Genelia D'Souza: Difference between revisions

{{short description|Indian actress}}

{{EngvarB|date=May 2014}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2014}}

 

| name               = Genelia D'Souza

| image             = Genelia D'Souza.jpg

| alt               =  

| caption           =  

| birth_date         = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1987|08|05}}<ref name="birthday" />

| birth_place       = [[Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra]], India

| birth_name        = Genelia D'Souza

| alma_mater         = [[St. Andrew’s College of Arts, Science and Commerce|St. Andrew’s College]]  

| occupation         = Actress

| years_active       = 2003–present

| parents           =  

| spouse             = {{marriage|[[Riteish Deshmukh]]|2012}}

| children           = 2

| relatives         = [[Vilasrao Deshmukh]] (father in law) <br/> [[Amit Deshmukh]] (brother in law) <br/> [[Dhiraj Deshmukh]] (brother in law)

'''Genelia Deshmukh''' ([[née]] '''D'Souza'''; born 5 August 1987)<ref name="birthday">{{cite web |url=http://www.planetbollywood.com/displayArticle.php?id=080510014320 |title=Happy Birthday Genelia! |work=Planet Bollywood |access-date=14 August 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103024512/http://planetbollywood.com/displayArticle.php?id=080510014320 |archive-date=3 November 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Happy Birthday Genelia D'Souza |url=http://www.patrika.com/news/happy-birthday-genelia-dsouza/1021772 |access-date=5 August 2014 |work=Patrika Group |issue=5 August 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808053718/http://www.patrika.com/news/happy-birthday-genelia-dsouza/1021772 |archive-date= 8 August 2014 }}</ref> is an Indian film actress and model. She predominantly appeared in [[Telugu cinema|Telugu]], [[Bollywood|Hindi]], [[Tamil cinema|Tamil]] films. After gaining wide attention in a [[Parker Pen]] commercial with [[Amitabh Bachchan]], Genelia began her acting career with the box-office hit ''[[Tujhe Meri Kasam]]'' in 2003.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Genelia Deshmukh: In a Happy Space|url=https://www.indiawest.com/entertainment/bollywood/interviews/genelia-deshmukh-in-a-happy-space/article_5c04ccee-68ee-5866-9cd3-ed715fb64d66.html|last=India-West|first=R. M. Vijayakar, Special to|website=India West|language=en|access-date=2020-05-05|archive-date=12 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160612060051/http://www.indiawest.com/entertainment/bollywood/interviews/genelia-deshmukh-in-a-happy-space/article_5c04ccee-68ee-5866-9cd3-ed715fb64d66.html|url-status=live}}</ref> She was recognized for her role in ''[[Boys (2003 film)|Boys]]'' the same year, and later established herself in [[Telugu cinema]] by acting in several Telugu films during 2003–2012.

Genelia received her first [[Filmfare Best Actress Award (Telugu)|Filmfare Award]] in 2006 for her performance in the Telugu romantic film, ''[[Bommarillu (2006 film)|Bommarillu]]'', which earned her critical acclaim. In 2008, she gave critically acclaimed performances in ''[[Santosh Subramaniam]]'', a Tamil remake of ''Bommarillu'', and the Bollywood movie ''[[Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na]]''. Having acted in several commercially successful movies in Telugu and Tamil, Genelia has established herself as one of the leading actresses of the South Indian film industry.<ref>{{cite news

}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=32562&n_tit=News+headlines|title=Genelia D'Souza|publisher=[[Daiji World|Daijiworld Media]]|first=Settu|last=Shankar|date=2007-04-19|access-date=1 March 2009|archive-date=20 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090620233617/http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=32562&n_tit=News+headlines|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition to mainstream acting, Genelia has hosted the television show ''[[Big Switch]]'', and has been the brand ambassador of [[Fanta]], [[Virgin Mobile India]], Fastrack, [[LG]] Mobiles, [[Garnier]] Light, [[Margo (soap)|Margo]], and Perk in India.<ref name="brand"/>

Born in [[Mumbai]]<ref name="deb">{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-10-31/news-interviews/27946802_1_genelia-d-souza-jtyjn-tamil|title=Bollywood via Kollywood|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=1 January 2010|date=31 October 2008|first=Sreedhar|last=Pilai|archive-date=23 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130723172404/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-10-31/news-interviews/27946802_1_genelia-d-souza-jtyjn-tamil|url-status=dead}}</ref> Genelia is an [[East Indians|East Indian]], a [[Christianity in Maharashtra|Marathi speaking Christian]] from North [[Konkan]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Genelia-awarded-for-promoting-East-Indian-culture-through-wedding-rituals/articleshow/20115948.cms|title=Genelia awarded for promoting East Indian culture through wedding rituals - Times of India|work=The Times of India|access-date=2017-11-19|archive-date=14 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814225231/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Genelia-awarded-for-promoting-East-Indian-culture-through-wedding-rituals/articleshow/20115948.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> She was raised in the [[Bandra]] suburb of Mumbai. Her mother Jeanette D'Souza was a managing director of the Pharma Multinational corporation. She left her job in 2004 to help Genelia with her career. Her father Neil D'Souza, is a senior official with [[Tata Consultancy Services]].<ref name="bus">{{cite news

|url=http://www.businessworld.in/index.php/Corporate/An-Ingenue-Is-Born.html  

|title=An Ingenue Is Born  

|last1=Brahma  

|first1=Mahul  

|date=26 December 2008  

|access-date=1 March 2009  

|publisher=[[Businessworld]]  

|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5m6vLo078?url=http://www.businessworld.in/index.php/Corporate/An-Ingenue-Is-Born.html  

