singh-nawazuddin-siddiqui-is-a-sexually-repressed-man-with-toxic-male-entitlement-1385693-2018-11-10|title=Niharika Singh: Nawazuddin Siddiqui is a sexually repressed man with toxic male entitlement|date=10 November 2018|publisher=India Today}}</ref><ref>https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-former-miss-india-niharika-singh-slams-nandita-das-and-kavita-krishna-for-enabling-sexual-predators-2684339</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.storypick.com/niharika-singh-me-too/|title=Former Miss India Niharika Singh Pens Powerful Post On #MeToo, Names Nawazuddin Siddiqui|date=10 November 2018|website=Storypick}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/celebrities/nikarika-singh-on-me-too-nawazuddin-siddiqui-oppression-of-dalit-women |title=Niharika Singh Calls Nawazuddin a 'Sexually Repressed Indian Man'|date=10 November 2018|website=TheQuint}}</ref>
== In media ==


Niharika has been invited as a guest and speaker on panels in [[Harvard University]], [[Columbia University]], [[The New School]] and [[Jawaharlal Nehru University]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thewire.in/film/dalit-film-festival-discusses-the-role-of-caste-in-setting-cultural-sensibilities|title=Dalit Film Festival Discusses the Role of Caste in Setting Cultural Sensibilities|website=The Wire}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newslaundry.com/2019/02/27/dalit-film-festival-is-not-just-a-festival-its-a-movement|title='Dalit Film Festival is not just a festival, it's a movement'|website=Newslaundry}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/buzz/first-dalit-film-festival-in-us-shortlists-kaala-and-masaan-among-other-films-by-dalit-filmmakers-2034313.html|title=First Dalit Film Festival in US Shortlists Kaala and Masaan Among Other Films by Dalit Filmmakers|website=News18}}</ref><ref>https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/daliff-film-and-cultural-festival-celebrating-dalit-art-life-and-pride-97574</ref>
Singh was given a rousing welcome and declared the state guest in [[Uttarakhand]] after she was crowned [[Miss Earth India]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://zeenews.india.com/home/niharika-arrives-to-rousing-welcome_214846.html |title=Niharika arrives to rousing welcome |date=2 May 2005 |website=Zee News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/photos/single/7258 |title=Outlook India Photo Gallery |website=[[Outlookindia]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newstodaynetwork.com/success-story/dehradun-niharika-singh-got-this-special-honor-in/cid3304097.htm |title=देहरादून- निहारिका सिंह को उत्तराखंड में मिला ये खास सम्मान, मेहनत से ऐसे कमाया देशभर में नाम |date=16 June 2021}}</ref> Additionally, she was appointed the goodwill ambassador for [[Rotary Blood Bank]] in 2005 at the behest of the Governor of Uttarakhand [[Sudarshan Agarwal]] and a garden was named after her in [[Mussoorie]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindu.com/lf/2005/05/13/stories/2005051303260200.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150222060458/http://www.thehindu.com/lf/2005/05/13/stories/2005051303260200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 February 2015 |title=Life Delhi / Talk Of The Town : All for a good cause |date=13 May 2005 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=5 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/other/article30205371.ece |title=For a law on blood banks |first=PURNIMA S. |last=TRIPATHI |website=Frontline |date=14 July 2005}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2005/20050601/chd.htm#ls|title=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Chandigarh|website=www.tribuneindia.com}}</ref>
 
In 2007, a model from Benaras shot to fame by walking down the ramp impersonating Niharika Singh.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.news18.com/videos/india/miss-india-fake-267356.html |title=Ms India: Wannabe model fakes it |website=News18}}</ref>
 
Niharika issued a public statement in 2017 when her name was used to garner publicity to sell actor [[Nawazuddin Siddiqui]]'s memoir ''An Ordinary Life'' written by ''Rituparna Chatterjee'' and published by [[Penguin Random House]] with a fabricated account of their relationship.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://news.abplive.com/entertainment/movies/nawazuddin-disrespecting-a-woman-to-sell-his-book-says-niharika-singh-594796 |title=Nawazuddin DISRESPECTING a woman to sell his book, says Niharika Singh |date=24 October 2017 |website=ABP Live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.inuth.com/entertainment/bollywood/nawazuddin-siddiquis-book-written-without-knowledge-or-consent-niharika-singh-responds/ |title=Nawazuddin Siddiqui's book written without knowledge or consent: Niharika Singh responds |date=24 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/niharika-singh-on-alleged-affair-with-nawazuddin-siddiqui-he-wants-to-sell-his-book-he-is-manipulating-a-fleeting-relationship-4904768/ |title=Niharika Singh on alleged affair with Nawazuddin Siddiqui: He wants to sell his book, he is manipulating a fleeting relationship |date=24 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/cmcm/niharika-singh-lashes-back-at-nawazuddin-siddiqui |title=Niharika Singh lashes back at Nawazuddin Siddiqui |website=Free Press Journal}}</ref> After a severe backlash and a defamation case by another actress [[Sunita Rajwar]], Nawazuddin Siddiqui issued an apology and withdrew the book within a fortnight after its release.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/nawazuddin-siddiquis-memoir-an-ordinary-life-pulped/articleshow/61350913.cms |title=Nawazuddin Siddiqui's memoir, An Ordinary Life, pulped |website=Mumbai Mirror}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/nawazuddin-siddiqui-is-lying-says-ex-sunita-rajwar-after-he-sends-legal-notice-1789895 |title=Nawazuddin Siddiqui Is Lying, Says Ex Sunita Rajwar After He Sends Legal Notice |website=NDTV.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/nawazuddin-siddiqui-niharika-singh-sunita-affair-1071177-2017-10-28 |date=28 October 2017 |title=Nawazuddin Siddiqui's book is extraordinary lies: After Niharika Singh, his first girlfriend slams him |website=India Today}}</ref> Veteran actress [[Asha Parekh]] showed her displeasure and said, "What Nawazuddin did to the ladies was not in good taste."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/bollywood/041117/asha-parekh-slams-nawaz-for-tell-all-biography.html |title=Asha Parekh slams Nawaz for his tell-all biography |first=subhash k |last=jha |date=4 November 2017 |website=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.womensweb.in/2018/11/niharika-singhs-metoo-story-makes-us-think-of-the-precondition-to-consenting/ |title=Niharika Singh's #MeToo Story Makes Us Think Of The Precondition To Consenting |first=Sushumna |last=Kannan |date=21 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.inuth.com/entertainment/bollywood/locker-room-banter-gift-wrapped-in-sordid-quotes-the-issue-with-nawazuddin-siddiquis-version-of-his-affairs/ |title=Locker room banter gift-wrapped in sordid quotes: The issue with Nawazuddin Siddiqui's version of his affairs |date=26 October 2017}}</ref> In a later interview, Siddiqui stated that "It was the biggest mistake of my life."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/weblite/videos/celeb-interviews/nawazuddin-siddiqui-an-ordinary-life-book-was-the-biggest-mistake-of-my-life-niharika-singh-2/ |title=Nawazuddin Siddiqui |website=Bollywood Hungama}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/nawazuddin-siddiqui-withdraws-biography-apologises-for-hurting-sentiments-1768973 |title=Nawazuddin Siddiqui Withdraws Biography. Apologises For 'Hurting Sentiments' |website=NDTV.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/why-nawazuddin-siddiqui-decided-to-withdrew-his-biography-titled-an-ordinary-life-a-memoir-1769189 |title=Why Nawazuddin Siddiqui Decided To Withdraw His Biography Titled An Ordinary Life: A Memoir |website=NDTV.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.mynation.com/entertainment/fans-bots-trolls-nawazuddin-siddiqui-tweet-against-niharika-singh-pi14pl |title=Is Nawazuddin Siddiqui relying on organised social media trolling against Niharika Singh? Here are clues |website=Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd}}</ref>
 