|archive-date=18 December 2009  

|url-status=dead  

}}</ref> She also has a younger brother, Nigel D'Souza,<ref name="god"/><ref name="house">{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-12-25/news-interviews/28091934_1_genelia-d-souza-homepage-christmas-tree-santa-claus|title=Santa, bless Mumbai: Genelia|access-date=1 March 2009|first=Nimisha|last=Tiwari|date=25 December 2009|work=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=11 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811060653/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-12-25/news-interviews/28091934_1_genelia-d-souza-homepage-christmas-tree-santa-claus|url-status=dead}}</ref> who works with the [[Bombay Stock Exchange]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Chuman |last=Das |title=Genelia D'Souza brings in birthday at her new house |date=5 August 2009 |publisher=Business of Cinema |url=http://www.businessofcinema.com/news.php?newsid=13968 |access-date=20 December 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726025236/http://www.businessofcinema.com/news.php?newsid=13968 |archive-date=26 July 2011 }}</ref> According to Genelia, her name means "rare" or "unique", and is a [[portmanteau]] of Jeanette and Neil, her mother and father's names. She is also often informally referred to as ''Geenu'', her nickname.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2008/07/02/4047/index.html |title="All my girlfriends have already gone crazy after Imran" – Genelia Dsouza |last=Ramsubramaniam |first=Nikhil |date=2 July 2008 |access-date=1 March 2009 |work=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090222110537/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2008/07/02/4047/index.html |archive-date=22 February 2009 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}</ref> Genelia studied at the Apostolic Carmel High School in Bandra and later joined [[St. Andrew's College, Mumbai|St. Andrew's College]] in Bandra to pursue her bachelor's degree of Management Studies.<ref name="daiji">{{cite news |url=http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=48478&n_tit=Meet+Bollywood%92s+New+Bee+Genelia+D%92souza |title=Meet Bollywood's New Bee Genelia D'souza |date=8 July 2008 |access-date=23 August 2008 |publisher=[[Daijiworld|Daijiworld Media]] |archive-date=20 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080820020602/http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=48478&n_tit=Meet+Bollywood%92s+New+Bee+Genelia+D%92souza |url-status=live }}</ref> She completed her degree while shooting for her first film, ''[[Tujhe Meri Kasam]]'' in 2003 and initially thought that an MNC job would suit her.<ref name="biog"/> She liked sports and studies in college,<ref name="biog"/> and was a state level athlete, [[Sprint (running)|sprinter]], and a national level [[Association football|football]] player{{Unreliable source?|date=March 2020}}.<!-- When?? --><ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-08-12/news-interviews/27933539_1_genelia-d-souza-football-player-national-level-football|title=Genelia is crazy about Beckham|access-date=1 March 2009|first=Piyali|last=Dasgupta|date=12 July 2008|work=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=11 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811060702/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-08-12/news-interviews/27933539_1_genelia-d-souza-football-player-national-level-football|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Genelia did her first modeling assignment at the age of 15,<ref name="ban">{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-09-13/news-interviews/28079002_1_bandra-fair-mount-mary-church-genelia-d-souza|title=She's no Sandra from Bandra!|last=Rasquinha|first=Reagan Gavin|date=13 September 2009|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=1 January 2010|archive-date=11 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811060637/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-09-13/news-interviews/28079002_1_bandra-fair-mount-mary-church-genelia-d-souza|url-status=dead}}</ref> the result of being spotted as the [[bridesmaid]] at a wedding.<ref name="biog">{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2009/07/17/stories/2009071750180100.htm |title=Oye bubbly! |access-date=1 January 2010 |first=Harshikaa |last=Udasi |date=17 July 2009 |work=[[The Hindu]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110512182630/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2009/07/17/stories/2009071750180100.htm |archive-date=12 May 2011 }}</ref> She was selected for the [[Parker Pen Company|Parker Pen]] commercial with [[Amitabh Bachchan]], just two days before her exams, and had to shoot the next day. Initially she refused, because of her exam the next day, but the director persuaded Genelia to shoot for the commercial.<ref name="biog"/><ref name="r5"/> She gained wide attention from the Parker Pen commercial with Amitabh Bachchan,<ref name="hin1">{{cite news |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/htnext/mirchmasala/I-m-single-Riteish-is-just-a-friend-Genelia/Article1-341198.aspx |title=I'm single, Riteish is just a friend: Genelia |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |first=Subhash K. |last=Jha |publisher=Indo-Asian News Service |date=29 September 2008 |access-date=18 February 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100814150649/http://www.hindustantimes.com/htnext/mirchmasala/I-m-single-Riteish-is-just-a-friend-Genelia/Article1-341198.aspx |archive-date=14 August 2010 }}</ref> who said "she was good, and her expressions were spontaneous".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2005/apr/14sld4.htm |title=I was not in awe of Mr Bachchan (Slide 4) |publisher=[[Rediff]] |date=14 April 2005 |access-date=1 January 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080924004122/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2005/apr/14sld4.htm |archive-date=24 September 2008 }}</ref> She further did a [[Fair & Lovely (cosmetics)|Fair & Lovely]] [[2003 Cricket World Cup]] advertisement with cricketer [[Krishnamachari Srikkanth]].<ref name="r5"/>

===Debut and recognition (2003–05)===

When Genelia was offered a role in ''[[Tujhe Meri Kasam]]'', initially she turned it down, as she was not keen to pursue a career in acting. But the crew insisted and kept contacting her for two months, and she agreed when she saw the [[Nuvve Kavali|Telugu version]] of the movie.<ref name="r5">{{cite web|url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2005/apr/14sld5.htm |title=I was not in awe of Mr Bachchan (Slide 5) |date=14 April 2005 |publisher=[[Rediff]] |access-date=1 January 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080924140424/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2005/apr/14sld5.htm |archive-date=24 September 2008 }}</ref> Tamil director, [[S. Shankar]], was impressed with her performance in the Parker Pen commercial and decided to cast her in a leading role in his 2003 Tamil film ''[[Boys (2003 film)|Boys]]''.<ref name="gt">{{cite web

|url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2005/apr/14sld1.htm  

|title=I was not in awe of Mr Bachchan (Slide 1)  

|publisher=[[Rediff]]  

|date=14 April 2005  

|access-date=1 January 2010  

|url-status=live  

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080923195738/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2005/apr/14sld1.htm  

|archive-date=23 September 2008  

}}</ref> Genelia was selected among 300 girls, who had auditioned for the movie. She signed three movies simultaneously in three different languages, ''Tujhe Meri Kasam'' ([[Hindi]]), ''Boys'' ([[Tamil language|Tamil]]), and ''[[Satyam (2003 film)|Satyam]]'' ([[Telugu language|Telugu]]).<ref name="buzz">{{cite news|first=Gupta |last=Rinki |title=Genelia, the 'Uthamaputhiran' girl |date=9 October 2010 |publisher=[[The New Indian Express]] |url=http://newindianexpress.com/entertainment/interviews/article289225.ece |work=Express News Service |access-date=28 November 2010 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5uZxLecfc?url=http://expressbuzz.com/entertainment/interviews/genelia-the-uthamaputhiran-girl/213601.html |archive-date=28 November 2010 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}</ref>

Genelia's professional movie career began,<ref name="gen">{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_genelia-makes-small-screen-debut_1293000 |title=Genelia makes small screen debut |last=Mazumder |first=Ranjib |newspaper=[[DNA (newspaper)|Daily News and Analysis]] (DNA) |date=25 September 2009 |access-date=1 January 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090929000100/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_genelia-makes-small-screen-debut_1293000 |archive-date=29 September 2009 }}</ref> with her Bollywood debut ''Tujhe Meri Kasam'' in 2003.<ref name="bus"/> Film critic [[Taran Adarsh]] noted, "Genelia is a wonderful performer. She catches you unaware with a performance that's natural to the core."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/review/7081/index.html |title=Tujhe Meri Kasam (Movie review) |access-date=20 December 2010 |last=Adarsh |first=Taran |date=3 January 2003 |work=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100924030322/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/review/7081/index.html |archive-date=24 September 2010 }}</ref> The film was a box-office success.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tujhe Meri Kasam |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/Movies/movie_detail/tujhe_meri_kasam#.VaU7-rUpq8M |website=[[Box Office India]] |access-date=14 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714230103/http://boxofficeindia.com/Movies/movie_detail/tujhe_meri_kasam#.VaU7-rUpq8M |archive-date=14 July 2015 }}</ref> However, it could not do much to propel her career in Bollywood.<ref name="fail2">{{cite news |url=http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/rising-star/419393/ |title=Rising Star |work=Expressindia |publisher=[[Indian Express Group|The Indian Express Group]] |date=5 February 2009 |access-date=1 January 2010 |last=Jassi |first=Pallavi |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005064600/http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/rising-star/419393/ |archive-date=5 October 2012 }}</ref><ref name="fail">{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090111/jsp/graphiti/story_10367481.jsp |title=Ready to rock |newspaper=[[The Telegraph (Kolkata)|The Telegraph]] |date=11 January 2009 |access-date=1 January 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215184555/http://telegraphindia.com/1090111/jsp/graphiti/story_10367481.jsp |archive-date=15 February 2009 }}</ref> Later, she decided to act in South Indian films.<ref name="deb"/> The same year, she made her Tamil debut as the teenage girl Harini in ''Boys'', a story about five teenagers having stereotypical teen-boy fantasies. The movie, though noted for its vulgar sexual content, was a box-office success,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/sep/09boys.htm |title=Shankar has taken Tamil films to new depths |work=Rediff Movies |publisher=[[Rediff]] |date=9 September 2003 |access-date=1 January 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607044936/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/sep/09boys.htm |archive-date= 7 June 2011 }}</ref> and subsequently she started receiving Telugu film offers.<ref name="gt"/> She left [[Tamil cinema]] for a while to concentrate on the [[Cinema of Andhra Pradesh|Telugu film industry]]. She made her Telugu debut in 2003 as a medical student in ''[[Satyam (2003 film)|Satyam]]''.<ref name="sam">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2003/12/23/stories/2003122300090400.htm |title=Sumanth stands out |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=23 December 2003 |access-date=3 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110512182551/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2003/12/23/stories/2003122300090400.htm |archive-date=12 May 2011 }}</ref> [[Sify]] noted in their review that, "Genelia is excellent as her body language is her major asset."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/satyam-review-telugu-13344153.html |title=Satyam |access-date=20 December 2010 |work=Sify Movies |publisher=[[Sify]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131028195224/http://www.sify.com/movies/satyam-review-telugu-13344153.html |archive-date=28 October 2013 }}</ref> The movie was well received,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad-times/Genelia-hits-the-jackpot/articleshow/454014.cms |title=Genelia hits the jackpot |publisher=[[The Times of India]] |work=[[Hyderabad Times]] |date=30 January 2004 |access-date=3 January 2010 |last=Devi K. |first=Sangeetha |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110512185830/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad-times/Genelia-hits-the-jackpot/articleshow/454014.cms |archive-date=12 May 2011 }}</ref> and it raised her profile in the Telugu film industry.<ref name="gt"/>