In November 2018, Singh wrote an essay addressing the [[Me Too movement (India)|Me Too movement]] as a [[dalit]] woman in the entertainment business which was posted by journalist Sandhya Menon on [[Twitter]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.blanknoise.org/caste-blog/niharikasingh |title=#ReportingToRemember the media and the Hindi film fraternity for blaming & shaming Niharika Singh |website=Blank Noise |date=26 May 2021}}</ref> The piece went viral and was immediately picked up by all leading media publications and news channels in India.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/me-too-why-many-women-don-t-speak-out-about-sexual-abuse-immediately-91747 |title=Me Too: Why many women don't speak out about sexual abuse 'immediately' |date=17 November 2018 |website=The News Minute}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/niharika-singh-shares-her-metoo-account-neo-liberal-savarna-feminism-isnt-going-to-liberate-anyone-5528681.html |title=Niharika Singh shares her #MeToo account: Neo-liberal, savarna feminism isn't going to liberate anyone |date=10 November 2018 |website=Firstpost}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-tattooed-my-name-on-his-chest-niharika-singh-remembers-abusive-husband-of-flight-attendant-who-committed-suicide-2684337 |title=Tattooed my name on his chest: Niharika Singh remembers 'abusive' husband of flight attendant who committed suicide |date=10 November 2018 |website=DNA India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/niharika-singh-nawazuddin-siddiqui-is-a-sexually-repressed-man-with-toxic-male-entitlement-1385693-2018-11-10 |title=Niharika Singh: Nawazuddin Siddiqui is a sexually repressed man with toxic male entitlement |date=10 November 2018 |work=India Today}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-former-miss-india-niharika-singh-slams-nandita-das-and-kavita-krishna-for-enabling-sexual-predators-2684339 |title=Former Miss India Niharika Singh slams Nandita Das and Kavita Krishnan for 'enabling' sexual predators |website=DNA India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.storypick.com/niharika-singh-me-too/ |title=Former Miss India Niharika Singh Pens Powerful Post On #MeToo, Names Nawazuddin Siddiqui |date=10 November 2018 |website=Storypick}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/celebrities/nikarika-singh-on-me-too-nawazuddin-siddiqui-oppression-of-dalit-women |title=Niharika Singh Calls Nawazuddin a 'Sexually Repressed Indian Man' |date=10 November 2018 |website=TheQuint}}</ref> Niharika was subsequently invited as a guest and speaker for the India Conference at [[Harvard University]] in 2019 as well as [[Columbia University]] & [[The New School]] for the inaugural DALIFF held in [[New York City|New York]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://thewire.in/film/dalit-film-festival-discusses-the-role-of-caste-in-setting-cultural-sensibilities |title=Dalit Film Festival Discusses the Role of Caste in Setting Cultural Sensibilities |website=The Wire}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.newslaundry.com/2019/02/27/dalit-film-festival-is-not-just-a-festival-its-a-movement |title='Dalit Film Festival is not just a festival, it's a movement' |website=Newslaundry |date=27 February 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.news18.com/news/buzz/first-dalit-film-festival-in-us-shortlists-kaala-and-masaan-among-other-films-by-dalit-filmmakers-2034313.html |title=First Dalit Film Festival in US Shortlists Kaala and Masaan Among Other Films by Dalit Filmmakers |website=News18 |date=12 February 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/daliff-film-and-cultural-festival-celebrating-dalit-art-life-and-pride-97574 |title=DALIFF: A film and cultural festival celebrating Dalit art, life and pride |date=March 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.currentriggers.com/entertainment/metoo-woman-niharika-singh/ |title=Niharika Singh set to speak at Harvard now |date=14 February 2019}}</ref>
 