In 2004, Genelia appeared in her second Bollywood movie, ''[[Masti (2004 film)|Masti]]''. The comedy focuses on three close friends who reunite after three years, but are now married and are being harassed by their wives. Genelia portrayed the character of one of the wives.<ref name="bbm">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/films/bollywood/2004/04/masti_review.shtml |title=Masti review |work=[[BBC]] |access-date=1 January 2010 |last=Gajjar |first=Manish |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050816113438/http://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/films/bollywood/2004/04/masti_review.shtml |archive-date=16 August 2005 }}</ref> [[Taran Adarsh]] was complimentary of Genelia's role, saying, "Amongst the wives, Genelia is the best, [...] Genelia looks the stern and demanding wife and is sure to be noticed."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/review/7124/index.html |title=Masti: Movie Review |last=Adarsh |first=Taran |author-link=Taran Adarsh |date=9 April 2004 |access-date=1 January 2010 |work=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090712035202/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/review/7124/index.html |archive-date=12 July 2009 }}</ref> The film was a box-office success.<ref>{{cite web |title=Masti |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/Movies/movie_detail/masti#.VaU8DbUpq8M |website=Box Office India |access-date=14 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715024016/http://boxofficeindia.com/Movies/movie_detail/masti#.VaU8DbUpq8M |archive-date=15 July 2015 }}</ref> The same year, she appeared in two Telugu movies ''[[Samba (2004 film)|Samba]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/11/04/stories/2004110400920400.htm |title=Lucky mascot |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=4 November 2004 |access-date=3 January 2010 |last=Kumar |first=G. Manjula |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110512182641/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/11/04/stories/2004110400920400.htm |archive-date=12 May 2011 }}</ref> and ''[[Sye (2004 film)|Sye]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2006/03/18/stories/2006031801000303.htm |title=Love and action |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=18 March 2006 |access-date=3 January 2010 |last=Pillai |first=Sreedhar |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110512182654/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2006/03/18/stories/2006031801000303.htm |archive-date=12 May 2011 }}</ref> both succeeding at the box-office.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://entertainment.in.msn.com/southcinemathisdecade/teluguactress/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=3635796&page=33 |title=Telugu Actress of the Decade (Genelia D'Souza) |access-date=16 December 2010 |date=12 October 2010 |page=33 |work=MSN Entertainment |publisher=[[MSN]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726103721/http://entertainment.in.msn.com/southcinemathisdecade/teluguactress/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=3635796&page=33 |archive-date=26 July 2011 }}</ref>

After appearing in her first Telugu movie in 2005, ''[[Naa Alludu]]'', she starred in the Tamil romantic entertainer ''[[Sachein]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2005/apr/14sld3.htm |title=I was not in awe of Mr Bachchan (Slide 3) |publisher=[[Rediff]] |date=14 April 2005 |access-date=1 January 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080923195748/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2005/apr/14sld3.htm |archive-date=23 September 2008 }}</ref> A review in ''[[The Hindu]]'' noted, "Genelia, who hardly made an impression in ''Boys'', makes much impact in ''Sachein''."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2005/04/22/stories/2005042202640200.htm |title=Return to romance |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=22 April 2005 |access-date=3 January 2010 |last=Rangarajan |first=Malathi |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100903202914/http://hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2005/04/22/stories/2005042202640200.htm |archive-date= 3 September 2010 }}</ref> The movie evoked mixed response from audiences, but was well received with the younger generation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/lf/2005/04/20/stories/2005042016270200.htm |title=Vijay scores as 'Sachein' |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=20 April 2005 |access-date=3 January 2010 |last=Kamath |first=Sudish |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110512182650/http://www.hindu.com/lf/2005/04/20/stories/2005042016270200.htm |archive-date=12 May 2011 }}</ref> She later appeared in the Telugu patriotic movie ''[[Subhash Chandra Bose (film)|Subhash Chandra Bose]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/03/11/stories/2005031101250200.htm |title=Patriotic theme |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=11 March 2005 |access-date=3 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110512182541/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/03/11/stories/2005031101250200.htm |archive-date=12 May 2011 }}</ref>