== Pageantry ==
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year !! Pageant !! Organiser !! Title won !! Notes !! Refs
|-
| 2005 || [[Femina Miss India]] || [[The Times Group]] || [[Miss Earth India]] || Also won subtitles for ''Miss Beautiful hair'', ''Miss Photogenic'' || <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://m.rediff.com/news/2005/mar/28sld5.htm |title=rediff.com:Ponds Femina Miss India 2005 |work=Rediff.com}}</ref>
|-
| 2005 || [[Miss Earth]] || [[Carousel Productions]] || || ''Represented India'' || <ref>{{Cite web |url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2005/mar/30sld04.htm |title=rediff.com: India's newest queens |work=Rediff.com}}</ref>
|}
 
== Filmography ==
 
=== Films ===
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year !! Film !! Language !! Role(s) !! Notes !! Ref.
|-
| 2012 || ''[[Miss Lovely]]'' || Hindi || Pinky/ Sonika/ Pooja || || <ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/movie-review-miss-lovely-will-make-you-uncomfortable/story-qwzAnAIs10KoyhcuzmSO9K.html |title=Movie review: Miss Lovely will make you uncomfortable |newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]] |date=17 January 2014}}</ref><br/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/miss-lovely-behind-the-scenes/article5590452.ece |title=Miss Lovely: Behind the scenes – The Hindu |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=18 January 2014 |last1=Kumar |first1=Anuj}}</ref>
|-
| 2013 || ''[[A New Love Ishtory]]'' || Hindi || Kamya Dhanraj || || <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/miss-india-niharika-singh-to-debut-opposite-himesh-reshammiya/story-66SvLi0r7XpJzEYSknnS5L.html |title=Miss India Niharika Singh to debut opposite Himesh Reshammiya |date=24 March 2008}}</ref>
|-
| 2013 || ''[[Anwar Ka Ajab Kissa]]'' || Hindi || Ayesha || || <ref>{{Cite news |url=https://newsable.asianetnews.com/entertainment/anwar-ka-ajab-kissa-review-nawazuddin-siddiqui-is-a-breather-in-this-lyrical-film-about-love-longing-syt-qk3efm |title=Anwar Ka Ajab Kissa review: Nawazuddin Siddiqui is a breather in this lyrical film about love, longing |newspaper=Asianet News Network PVT Ltd}}</ref><br/><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.letsott.com/anwar-ka-ajab-kissa-review |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120113111/https://www.letsott.com/anwar-ka-ajab-kissa-review |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 November 2020 |title=Anwar Ka Ajab Kissa Review: Nawazuddin is sublime in this profound character piece}}</ref>
|-
| 2016 || ''[[Sohra Bridge]]'' || English, Bengali, Assamese, Khasi || Ria || || <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.navhindtimes.in/2015/11/25/magazines/buzz/sohra-bridge-memories-of-another-day/ |title=Sohra Bridge, memories of another day |date=24 November 2015}}</ref>
|-
| 2018 || ''[[The Field Guide to Evil]]'' || English, Bengali || Sadhavi || Anthology; Segment – Palace of Horrors || <ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/the-guide-to-hell/article23033226.ece |title=The guide to hell – The Hindu |newspaper=The Hindu |date=10 March 2018 |last1=Kumar |first1=Anuj}}</ref><br/><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/ashim-ahluwalia-short-film-palace-of-horrors-5111185/ |title=Something Wicked This Way Comes |date=26 March 2018}}</ref>
|-
| 2019 || ''[[Ahaan]]'' || Hindi || Anu || || <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/en/newsdetail/index/16/20420/ahaan---a-film-full-of-love |title=Ahaan – A Film Full of Love |first=shoma |last=a.chatterji |website=thecitizen.in |date=30 May 2021}}</ref><br/><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/ahaan-review-lead-actor-abuli-mamaji-who-has-down-syndrome-lends-the-film-authenticity-2442191 |title=Ahaan Review: Lead Actor Abuli Mamaji, Who Has Down Syndrome, Lends The Film Authenticity |website=NDTV.com}}</ref>
|-
| {{dagger|alt=Films that have not yet been released}} || ''Sonia Honey'' || Hindi, English || Radhika || Short ||
|-
| {{dagger|alt=Films that have not yet been released}} || ''Khoriya'' || Hindi, Nepali || || Producer ||
|}
 
{{Pending films key}}
 
=== Television / Web ===


==Filmography==
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Year !! Film !! Role !! Notes !! Refs
! Year !! Title  !! Credit !! Platform !! Notes !! Refs |
|-
|-
| 2012 || ''[[Miss Lovely]]'' || Pinky/Sonika/Pooja || <small>Nominated - Most Promising Newcomer - Screen Awards</small> || <ref>https://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/movie-review-miss-lovely-will-make-you-uncomfortable/story-qwzAnAIs10KoyhcuzmSO9K.html|-</ref><ref>https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/miss-lovely-behind-the-scenes/article5590452.ece {{Bare URL inline|date=November 2021}}</ref>
| 2023 ||''[[Class (2023 TV series)|Class]]'' || Producer || [[Netflix]] || 8 episodes || <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiantelevision.com/movies/hindi/six-binge-worthy-shows-that-you-just-cannot-miss-230213 |title=Six binge-worthy shows that you just cannot miss! |date=13 February 2023}}</ref>
|-
|-
| 2013 || ''[[A New Love Ishtory]]'' || Kamya Dhanraj || || <ref>https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/miss-india-niharika-singh-to-debut-opposite-himesh-reshammiya/story-66SvLi0r7XpJzEYSknnS5L.html</ref><ref>https://www.filmibeat.com/bollywood/features/2007/himesh-multiple-projects-301007.html</ref>
| 2006 || Banungi Main Miss India || Host || [[Zoom (Indian TV channel) ]] || 12 episodes || <ref>https://www.afaqs.com/media-briefs/7373_making-of-a-miss-india-unveiled</ref>
|}
 