===Turning point in South Indian films (2006–08)===

The year 2006 marked a significant turning point in Genelia's career.<ref name="sig">{{cite web |url=http://entertainment.in.msn.com/southcinemathisdecade/teluguactress/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=3635796&page=34 |title=Telugu Actress of the Decade (Genelia D'Souza) |access-date=16 December 2010 |date=12 October 2010 |page=34 |work=MSN Entertainment |publisher=[[MSN]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726103712/http://entertainment.in.msn.com/southcinemathisdecade/teluguactress/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=3635796&page=34 |archive-date=26 July 2011 }}</ref> She completed two Telugu movies in early 2006, one was the romantic comedy ''[[Happy (2006 film)|Happy]]'', and the other was ''[[Raam (2006 film)|Raam]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/01/28/stories/2006012816060500.htm |title=It's a 'Happy' flick all the way |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=28 January 2006 |access-date=3 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090213185251/http://hindu.com/2006/01/28/stories/2006012816060500.htm |archive-date=13 February 2009 }}</ref> She then portrayed the role of Haasini, a vibrant, effervescent and a happy-go-lucky young girl, in the 2006 Telugu romantic film ''[[Bommarillu (2006 film)|Bommarillu]]''. The movie, a blockbuster at the box-office,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://in.rediff.com/movies/2006/sep/06bomma.htm |work=Rediff Movies |publisher=[[Rediff]] |title=The man behind Telugu hit ''Bommarillu'' |access-date=5 January 2010 |date=6 September 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029201850/http://in.rediff.com/movies/2006/sep/06bomma.htm |archive-date=29 October 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://inhome.rediff.com/movies/2006/nov/08bom.htm |work=Rediff Movies |publisher=[[Rediff.com]] |title=First Look: 100 days of Bommarillu |access-date=5 January 2010 |date=8 November 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227102152/http://inhome.rediff.com/movies/2006/nov/08bom.htm |archive-date=27 February 2012 }}</ref> grossed {{INRConvert|250|m}} in India,<ref name="Hindu_Trade">{{cite web|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=17 October 2007|first=M. L.|last=Narasimhan|date=29 December 2006|title=A few hits and many flops|url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/12/29/stories/2006122901630100.htm|archive-date=3 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103072925/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/12/29/stories/2006122901630100.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> and also won the 2006 [[Nandi Award for Best Feature Film|Golden Nandi]] award.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/nandi-awards-2006-news-telugu-kkftV1hgcca.html |title=Nandi Awards 2006 |access-date=21 December 2010 |date=13 February 2008 |work=Sify Movies |publisher=Sify |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101126194043/http://sify.com/movies/nandi-awards-2006-news-telugu-kkftV1hgcca.html |archive-date=26 November 2010 }}</ref> Her character was well received,<ref>{{cite web|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=17 October 2007|first=Sangeetha|last=Devi K.|date=19 August 2006|title='Bommarillu' was a surprise|url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2006/08/19/stories/2006081902140100.htm|archive-date=18 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071018204807/http://hindu.com/mp/2006/08/19/stories/2006081902140100.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> and garnered her the [[Filmfare Best Actress Award (Telugu)|Telugu Filmfare Award for Best Actress]],<ref name="daiji"/> besides [[Nandi Special Jury Award]] and [[Santosham Best Actress Award|Santosham Award for Best Actress]].<ref name="sig"/> Sify concluded about her acting in their review that, "The scene stealer is Genelia with her innocent looks and cute mannerisms. She does not overact and we just fall in love with her character. Genelia looks like a dream in chic skirts and is the life of the party and raises the bar of the film."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/bommarillu-review-telugu-14269791.html |title=Movie Review: Bommarillu |access-date=21 December 2010 |work=Sify Movies |publisher=Sify |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513075423/http://www.sify.com/movies/bommarillu-review-telugu-14269791.html |archive-date=13 May 2014 }}</ref>

Following the success of ''Bommarillu'', Genelia played the role of the daughter of a local don, in the Tamil gangster film ''[[Chennai Kadhal]]'' alongside ''Boys'' co-star [[Bharath (actor)|Bharath]].<ref name="rcd">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/dec/11chennai.htm |work=Rediff Movies |publisher=[[Rediff]] |title=''Chennai Kadhal'' is a letdown |access-date=5 January 2010 |date=11 December 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607045007/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/dec/11chennai.htm |archive-date= 7 June 2011 }}</ref> Rediff.com criticized her commenting, "Genelia stands up yet again to prove the point that if you are pretty and well dressed, you can get away with anything, without acting."<ref name="rcd"/> Shortly afterwards in 2007, Genelia played the role of sister of a notorious gangster in the blockbuster Telugu movie ''[[Dhee]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://inhome.rediff.com/movies/2007/jun/25ssvishnu.htm |work=Rediff Movies |publisher=[[Rediff]] |title=Meet the star of ''Dhee'' |access-date=5 January 2010 |date=25 June 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517174853/http://inhome.rediff.com/movies/2007/jun/25ssvishnu.htm |archive-date=17 May 2013 }}</ref> set against a gang war backdrop.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/apr/16ssdhee.htm |work=Rediff Movies |publisher=[[Rediff]] |title=''Dhee'' is a good entertainer |access-date=5 January 2010 |date=16 April 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100122212707/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/apr/16ssdhee.htm |archive-date=22 January 2010 }}</ref>

The following year, Genelia appeared in the 2008 Telugu romantic thriller ''[[Mr. Medhavi]]'', in which she portrayed the role of a student from Canada. The movie was successful,<ref name="well"/> with [[Rediff.com]] complimenting her performance saying, "Genelia is her effervescent self – full of joie-de-vivre and lights up the screen."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://inhome.rediff.com/movies/2008/jan/28ssmm.htm |work=Rediff Movies |publisher=[[Rediff]] |title=''Mister Medhavi'': Not too smart |access-date=5 January 2010 |date=28 January 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080505050854/http://inhome.rediff.com/movies/2008/jan/28ssmm.htm |archive-date= 5 May 2008 }}</ref> She made her Kannada debut in ''[[Satya in Love]]'' the same year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/mar/31sss.htm |work=Rediff Movies |publisher=[[Rediff]] |title=''Sathya''...: Only for Shivraj Kumar fans! |access-date=5 January 2010 |date=31 March 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091016185550/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/mar/31sss.htm |archive-date=16 October 2009 }}</ref> Later, she was cast in a leading role in ''[[Santhosh Subramaniam]]'', a Tamil remake of ''Bommarillu''. The film also turned out to be rather successful as its predecessor.<ref name="well"/> Sify described Genelia's portrayal as "the soul of the film" and the film's "biggest strength",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/review.php?id=14648368&ctid=5&cid=2429 |work=Sify Movies |publisher=[[Sify]] |title=Movie Review: Santhosh Subramaniam |access-date=5 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090717024229/http://sify.com/movies/tamil/review.php?id=14648368&ctid=5&cid=2429 |archive-date=17 July 2009 }}</ref> however Rediff.com described her character as "appears a little too good to be true."<ref name="ss">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/apr/12ss.htm |work=Rediff Movies |publisher=[[Rediff]] |title=''Santhosh Subramaniam'' is a masala entertainer |access-date=5 January 2010 |date=12 April 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080609101602/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/apr/12ss.htm |archive-date= 9 June 2008 }}</ref>

===Return to Bollywood and subsequent work (2008–16)===

[[File:Radhika with Genelia at CCL match.jpg|thumb|Genelia with actress Radikaa Sarathkumar at CCL match.]]

In June 2008, following a nearly five-year hiatus in Bollywood, she appeared in ''[[Mere Baap Pehle Aap]]'',<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2008/06/14/stories/2008061450670200.htm |title=Bollywood calling |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=14 June 2008 |access-date=3 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110512182637/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2008/06/14/stories/2008061450670200.htm |archive-date=12 May 2011 }}</ref> which failed to make profit at the box-office.<ref>{{cite news|first=Somen |last=Mishra |title=Genelia on Harman and Imran's common link |date=30 June 2008 |publisher=[[CNN-IBN]] |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/genelia-on-harman-and-imrans-common-link/67998-8.html |access-date=23 December 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110512182601/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/genelia-on-harman-and-imrans-common-link/67998-8.html |archive-date=12 May 2011 }}</ref> A Rediff review noted, "besides her apparent cuteness, brings in tons of freshness and traits to the youthful characters she chooses to play",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://inhome.rediff.com/movies/2008/jun/13mbpa.htm |work=Rediff Movies |publisher=[[Rediff]] |title=Baap re baap! |access-date=5 January 2010 |date=16 June 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227102203/http://inhome.rediff.com/movies/2008/jun/13mbpa.htm |archive-date=27 February 2012 }}</ref> while a Sify review criticized her stating, "Genelia is sprightly but has a standard two-three expressions bank in this film."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sify.com/movies/bollywood/review.php?id=14693920&ctid=5&cid=2425 |work=Sify Movies |publisher=[[Sify]] |title=Movie Review: Mere Baap Pehle Aap |access-date=5 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090721104659/http://sify.com/movies/bollywood/review.php?id=14693920&ctid=5&cid=2425 |archive-date=21 July 2009 }}</ref> She later appeared in the Telugu love story ''[[Ready (2008 film)|Ready]]'' alongside [[Ram (actor)|Ram]], which was well received.<ref name="well"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Rajamani |first=Radhika |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/jun/19ssready.htm |work=Rediff Movies |publisher=[[Rediff]] |title=Watch ''Ready'' for Ram and Genelia |access-date=5 January 2010 |date=19 June 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091225212035/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/jun/19ssready.htm |archive-date=25 December 2009 }}</ref> Her breakthrough performance in 2008 was through the portrayal of the role of Aditi Mahant in the blockbuster ''[[Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na]]'', which was an economic success across India and overseas, grossing {{INRConvert|564|m}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=215&catName=MjAwOA== |publisher=BoxOffice India |title=Box Office 2008 |access-date=5 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102010804/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=215&catName=MjAwOA%3D%3D |archive-date= 2 January 2010 }}</ref> Her role was widely admired for her sweetness and freshness, and new style of acting, with Rediff describing her acting as a "spark that has been missing in Hindi cinema for well over a decade now".<ref>{{cite web|last=Sen |first=Raja |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/jul/04jaanetu.htm |work=Rediff Movies |publisher=[[Rediff]] |title=What would you do if I sang out of tune? |access-date=5 January 2010 |date=7 July 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100214175115/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/jul/04jaanetu.htm |archive-date=14 February 2010 }}</ref> In that same year, Genelia acted in the Telugu romantic comedy ''[[Sasirekha Parinayam (film)|Sasirekha Parinayam]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2008/dec/29slde3-krishnavamsi-interview.htm |work=Rediff News |publisher=[[Rediff]] |title=I could see my Sasirekha in Genelia |access-date=5 January 2010 |date=29 December 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100210113340/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2008/dec/29slde3-krishnavamsi-interview.htm |archive-date=10 February 2010 }}</ref> The movie received favorable reviews, and Sify noted in their review that, "The life of the film is definitely Genelia and she has shown the varied emotions from innocence, sadness, romance and anger in equal proportions without a hitch."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sify.com/movies/telugu/review.php?id=14829671&ctid=5&cid=2430 |work=Sify Movies |publisher=[[Sify]] |title=Movie Review: Sasirekha Parinayam |access-date=5 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716071344/http://www.sify.com/movies/telugu/review.php?id=14829671&ctid=5&cid=2430 |archive-date=16 July 2011 }}</ref>

In 2009, Genelia was cast in the Hindi film ''[[Life Partner (film)|Life Partner]]'', in which she was criticized for her performance. Indian film critic [[Rajeev Masand]] commented, "The adorable little imp from ''Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na'' has turned into a nagging harridan in this film, and how you wish she'd immediately enroll for acting lessons."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/masands-movie-review-life-partner-is-sexist/99243-8.html |title=Masand's movie review: Life Partner is sexist |last=Masand |first=Rajeev |publisher=[[CNN IBN]] |date=15 August 2009 |access-date=3 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090917082512/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/masands-movie-review-life-partner-is-sexist/99243-8.html |archive-date=17 September 2009 }}</ref> Her next appearance in 2009 was in the Telugu thriller ''[[Katha (2009 film)|Katha]]'', which was well received,<ref name="well">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-south-genelia-interview/20101203.htm |title=I will not give up South films |access-date=5 December 2010 |last=Rajamani |first=Radhika |date=3 December 2010 |work=Rediff Movies |publisher=[[Rediff]] |quote=Some of her films like ''Bommarillu'', ''Dhee'', ''Ready'', ''Santosh Subramanian'' and ''Mr Medhavi'', ''Katha'' have all been well received. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101204154009/http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-south-genelia-interview/20101203.htm |archive-date= 4 December 2010 }}</ref> and for which she won the 2009 [[Nandi Special Jury Award]].<ref name="katha">{{cite news|title=Genny is thrilled to be back |date=26 November 2010 |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloids/genny-thrilled-be-back-527 |work=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |access-date=27 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101129191311/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloids/genny-thrilled-be-back-527 |archive-date=29 November 2010 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}</ref> In 2010, Genelia appeared in ''[[Chance Pe Dance]]'' and ''[[Orange (2010 Telugu film)|Orange]]'', both receiving poor reviews from critics, but her ''[[Uthamaputhiran (2010 film)|Uthama Puthiran]]'' was a moderate success in Tamil.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Shahid-does-Chance-Pe-Dance/articleshow/4939445.cms |title=Shahid does Chance Pe Dance |work=[[The Times of India]] |publisher=[[Indo-Asian News Service]] |access-date=1 January 2010 |date=27 August 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090901131018/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/ENTERTAINMENT/Bollywood/News-Interviews/Shahid-does-Chance-Pe-Dance/articleshow/4939445.cms |archive-date=1 September 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/masands-movie-review-chance-pe-dance-is-annoying/108754-8.html?from=tn |title=Masand's movie review: Chance Pe Dance is annoying |last=Masand |first=Rajeev |author-link=Rajeev Masand |publisher=[[CNN IBN]] |date=15 January 2010 |access-date=16 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100118145114/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/masands-movie-review-chance-pe-dance-is-annoying/108754-8.html?from=tn |archive-date=18 January 2010 }}

*{{cite web |url=http://movies.indiatimes.com/Chance-Pe-Dance-Movie-Review/moviereview/5445605.cms |title=Chance Pe Dance: Movie Review |last=Malani |first=Gaurav |publisher=[[The Times Group]] |work=Indiatimes Movies |date=14 January 2010 |access-date=16 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100117021116/http://movies.indiatimes.com/Chance-Pe-Dance-Movie-Review/moviereview/5445605.cms |archive-date=17 January 2010 }}

*{{cite web |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?Section=Movies&ID=ENTEN20100161353&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA&keyword=regional&nid=68843 |title=Review: ''Orange'' leaves audiences groping in the dark |access-date=27 November 2010 |date=26 November 2010 |work=NDTV Movies |publisher=[[NDTV]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101128190855/http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?Section=Movies&ID=ENTEN20100161353&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA&keyword=regional&nid=68843 |archive-date=28 November 2010 }}

*{{cite web |url=http://sify.com/movies/telugu/review.php?id=14959117&ctid=5&cid=2430 |title=''Orange review'': No freshness here |access-date=27 November 2010 |work=Sify Movies |publisher=[[Sify]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101129021918/http://sify.com/movies/telugu/review.php?id=14959117&ctid=5&cid=2430 |archive-date=29 November 2010 }}

*{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/south-review-orange/20101126.htm |title=''Orange'': An overdose of love |access-date=27 November 2010 |date=26 November 2010 |work=Rediff Movies |publisher=[[Rediff]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101129012105/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/south-review-orange/20101126.htm |archive-date=29 November 2010 }}

*{{cite web |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/review/12183.html |title=''Uthama Puthiran'': son shines |access-date=27 November 2010 |work=Indiaglitz |publisher=[[Indiaglitz]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101120232031/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/review/12183.html |archive-date=20 November 2010 }}

*{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/dhanush-s-uthamaputhiran-is-a-hit-news-tamil-kljrGchijfh.html |title=''Uthama Puthiran'': is a Hit |access-date=27 November 2010 |work=Sify Movies |publisher=[[Sify]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101112020950/http://sify.com/movies/dhanush-s-uthamaputhiran-is-a-hit-news-tamil-kljrGchijfh.html |archive-date=12 November 2010 }}</ref>