=== Music video appearances ===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
| 2013 || ''[[Anwar Ka Ajab Kissa]]'' || Ayesha || || <ref>https://newsable.asianetnews.com/entertainment/anwar-ka-ajab-kissa-review-nawazuddin-siddiqui-is-a-breather-in-this-lyrical-film-about-love-longing-syt-qk3efm</ref><ref>https://www.letsott.com/anwar-ka-ajab-kissa-review</ref>
! Year !! Song !! Album !! Singer !! Label
|-
|-
| 2016 || ''[[Sohra Bridge]]'' || Ria || || <ref>https://upperstall.com/film/sohra-bridge/</ref><ref>https://www.navhindtimes.in/2015/11/25/magazines/buzz/sohra-bridge-memories-of-another-day/</ref>
| 2003 || ''Gham Ka Khazana'' || Sajda || [[Lata Mangeshkar]] & [[Jagjit Singh]] || Saregama
|-
|-
| 2018 || ''[[The Field Guide to Evil]]'' || Sadhavi || Segment - Palace of Horrors || <ref>https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/the-guide-to-hell/article23033226.ece {{Bare URL inline|date=November 2021}}</ref><ref>https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/ashim-ahluwalia-short-film-palace-of-horrors-5111185/</ref>
| 2003 || '' Dil aur Dhadkan'' || Dil aur Dhadkan || [[Babul Supriyo]] & Pamela Jain || Saregama
|-
|-
| 2021 || ''[[Ahaan]]'' || Anu || || <ref>https://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/en/newsdetail/index/16/20420/ahaan---a-film-full-of-love</ref><ref>https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/ahaan-review-lead-actor-abuli-mamaji-who-has-down-syndrome-lends-the-film-authenticity-2442191</ref>
| 2005 || ''Tere Liye'' || Kuchh Aisa Lagta Hai || [[Babul Supriyo]] || Universal
|}
|}


==Awards and nominations==
== Awards and nominations ==
*21st Annual Life OK [[Screen Awards]] - Most Promising Newcomer Female - Nominated<ref>https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/in-the-reckoning-3/</ref><ref>https://indianexpress.com/photos/screen-awards-gallery/screen-awards-2015-nominations-most-promising-newcomer-female/</ref><ref>https://www.indicine.com/movies/bollywood/screen-awards-2015-nominations/</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
*IBNLive Movie Awards 2015 - Best Female Debut - Won<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/ibnlive-movie-awards-niharika-singh-beats-kriti-sanon-to-win-the-best-female-debut-award-for-miss-lovely-983025.html|title=IBNLive Movie Awards: Niharika Singh beats Kriti Sanon to win the Best Female Debut Award for 'Miss Lovely'|date=20 April 2015|website=www.news18.com}}</ref>
|-
! Year !! Award !! Category !! Film !! Result !! Refs
|-
| 2015 || [[Screen Awards]] || Most Promising Newcomer - Female || [[Miss Lovely]] || Nominated || <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/in-the-reckoning-3/ |title=21st Annual Life OK Screen Awards nominations |date=8 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://indianexpress.com/photos/screen-awards-gallery/screen-awards-2015-nominations-most-promising-newcomer-female/ |title=Screen Awards 2015: Winner for Most Promising Newcomer (Female) – Patralekha for Citylights |date=14 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.indicine.com/movies/bollywood/screen-awards-2015-nominations/ |title=Screen Awards 2015 Nominations |date=10 January 2015}}</ref>
|-
| 2015 || IBNLive Movie Awards || Best Female Debut || [[Miss Lovely]] || Won || <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/ibnlive-movie-awards-niharika-singh-beats-kriti-sanon-to-win-the-best-female-debut-award-for-miss-lovely-983025.html |title=IBNLive Movie Awards: Niharika Singh beats Kriti Sanon to win the Best Female Debut Award for 'Miss Lovely' |date=20 April 2015 |website=news18.com}}</ref>
|}


==References==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
== External links ==
* {{IMDb name|3864699}}
* {{IMDb name|3864699}}
* {{Bollywood Hungama person|niharika-singh}}
* {{Bollywood Hungama person|niharika-singh}}
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[[Category:Shri Ram College of Commerce alumni]]

Latest revision as of 00:05, 12 March 2026


Niharika Singh
Niharika Singh in 2019
Born
New Delhi, India
EducationShri Ram College of Commerce (dropped out)
OccupationActress • Filmmaker
TitleMiss Earth India 2005
Beauty pageant titleholder
Major
competition(s)		Femina Miss India, Miss Earth 2005

Niharika Singh is an Indian film actress, producer and beauty pageant titleholder who won Miss Earth India and represented India at Miss Earth 2005. She made her acting debut with the critically acclaimed drama Miss Lovely, which competed in Un Certain Regard at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival.[1][2] Niharika was selected for Berlinale Talents in 2016.[3][4]

Early life[edit | edit source]

Born on August 31st, 1982 in New Delhi, Niharika spent her childhood in various north Indian towns and hill stations, moving homes every few years. Her father worked in the Tourism department for Uttar Pradesh and later Uttarakhand state government, her mother ran a design institute in New Delhi and she is the elder of two sisters. Singh did most of her schooling in an all-girls boarding school in Nainital.[5]

Career[edit | edit source]

Modeling and pageantry (1999–2006)[edit | edit source]

Singh started working as a model in 1999 when she first walked the ramp for a design institute in Dehradun. She went on to pursue a degree in B.Com. (Hons) at Shri Ram College of Commerce in New Delhi and continued taking modelling assignments alongside to earn a little income. Niharika featured in several print campaigns, fashion magazines, music videos and decided to drop out of college and move to Mumbai to pursue a full-time career in the entertainment business in 2003.[6]

Singh participated in Femina Miss India in 2005 and finished third, winning the title of Miss Earth India along with subtitles for Miss Photogenic and Miss Beautiful Hair & was sent to represent India at Miss Earth 2005 held in the Philippines.[7][8][9][10][11][12][13] She appeared in several television commercials and ad campaigns for various brands across the country and hosted a reality TV series Banungi Main Miss India with the Femina Miss India contestants of 2006.[14] Singh featured in Times of India's 2005 list of Most Desirable Women and continued her modeling career until she started getting offers to act in Bollywood films.[15][16][17][18][19][20]