D'Souza had a major role in 2011, starring as the Muslim warrior princess Arackal Ayesha, in her debut [[Malayalam film]] ''[[Urumi (film)|Urumi]]''. The film is about a fictional story happening in [[Calicut]], [[Kerala]] during the 15th century, about a boy who plots to assassinate the Portuguese explorer [[Vasco Da Gama]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Nair|first=Unni R.|title=HISTORY in the MAKING|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/HISTORY-in-the-MAKING/773031/|access-date=14 April 2011|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|date=8 April 2011}}</ref> She learned horse riding, and spent two weeks of training to use the sword, the short stick, and movements of the [[Dravidian martial art]]'' [[Kalarippayattu]]''.<ref>{{cite news|last=Nagarajan |first=Saraswathy |title=Princess of the marquee |url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article1584850.ece |access-date=14 April 2011 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=30 March 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110403054223/http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article1584850.ece |archive-date= 3 April 2011 }}</ref> The movie portrayed her image makeover from typically girl-next-door roles to more serious roles.<ref>{{cite news|last=Muthanna|first=Anjali|title=Shahid is a friend: Genelia|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-04-27/news-interviews/29474942_1_genelia-d-souza-bubbly-girl-tamil-film|access-date=27 September 2011|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=27 April 2011|archive-date=28 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111028083657/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-04-27/news-interviews/29474942_1_genelia-d-souza-bubbly-girl-tamil-film|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Genelia to trade her sweet look for bold warrior role |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/genelia-to-trade-her-sweet-look-for-bold-warrior-role/1/133601.html |work=[[India Today]] |access-date=27 September 2011 |date=28 March 2011 |last1=Joshi |first1=Sonali |last2=Kar |first2=Vivek |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111102230830/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/genelia-to-trade-her-sweet-look-for-bold-warrior-role/1/133601.html |archive-date= 2 November 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=B-town praises for Genelia D'souza's south flick |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/genelia-d-souza-riteish-deshmukh-urumi-shahid-kapoor/1/134256.html |work=[[India Today]] |access-date=27 September 2011 |date=4 April 2011 |last1=Joshi |first1=Sonali |last2=Srivastava |first2=Priyanka |last3=Varma |first3=Lipika |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111102233704/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/genelia-d-souza-riteish-deshmukh-urumi-shahid-kapoor/1/134256.html |archive-date= 2 November 2011 }}</ref> Her next appearance was in the Bollywood [[action thriller]] ''[[Force (2011 film)|Force]]'', which received mixed reception from critics,<ref>{{cite web|last=Garia |first=Nikita |title=Review Round-Up: 'Force' Gets Mixed Reviews |url=https://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2011/10/01/review-round-up-force-gets-mixed-reviews/ |work=India Real Time (Blog) |publisher=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |access-date=4 October 2011 |date=1 October 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003151909/https://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2011/10/01/review-round-up-force-gets-mixed-reviews/ |archive-date= 3 October 2011 }}</ref> with [[Taran Adarsh]] of [[Bollywood Hungama]] noting that D'Souza is strikingly sweet and subdued.<ref>{{cite news|last=Adarsh |first=Taran |title=Force : Movie Review by Taran Adarsh |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/review/14289/index.html |work=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |access-date=4 October 2011 |author-link=Taran Adarsh |date=29 September 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003144047/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/review/14289/index.html |archive-date= 3 October 2011 }}</ref> She played the role of a journalist alongside leading actor [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]] in ''[[Velayudham]]'', which was also commercially successful.<ref>{{cite web|title=Top 10 Tamil grossers of 2011 |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/top-10-tamil-grossers-of-2011-news-tamil-lm3mOLjjccdsi.html |publisher=[[Sify]] |date=29 December 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028080744/http://www.sify.com/movies/top-10-tamil-grossers-of-2011-news-tamil-lm3mOLjjccdsi.html |archive-date=28 October 2014 }}</ref> She appeared in ''[[Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya]]'' and ''[[Naa Ishtam]]'' in 2012<ref name="rgt">{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-08/news-interviews/29629625_1_film-rough-patch-couple|title=Riteish, Genelia are back together!|date=6 August 2011|access-date=30 July 2011|archive-date=6 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106002158/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-08/news-interviews/29629625_1_film-rough-patch-couple|work=[[The Times of India]]|url-status=dead}}</ref> and in cameo appearances in ''[[Jai Ho (film)|Jai Ho]]'' and ''[[Lai Bhaari]]'' in 2014.

D'Souza was a part of Tamil director [[Mani Ratnam]]'s stage show, ''[[Netru, Indru, Naalai]]'', an event which seeks to raise funds for [[The Banyan]], a voluntary organisation which rehabilitates homeless women with mental illness in [[Chennai]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/01/31/stories/2006013102720200.htm |title=Netru, Indru, Nalai is back with a bang |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=31 January 2006 |access-date=3 January 2010 |last=Kamath |first=Sudish |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110512182634/http://www.hindu.com/2006/01/31/stories/2006013102720200.htm |archive-date=12 May 2011 }}</ref> She was one of the judges at the grand finale of [[Gladrags Manhunt Contest|Gladrags Mega Model and Manhunt 2009]] contest on 28 March 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gladrags.in/contests/megamodel_manhunt/09/judges3.html |title=Judges (MegaModel & Manhunt 09) |publisher=[[Gladrags Manhunt Contest|Gladrags]] |access-date=3 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110512182631/http://www.gladrags.in/contests/megamodel_manhunt/09/judges3.html |archive-date=12 May 2011 }}</ref> She also walked the ramp alongside [[Tushar Kapoor]] for fashion designer [[Manish Malhotra]] at the Lakme Fashion Week 2009 on 28 March 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/stars-dazzle-at-lakme-fashion-weeks-first-day/88944-8.html |title=Stars dazzle at Lakme Fashion Week's first day |publisher=[[CNN IBN]] |date=29 April 2009 |access-date=3 January 2010 |last=Mahaldar |first=Manisha |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090401184219/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/stars-dazzle-at-lakme-fashion-weeks-first-day/88944-8.html |archive-date= 1 April 2009 }}</ref> On 5 April 2009, D'Souza was among several Bollywood celebrities to perform at the [[Femina Miss India|Pantaloons Femina Miss India 2009]] finale in Mumbai.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://feminamissindia.indiatimes.com/news-diary/PFMI-2009-And-the-Miss-India-crown-goes-to/articleshow/4932634.cms |title=PFMI 2009: and the Miss India crown goes to... |publisher=[[The Times Group]] |work=[[Femina Miss India]] |access-date=3 January 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216015039/http://feminamissindia.indiatimes.com/news-diary/PFMI-2009-And-the-Miss-India-crown-goes-to/articleshow/4932634.cms |archive-date=16 February 2010 }}</ref> In October 2009, she appeared as a showstopper for jewellery designer [[Farah Khan Ali]] on the second season of [[HDIL|Housing Development and Infrastructure Limited]] (HDIL) India Couture Week.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://movies.indiatimes.com/News-Gossip/News/Sridevi-Genelia-to-walk-the-ramp-Couture-Week-Day-1/articleshow/5114892.cms |title=Sridevi, Genelia to walk the ramp, Couture Week, Day 1 |work=Indiatimes Movies |publisher=[[The Times Group]] |access-date=1 January 2010 |date=12 October 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091015095532/http://movies.indiatimes.com/News-Gossip/News/Sridevi-Genelia-to-walk-the-ramp-Couture-Week-Day-1/articleshow/5114892.cms |archive-date=15 October 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/gallerydetails.aspx?category=Movies&id=4790&picno=5&section=Bollywood%20&ShowID=0#BD |title=Stars shine at Couture Week |work=NDTV Movies |publisher=[[NDTV]] |access-date=1 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902125255/http://movies.ndtv.com/gallerydetails.aspx?category=Movies&id=4790&picno=5&section=Bollywood%20&ShowID=0#BD |archive-date=2 September 2011 }}</ref> On 24 October 2009, D'Souza began hosting ''[[Big Switch]]'', a television show based on slum kids on [[Bindass|UTV Bindass]] channel to reach a bigger audience.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/genelia-to-host-a-show-based-on-slum-kids/522381/ |title=Genelia to host a show based on slum kids |first=Natasha |last=Sahgal |work=[[The Indian Express]] |date=28 September 2009 |access-date=1 January 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091225042956/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/genelia-to-host-a-show-based-on-slum-kids/522381 |archive-date=25 December 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-10-24/tv/28087125_1_slum-bindass-big-switch-genelia|title=Genelia: Slumming it out!|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=1 January 2010|date=24 October 2009|last=Rasquinha|first=Reagan Gavin|archive-date=18 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111118055140/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-10-24/tv/28087125_1_slum-bindass-big-switch-genelia|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-09-29/news-interviews/28105904_1_genelia-d-souza-genelia-d-souza-s-big-switch|title=Genelia has the Big Switch!|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=1 January 2010|date=29 September 2009|last=Bansal|first=Shilpa|archive-date=25 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025182512/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-09-29/news-interviews/28105904_1_genelia-d-souza-genelia-d-souza-s-big-switch|url-status=dead}}</ref>

She has unveiled Spinz Black Magic deodorant on 7 October 2009 in Mumbai, and the Ceres Store retail outlet.<ref name="deo">{{cite news |url=http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=66659&n_tit=Genelia+Unveils+New+Spinz+Black+Magic+Perfume+Deodorant |title=Genelia Unveils New Spinz Black Magic Perfume Deodorant |date=7 October 2009 |access-date=23 August 2008 |publisher=[[Daijiworld|Daijiworld Media]] |archive-date=25 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111025120601/http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=66659&n_tit=Genelia+Unveils+New+Spinz+Black+Magic+Perfume+Deodorant |url-status=live }}</ref> At the Chennai International Fashion Week (CIFW) in December 2009, she appeared as a showstopper for designer Ishita Singh's spring-summer indigenous collection of 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-12-17/shows/28060893_1_cifw-day-jugalbandi-colours|title=CIFW Day 1: Ishita strikes jugalbandi with Genelia|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=1 January 2010|date=17 December 2009|last=Tarunya|first=Suresh|archive-date=11 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811060718/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-12-17/shows/28060893_1_cifw-day-jugalbandi-colours|url-status=dead}}</ref> She also holds a Limca world record of delivering four different super hit films in four different languages, ''[[Ready (2008 film)|Ready]]'' (Telugu), ''[[Satya in Love]]'' (Kannada), ''[[Santosh Subramaniam]]'' (Tamil), and ''[[Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na]]'' (Hindi) in a span of one calendar year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/08/29/stories/2009082950200200.htm |title=Genial Genelia |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=29 August 2009 |access-date=3 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110512182600/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/08/29/stories/2009082950200200.htm |archive-date=12 May 2011 }}</ref>

She was a part of online market portal [[eBay]]'s 2010 "Dream House" challenge, where she transformed an empty three-room apartment in [[Bandra]] into an attractive home with online shopping. She had been provided a budget of {{INRConvert|450000}} and two weeks to create a look she wants with items on sale on the website.<ref>{{cite news | title = Football helps Genelia stay fit | date = 22 August 2010 | url = http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-08-22/news-interviews/28302117_1_genelia-d-souza-management-student-actress | access-date = 15 November 2010 | archive-date = 4 November 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121104000301/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-08-22/news-interviews/28302117_1_genelia-d-souza-management-student-actress | work = [[The Times of India]] | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pages.ebay.in/dreamhouse2010/index.html |title=The eBay DreamHouse |access-date=15 November 2010 |publisher=[[eBay|eBay India]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100823043834/http://pages.ebay.in/dreamhouse2010/index.html |archive-date=23 August 2010 }}</ref> On the occasion of [[Children's Day]] (14 November), D'Souza auctioned a few items from the apartment. All proceeds received from the auction was given to ''Aseema'', a Non-governmental organization (NGO), which aims to provide education to underprivileged children.<ref>{{cite news |title=Genelia to auction items for charity |date=11 November 2010 |publisher=[[Yahoo! Movies]] |url=http://qa.in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail.html?news_id=106194 |work=Galatta |access-date=27 November 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110512182631/http://qa.in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail.html?news_id=106194 |archive-date=12 May 2011 }}</ref>

==Reception==

[[File:Genelia Dsouza at Ebay Dream House (2010).jpg|right|alt=A smiling girl, her hair in a loose bun and long brownish bangs, poses on stage in a coloured outfit, holding a book|thumb|D'Souza at the eBay "Dream House" in 2010]]

D'Souza has been often tagged in the media as the "bubbly girl", after portraying the role of a young energetic girl in several movies, especially ''[[Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na]]'' (2008) and [[Bommarillu]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-03-25/news-interviews/28053296_1_genelia-d-souza-s-homepage-preity-zinta-jaane-tu|title=Genelia's the new bubbly girl|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=1 January 2010|date=25 March 2009|archive-date=11 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811060746/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-03-25/news-interviews/28053296_1_genelia-d-souza-s-homepage-preity-zinta-jaane-tu|url-status=dead}}</ref> She appeared alongside [[Shahid Kapoor]] on the fourth episode of ''[[Tere Mere Beach Mein]]'', a celebrity chat show, hosted by [[Farah Khan]]. The theme of the show was "Second Innings", since both D'Souza and Kapoor had the same history of failures initially and success later in their acting careers.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.starplus.in/tmbm/recap/ep4_shahid_genelia.asp |title=Episode 4 – Guests: Shahid Kapoor and Genelia (Theme: Second Innings) |publisher=[[STAR Plus]] |access-date=1 January 2010 |work=[[Tere Mere Beach Mein]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100116223801/http://www.starplus.in/tmbm/recap/ep4_shahid_genelia.asp |archive-date=16 January 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-08-17/news-interviews/28198800_1_farah-khan-celebs-karan-johar|title=Salman still takes pocket money: Farah|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=1 January 2010|date=17 August 2009|first=Anuradha|last=Varma|archive-date=11 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811060813/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-08-17/news-interviews/28198800_1_farah-khan-celebs-karan-johar|url-status=dead}}</ref> In June 2010, D'Souza was crowned as the "Brand Ambassador of the Year" at the [[CNBC Awaaz]] consumer awards, for endorsing nine brands.<ref name="brand">{{cite news|title=Genelia's the brand ambassador of the year |date=30 June 2010 |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Genelias-the-brand-ambassador-of-the-year/articleshow/6105924.cms |publisher=[[Indo-Asian News Service]] |access-date=20 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100711102724/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Genelias-the-brand-ambassador-of-the-year/articleshow/6105924.cms |archive-date=11 July 2010 }}</ref> She is now the brand ambassador of the soft drink [[Fanta]] (replacing [[Rani Mukherjee]]), the chocolate Perk (replacing [[Preity Zinta]]),<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/06/18/stories/2009061850380400.htm |title=Brand new faces |access-date=1 January 2010 |first=Harshikaa |last=Udasi |date=18 June 2009 |work=[[The Hindu]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110512182554/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/06/18/stories/2009061850380400.htm |archive-date=12 May 2011 }}</ref> [[Virgin Mobile India]] (along with [[Ranbir Kapoor]]),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://virginmobile.in/admin/panel/media_release_pdf/GSM%20launch%20South%2021%20Jan%202010.pdf |title=India's Youth Brand 'Virgin Mobile' – Now in GSM |access-date=20 September 2010 |date=21 January 2010 |publisher=[[Virgin Mobile]] |quote=As another initiative to inch closer to the youth and take the brand to the next level, Ranbir Kapoor and Genelia D'Souza have been appointed as the new brand ambassadors for Virgin Mobile in India. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512225216/http://virginmobile.in/admin/panel/media_release_pdf/GSM%20launch%20South%2021%20Jan%202010.pdf |archive-date=12 May 2014 }}</ref> Fastrack watches and accessories,<ref>{{cite web|title=Fastrack Says Genelia |date=4 May 2010 |publisher=Fastrack |url=http://www.fastrack.in/In_news/In_News.aspx?terms=Press%20Releases&post=291 |access-date=20 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101030122428/http://fastrack.in/In_news/In_News.aspx?terms=Press%20Releases&post=291 |archive-date=30 October 2010 }}</ref> [[List of LG mobile phones|LG mobiles]] (along with [[John Abraham (actor)|John Abraham]] and [[Abhay Deol]]),<ref>{{cite news|title=LG eyes 10% market share in mobile handset |date=18 February 2010 |publisher=[[Business Standard]] |url=http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/lg-eyes-10-market-share-in-mobile-handset/86184/on |work=[[Press Trust of India]] |access-date=20 September 2010 |quote=The company has roped in Bollywood stars John Abraham, Genelia D Souza and Abhay Deol to be the face of LG Mobiles. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100603215101/http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/lg-eyes-10-market-share-in-mobile-handset/86184/on |archive-date= 3 June 2010 }}</ref> [[Garnier]] Light fairness cream,<ref>{{cite news | title = Genelia to endorse fairness cream | date = 29 January 2010 | publisher = [[The Times Group]] | url = http://movies.indiatimes.com/rssarticleshow/5513147.cms | work = Indiatimes Movies | access-date = 20 September 2010 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20120718002919/http://movies.indiatimes.com/rssarticleshow/5513147.cms | archive-date = 18 July 2012 | url-status = dead }}</ref> [[Dabur]] Vatika hair oil, [[Margo (soap)|Margo]] soap,<ref name="brand"/> and Spinz deodorant.<ref name="deo"/>