Acting in film (2006–2019)[edit | edit source]

Niharika's film career began in 2006 when she signed a 10-film contract with Bollywood director Raj Kanwar under his banner Inderjit Films.[21][22][23] The films were never made and she remained locked in the contract until singer Himesh Reshammiya approached her to play the role of a haughty heiress opposite him in A New Love Ishtory to be produced by T-Series (company) and directed by John Matthew Matthan.[24][25][26][27] Niharika attended an acting course with Barry John (theatre director) before filming A New Love Ishtory.[28] Due to internal differences during the making of the film, producer Bhushan Kumar pulled the finance, dubbed the unfinished version and sold the film directly to a television channel without the knowledge of the cast and crew.[29] Singh started shooting for her second film Mudh Mudh Ke Na Dekh Mudh Mudh Ke[30] opposite Reshammiya which was shelved mid-way.[31][32][33] She also acted in a Kannada film Private Number directed by Anand Kumar (director) that never found a release.[34][35][36]

After a series of shelved and unreleased films, Singh made her debut with Ashim Ahluwalia's critically acclaimed first feature Miss Lovely, set in the criminal depths of Mumbai's C-grade sex-horror film industry.[37][38][39][40] The film competed in Un Certain Regard at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival[41][42] and won 2 awards at the 61st National Film Awards.[43][44][45][46] Singh played a mysterious ingénue struggling to be an actress, for which she earned rave reviews for her performance and a nomination for the most promising newcomer at the 21st Screen Awards.[47][48][49][50][51][52][53] During the media interactions for Miss Lovely, Niharika mentioned she is attempting to write a memoir.[54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62][63][64][65]

Post her experience with Cannes and other international festivals, Niharika joined a course at the Film and Television Institute of India in 2013 to expand her understanding of the medium.[66][67][68][69] The actress was selected for Berlinale Talents in 2016 where she was introduced to Alexander Technique while attending a workshop with Jean-Louis Rodrigue and Kristof Konrad.[70][71]

Singh took a break from public life and made rare appearances in a few independently produced art house films over the next decade. She was seen in Buddhadeb Dasgupta's Hindi feature Anwar Ka Ajab Kissa that premiered at BFI London Film Festival,[72][73] Bappaditya Bandopadhyay's multi-lingual drama Sohra Bridge, which screened at the 46th International Film Festival of India,[74][75] Nikhil Pherwani's directorial debut Ahaan, the first Hindi-language film to cast an actor with down syndrome in the lead and Ashim Ahluwalia's Indian segment "Palace of horrors" in the feature-length horror anthology The Field Guide to Evil, which had its world premiere at South by Southwest. She actively chose to keep a low profile in the media and refused to participate in promotional activities for any film during this period.[citation needed]

(L to R) Suraj Yengde, Pa. Ranjith, Niharika Singh, and Nagraj Manjule taking a selfie at the Dalit Film Festival in New York city, USA in 2019.

Entrepreneurship and filmmaking (2019–present)[edit | edit source]

In 2019, Singh joined Mumbai-based Future East as a director of the film production company.[76][77] She co-founded Future East Digital and turned producer with the young-adult drama Class for Netflix in 2023. The series explores a wide range of social issues affecting modern youth including casteism, child neglect, corruption, homophobia, religious discrimination, and income inequality in India.[78][79][80]

Her upcoming productions include Vishwendra Singh's immigrant drama Khoriya that was selected for NFDC work in progress lab & won the post production award at Waves Film Bazaar 2025.[81]

In media[edit | edit source]

Singh was given a rousing welcome and declared the state guest in Uttarakhand after she was crowned Miss Earth India.[82][83][84] Additionally, she was appointed the goodwill ambassador for Rotary Blood Bank in 2005 at the behest of the Governor of Uttarakhand Sudarshan Agarwal and a garden was named after her in Mussoorie.[85][86][87]

In 2007, a model from Benaras shot to fame by walking down the ramp impersonating Niharika Singh.[88]

Niharika issued a public statement in 2017 when her name was used to garner publicity to sell actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui's memoir An Ordinary Life written by Rituparna Chatterjee and published by Penguin Random House with a fabricated account of their relationship.[89][90][91][92] After a severe backlash and a defamation case by another actress Sunita Rajwar, Nawazuddin Siddiqui issued an apology and withdrew the book within a fortnight after its release.[93][94][95] Veteran actress Asha Parekh showed her displeasure and said, "What Nawazuddin did to the ladies was not in good taste."[96][97][98] In a later interview, Siddiqui stated that "It was the biggest mistake of my life."[99][100][101][102]

In November 2018, Singh wrote an essay addressing the Me Too movement as a dalit woman in the entertainment business which was posted by journalist Sandhya Menon on Twitter.[103] The piece went viral and was immediately picked up by all leading media publications and news channels in India.[104][105][106][107][108][109][110] Niharika was subsequently invited as a guest and speaker for the India Conference at Harvard University in 2019 as well as Columbia University & The New School for the inaugural DALIFF held in New York.[111][112][113][114][115]

Pageantry[edit | edit source]

Year Pageant Organiser Title won Notes Refs
2005 Femina Miss India The Times Group Miss Earth India Also won subtitles for Miss Beautiful hair, Miss Photogenic [116]
2005 Miss Earth Carousel Productions Represented India [117]

Filmography[edit | edit source]

Films[edit | edit source]

Year Film Language Role(s) Notes Ref.
2012 Miss Lovely Hindi Pinky/ Sonika/ Pooja [118]
[119]
2013 A New Love Ishtory Hindi Kamya Dhanraj [120]
2013 Anwar Ka Ajab Kissa Hindi Ayesha [121]
[122]
2016 Sohra Bridge English, Bengali, Assamese, Khasi Ria [123]
2018 The Field Guide to Evil English, Bengali Sadhavi Anthology; Segment – Palace of Horrors [124]
[125]
2019 Ahaan Hindi Anu [126]
[127]
Films that have not yet been released Sonia Honey Hindi, English Radhika Short
Films that have not yet been released Khoriya Hindi, Nepali Producer
Key
Films that have not yet been released Denotes films that have not yet been released

Television / Web[edit | edit source]

Year Title Credit Platform Notes
2023 Class Producer Netflix 8 episodes [128]
2006 Banungi Main Miss India Host Zoom (Indian TV channel) 12 episodes [129]

Music video appearances[edit | edit source]

Year Song Album Singer Label
2003 Gham Ka Khazana Sajda Lata Mangeshkar & Jagjit Singh Saregama
2003 Dil aur Dhadkan Dil aur Dhadkan Babul Supriyo & Pamela Jain Saregama
2005 Tere Liye Kuchh Aisa Lagta Hai Babul Supriyo Universal

Awards and nominations[edit | edit source]

Year Award Category Film Result Refs
2015 Screen Awards Most Promising Newcomer - Female Miss Lovely Nominated [130][131][132]
2015 IBNLive Movie Awards Best Female Debut Miss Lovely Won [133]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Former Miss India Earth Niharika Singh as 'Miss Lovely' – BeautyPageants". Femina Miss India.
  2. ↑ "MISS LOVELY". Festival de Cannes. 24 May 2012.
  3. ↑ "Berlinale Talents – Niharika Singh". berlinale-talents.de.
  4. ↑ "Niharika Singh's remarkable journey that began with her win at Miss India". www.femina.in. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
  5. ↑ "In Conversation with Niharika Singh: Caste, Representation and Feminism in Bollywood". 8 August 2019.
  6. ↑ "The Multifaceted Life of Niharika Singh". theknowculture.com. 22 May 2019. Archived from the original on 7 July 2022. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  7. ↑ "Niharika Singh – Miss India – Bombay Times". Bombaytimes. Archived from the original on 22 September 2023. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  8. ↑ "Pond's Femina Miss India 2005 Winners are: Pond's Femina Miss India – Universe 2005 Amrita Thappar, Pond's Femina Miss India – World 2005 Sindhura Gadde, Pond's Femina Miss India – Earth 2005 Niharika Singh". businesswireindia.com. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  9. ↑ "The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Main News". www.tribuneindia.com.
  10. ↑ "rediff.com:Ponds Femina Miss India 2005". m.rediff.com.
  11. ↑ "rediff.com: India's newest queens". m.rediff.com.
  12. ↑ "Niharika Singh Fashion Photo Pond's Femina Miss India E..." Times Of India.
  13. ↑ https://timescontent.timesofindia.com/photo/fashion/Niharika-Singh/30203
  14. ↑ https://indiantelevision.com/news-headline/zooms-channel-driver-ponds-banungi-main-miss-india-premieres-22-february/
  15. ↑ "I am not hot and sexy". Hindustan Times. 18 January 2006.
  16. ↑ "'I am sweet, not sexy' | undefined News". The Times of India. 23 December 2005.
  17. ↑ "Niharika Singh is the most desirable woman no. 40.mp4 – video Dailymotion". Dailymotion. 14 January 2013.
  18. ↑ "Beauty Queens Who Turned To Bollywood". The Times of India. 9 January 2014.
  19. ↑ "Pond's Femina Miss India Earth 2005, Niharika Singh (left) after crowning Bangalore's Nani Lemima as... | The Hindu Images". thehinduimages.com.
  20. ↑ "Dailymotion". www.dailymotion.com. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
  21. ↑ "Some faces bound to go places in Bollywood". Zee News. 11 March 2008.
  22. ↑ "New face of Bollywood". Gulf News. 31 December 2008.
  23. ↑ "Too Many Talented New Faces A Good Year For BollyWood So Far – XciteFun.net". forum.xcitefun.net. Archived from the original on 24 January 2021. Retrieved 14 July 2021.
  24. ↑ "Miss India Niharika Singh to debut opposite Himesh Reshammiya - entertainment - Hindustan Times". Archived from the original on 23 June 2020. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
  25. ↑ "Blogger".
  26. ↑ "I play a female Vijay Mallya!: Niharika". The Times of India. 9 March 2008.
  27. ↑ "Debutante Niharika finds new love post break-up". Hindustan Times. 25 February 2009.
  28. ↑ "Niharika's New Love Ishtory - Times of India". The Times of India. 25 February 2009.
  29. ↑ "Niharika Singh opens up about her experiences – Times of India ►". The Times of India. 11 November 2018.
  30. ↑ "Exclusive: Himesh romances two hot women". Sify. Archived from the original on 7 December 2021.
  31. ↑ "We aren't cats and rats, we're girls: Niharika". Hindustan Times. 7 May 2008.
  32. ↑ "We aren't cats and rats: Niharika Singh". DNA India.
  33. ↑ "rediff.com: The sexiest models to watch this year!". m.rediff.com. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
  34. ↑ "Beauty belongs in cinema: Niharika". The Times of India. 21 May 2010.
  35. ↑ "No language restrictions!". Deccan Herald. 30 May 2010.
  36. ↑ "A party for 'Private Number'". Deccan Herald. 20 May 2010.
  37. ↑ Amrita Madhukalya (19 January 2014). "Meet Niharika Singh, Bollywood's new 'Miss Lovely'". Daily News and Analysis. Retrieved 5 January 2016.
  38. ↑ Prachi Rege (28 April 2012). "Just Her Luck – Eyecatchers News – Former Miss India Earth Niharika Singh gets role in Miss Lovely". India Today. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  39. ↑ "I shivered after reading the script: Niharika Singh". The Times of India. 21 April 2012.
  40. ↑ "Meet Niharika 'Miss Lovely' Singh". The Times of India. 13 January 2014.
  41. ↑ "Actress Niharika Singh at the Miss Lovely film photocall at the 65th Cannes Film Festival France. Thursday 24th May 2012 Stock Photo - Alamy". www.alamy.com.
  42. ↑ "Niharika Singh - Red carpet - Miss Lovely © FIF/CB - Festival de Cannes". www.festival-cannes.com. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
  43. ↑ "'Miss Lovely ' at Cannes: Nawazuddin, Niharika steal the show". News18. 26 May 2012.
  44. ↑ "There were more posters of Niharika than Ash in Cannes". Rediff.
  45. ↑ "The Sunday Tribune – Spectrum". The Tribune.
  46. ↑ https://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-pix-ashim-ahluwalia-miss-lovely-at-cannes/20120525.htm
  47. ↑ Udasi, Harishikaa (18 January 2014). "Playing Miss Lovely". The Hindu.
  48. ↑ "Niharika Singh Archives".
  49. ↑ coutinho, natasha (14 January 2014). "Isn't she lovely?". Deccan Chronicle.
  50. ↑ "It's brave to make a film like 'Miss Lovely': Niharika Singh". stars.topnews.in. Archived from the original on 18 October 2020. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
  51. ↑ Dupont, Joan (25 May 2012). "Mumbai in the Bad Old Days". The New York Times.
  52. ↑ "Aren't we all good and bad: Niharika Singh – Beauty Pageants – Indiatimes". Femina Miss India. Archived from the original on 5 April 2023. Retrieved 10 September 2021.
  53. ↑ "From Miss India to Miss Lovely". 16 January 2014.
  54. ↑ "Unemployed by choice". The Pioneer.
  55. ↑ "Not lovely: What Niharika dislikes about bollywood!". Free Press Journal.
  56. ↑ "Miss lovely backstory". The Telegraph (India).
  57. ↑ "I Am A Mad Nomad: Meeting 'Miss Lovely' Niharika Singh". santabanta.com.
  58. ↑ "Student of cinema". The Indian Express. 2 January 2014. Retrieved 5 January 2016.
  59. ↑ "Meet miss lovely". The Telegraph (India). 14 January 2014. Archived from the original on 22 February 2015. Retrieved 5 January 2016.
  60. ↑ Kumar, Anuj (18 January 2014). "Miss Lovely: Behind the scenes". The Hindu.
  61. ↑ "PIX: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Niharika visit the Rediff office". Rediff.
  62. ↑ "I didn't even know Nawaz says Miss Lovely Niharika". Hindustan Times. 6 January 2014.
  63. ↑ https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/meet-miss-lovely/cid/220443
  64. ↑ https://www.coastaldigest.com/meet-niharika-singh-bollywoods-new-miss-lovely
  65. ↑ https://bollywoodpage3.wordpress.com/2013/12/24/miss-lovely-gears-up-for-the-us-release/
  66. ↑ "Niharika Singh talks about her Cannes Journey – Beauty Pageants – Indiatimes". Femina Miss India. Archived from the original on 28 November 2024.
  67. ↑ Hungama, Bollywood (17 January 2014). ""Miss Lovely would come as a shock" – Niharika Singh : Bollywood News – Bollywood Hungama". Bollywood Hungama.
  68. ↑ "Meet Niharika 'Miss Lovely' Singh". 13 January 2014.
  69. ↑ "Beauty queens at Cannes Film Festival over the years". femina.in.
  70. ↑ "बर्लिनाले में दिखा भारत की 'मिस लवली' का टैलेंट | 17 February 2016". Deutsche Welle.
  71. ↑ "10 Indian artistes chosen for Berlinale Talents - India.com". www.india.com. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
  72. ↑ "Meet miss lovely". The Telegraph (India).
  73. ↑ "Nawaz and Niharika pair up again". 25 March 2013.
  74. ↑ "Bappaditya Bandopadhyay's Sohra Bridge (2016): the last bow of a brilliant film-maker". WBRi Washington Bangla Radio USA. Archived from the original on 6 July 2022. Retrieved 2 February 2019.
  75. ↑ "The Times Group". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 3 February 2019.
  76. ↑ "Need perspective of unheard voices: Film company launches paid internship for Dalit students". The New Indian Express.
  77. ↑ Joshi, Namrata (20 November 2019). "Diversity film training programme launched for the Dalit Bahujan and Adivasi community". The Hindu.
  78. ↑ "6 Binge-Worthy Shows That You Just Cannot Miss". Outlook India.
  79. ↑ "The making of 'Class', Netflix's first Indian adaptation of a foreign title". 4 March 2023.
  80. ↑ "Dreamy dulha writes Shalini Sharma". DNA India.
  81. ↑ https://variety.com/2025/film/markets-festivals/bird-flu-epidemic-drama-feather-men-waves-film-bazaar-1236590338/
  82. ↑ "Niharika arrives to rousing welcome". Zee News. 2 May 2005.
  83. ↑ "Outlook India Photo Gallery". Outlookindia.
  84. ↑ "देहरादून- निहारिका सिंह को उत्तराखंड में मिला ये खास सम्मान, मेहनत से ऐसे कमाया देशभर में नाम". 16 June 2021.
  85. ↑ "Life Delhi / Talk Of The Town : All for a good cause". The Hindu. 13 May 2005. Retrieved 5 January 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  86. ↑ TRIPATHI, PURNIMA S. (14 July 2005). "For a law on blood banks". Frontline.
  87. ↑ "The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Chandigarh". www.tribuneindia.com.
  88. ↑ "Ms India: Wannabe model fakes it". News18.
  89. ↑ "Nawazuddin DISRESPECTING a woman to sell his book, says Niharika Singh". ABP Live. 24 October 2017.
  90. ↑ "Nawazuddin Siddiqui's book written without knowledge or consent: Niharika Singh responds". 24 October 2017.
  91. ↑ "Niharika Singh on alleged affair with Nawazuddin Siddiqui: He wants to sell his book, he is manipulating a fleeting relationship". 24 October 2017.
  92. ↑ "Niharika Singh lashes back at Nawazuddin Siddiqui". Free Press Journal.
  93. ↑ "Nawazuddin Siddiqui's memoir, An Ordinary Life, pulped". Mumbai Mirror.
  94. ↑ "Nawazuddin Siddiqui Is Lying, Says Ex Sunita Rajwar After He Sends Legal Notice". NDTV.com.
  95. ↑ "Nawazuddin Siddiqui's book is extraordinary lies: After Niharika Singh, his first girlfriend slams him". India Today. 28 October 2017.
  96. ↑ jha, subhash k (4 November 2017). "Asha Parekh slams Nawaz for his tell-all biography". Deccan Chronicle.
  97. ↑ Kannan, Sushumna (21 November 2018). "Niharika Singh's #MeToo Story Makes Us Think Of The Precondition To Consenting".
  98. ↑ "Locker room banter gift-wrapped in sordid quotes: The issue with Nawazuddin Siddiqui's version of his affairs". 26 October 2017.
  99. ↑ "Nawazuddin Siddiqui". Bollywood Hungama.
  100. ↑ "Nawazuddin Siddiqui Withdraws Biography. Apologises For 'Hurting Sentiments'". NDTV.com.
  101. ↑ "Why Nawazuddin Siddiqui Decided To Withdraw His Biography Titled An Ordinary Life: A Memoir". NDTV.com.
  102. ↑ "Is Nawazuddin Siddiqui relying on organised social media trolling against Niharika Singh? Here are clues". Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd.
  103. ↑ "#ReportingToRemember the media and the Hindi film fraternity for blaming & shaming Niharika Singh". Blank Noise. 26 May 2021.
  104. ↑ "Me Too: Why many women don't speak out about sexual abuse 'immediately'". The News Minute. 17 November 2018.
  105. ↑ "Niharika Singh shares her #MeToo account: Neo-liberal, savarna feminism isn't going to liberate anyone". Firstpost. 10 November 2018.
  106. ↑ "Tattooed my name on his chest: Niharika Singh remembers 'abusive' husband of flight attendant who committed suicide". DNA India. 10 November 2018.
  107. ↑ "Niharika Singh: Nawazuddin Siddiqui is a sexually repressed man with toxic male entitlement". India Today. 10 November 2018.
  108. ↑ "Former Miss India Niharika Singh slams Nandita Das and Kavita Krishnan for 'enabling' sexual predators". DNA India.
  109. ↑ "Former Miss India Niharika Singh Pens Powerful Post On #MeToo, Names Nawazuddin Siddiqui". Storypick. 10 November 2018.
  110. ↑ "Niharika Singh Calls Nawazuddin a 'Sexually Repressed Indian Man'". TheQuint. 10 November 2018.
  111. ↑ "Dalit Film Festival Discusses the Role of Caste in Setting Cultural Sensibilities". The Wire.
  112. ↑ "'Dalit Film Festival is not just a festival, it's a movement'". Newslaundry. 27 February 2019.
  113. ↑ "First Dalit Film Festival in US Shortlists Kaala and Masaan Among Other Films by Dalit Filmmakers". News18. 12 February 2019.
  114. ↑ "DALIFF: A film and cultural festival celebrating Dalit art, life and pride". March 2019.
  115. ↑ "Niharika Singh set to speak at Harvard now". 14 February 2019.
  116. ↑ "rediff.com:Ponds Femina Miss India 2005". Rediff.com.
  117. ↑ "rediff.com: India's newest queens". Rediff.com.
  118. ↑ "Movie review: Miss Lovely will make you uncomfortable". Hindustan Times. 17 January 2014.
  119. ↑ Kumar, Anuj (18 January 2014). "Miss Lovely: Behind the scenes – The Hindu". The Hindu.
  120. ↑ "Miss India Niharika Singh to debut opposite Himesh Reshammiya". 24 March 2008.
  121. ↑ "Anwar Ka Ajab Kissa review: Nawazuddin Siddiqui is a breather in this lyrical film about love, longing". Asianet News Network PVT Ltd.
  122. ↑ "Anwar Ka Ajab Kissa Review: Nawazuddin is sublime in this profound character piece". Archived from the original on 20 November 2020.
  123. ↑ "Sohra Bridge, memories of another day". 24 November 2015.
  124. ↑ Kumar, Anuj (10 March 2018). "The guide to hell – The Hindu". The Hindu.
  125. ↑ "Something Wicked This Way Comes". 26 March 2018.
  126. ↑ a.chatterji, shoma (30 May 2021). "Ahaan – A Film Full of Love". thecitizen.in.
  127. ↑ "Ahaan Review: Lead Actor Abuli Mamaji, Who Has Down Syndrome, Lends The Film Authenticity". NDTV.com.
  128. ↑ "Six binge-worthy shows that you just cannot miss!". 13 February 2023.
  129. ↑ https://www.afaqs.com/media-briefs/7373_making-of-a-miss-india-unveiled
  130. ↑ "21st Annual Life OK Screen Awards nominations". 8 January 2015.
  131. ↑ "Screen Awards 2015: Winner for Most Promising Newcomer (Female) – Patralekha for Citylights". 14 January 2015.
  132. ↑ "Screen Awards 2015 Nominations". 10 January 2015.
  133. ↑ "IBNLive Movie Awards: Niharika Singh beats Kriti Sanon to win the Best Female Debut Award for 'Miss Lovely'". news18.com. 20 April 2015.

External links[edit | edit source]

Awards and achievements
Preceded by
Jyoti Brahmin 		Miss Earth India
2005 		Succeeded by
Amruta Patki

Template:Miss Earth 2005 delegates

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