==Controversies==

In June 2010, she was the subject of a controversy, when a Tamil daily reported that she had attended the controversial [[2010 IIFA Awards]] in [[Colombo]].<ref name="boycott"/> Several Bollywood actors and the South Indian film industry had boycotted the event, over the alleged killing of [[Tamilian]] civilians at the height of the conflict between the [[Sri Lanka Army]] and the [[Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam]] (LTTE) in 2009.<ref>{{cite news|title=Skip IIFA: South Indian film industry to Bollywood |date=29 May 2010 |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/72288/skip-iifa-south-indian-film.html |work=[[Deccan Herald]] |access-date=24 September 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612113939/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/72288/skip-iifa-south-indian-film.html |archive-date=12 June 2010 }}</ref> The rumours of her visit to Colombo started after her friend Ritesh Deshmukh was seen at the festival in Colombo. Immediately, various Tamil groups and [[Kollywood]] associations demanded her films to be banned.<ref name="boycott">{{cite news | first = Sreedhar | last = Pillai | title = Genelia to miss IIFA! | date = 6 June 2010 | url = http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-06-06/news-interviews/28306885_1_genelia-iifa-tamil-films | work = [[The Times of India]] | access-date = 24 September 2010 | archive-date = 16 July 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110716133539/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-06-06/news-interviews/28306885_1_genelia-iifa-tamil-films | url-status = dead }}</ref>

In 2011, a controversy broke out for her film ''[[Force (2011 film)|Force]]'', in a wedding sequence scene of herself and [[John Abraham (actor)|John Abraham]]. Sources claim that the wedding ceremony and rituals conducted were so authentic that they would have actually been husband and wife in real life.<ref>{{cite news|last=Shah|first=Kunal M|title=John-Genelia almost married|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-17/news-interviews/29137873_1_genelia-d-souza-genelia-d-souza-saat-pheras|access-date=4 October 2011|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=17 March 2011|archive-date=28 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111028083022/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-17/news-interviews/29137873_1_genelia-d-souza-genelia-d-souza-saat-pheras|url-status=dead}}</ref> Instead of a junior artiste, a real priest was called for the scene.  Again, following the reports of [[Ritesh Deshmukh]] and D'Souza's marriage plans, the priest landed up at producer [[Vipul Amrutlal Shah]]'s office to register a complaint. He insisted that the couple couldn't get married, as D'Souza has been already married to John Abraham, as all marriage rituals were observed, from wearing a ''[[mangalsutra]]'' (a sacred thread is worn by Indian women as a symbol of their marriage), to exchanging garlands, and taking the [[Saptapadi|seven steps]] around the holy fire.<ref>{{cite news|last=Joshi|first=Tushar|title='Genelia D'Souza is married to John Abraham'|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-09/news-interviews/29751494_1_genelia-d-souza-saat-pheras-wedding|access-date=4 October 2011|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=9 July 2011|archive-date=28 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111028083703/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-09/news-interviews/29751494_1_genelia-d-souza-saat-pheras-wedding|url-status=dead}}</ref> Shah dismissed the claims as a publicity stunt.<ref>{{cite news |title=Genelia, John not married: Vipul Shah |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?section=Movies&Id=ENTEN20110179718&keyword=bollywood&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA&nid=118185 |access-date=4 October 2011 |publisher=NDTV Movies |date=10 July 2011 |agency=[[Indo-Asian News Service]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714050814/http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?section=Movies&Id=ENTEN20110179718&keyword=bollywood&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA&nid=118185 |archive-date=14 July 2011 }}</ref>

==Personal life==

==Filmography==

{| class="wikitable"

| style="text-align:center; background:#FFFFCC;"| {{dagger|alt=Films that have not yet been released}}

|}

| rowspan="3" | 2003|| ''[[Tujhe Meri Kasam]]'' || Anjali "Anju"  || [[Hindi language|Hindi]] || Nominated—[[Star Screen Award for Most Promising Newcomer – Female]]

| ''[[Boys (2003 film)|Boys]]'' || Harini || [[Tamil language|Tamil]] || credited as Harini<ref>{{cite web|url=http://search.rediff.com/movies/2004/dec/15look.htm |title=Genelia was credited as Harini |work=[[Rediff.com]] |access-date=17 September 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150608141750/http://search.rediff.com/movies/2004/dec/15look.htm |archive-date= 8 June 2015 }}</ref>

| ''[[Satyam (2003 film)|Satyam]]'' || Ankitha || [[Telugu language|Telugu]] || [[CineMAA Awards#Best Female Debut|CineMAA Award for Best Female Debut]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/cinemaaawards2003.html |work=Idlebrain |title=Telugu CineMaa Awards 2003 |date=5 November 2004 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525025405/http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/cinemaaawards2003.html |archive-date=25 May 2015 |df=dmy }}</ref>

| rowspan="3" | 2004|| ''[[Masti (2004 film)|Masti]]'' || Bindhiya || Hindi ||

| ''[[Bommarillu (2006 film)|Bommarillu]]'' || Hasini Rao || Telugu || [[Nandi Special Jury Award]]<ref name="sig"/><br />[[Filmfare Award for Best Actress - Telugu]]<ref name="sig"/><br />[[Santosham Best Actress Award|Santosham Award for Best Actress]]<ref name="sig"/>

| 2007|| ''[[Dhee]]'' || Puja || Telugu || Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Actress - Telugu<ref name="The award goes to">{{cite news | url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-07-09/news-interviews/27950090_1_mantra-happy-days-allu-arjun | title=The award goes to | date=9 July 2008 | access-date=11 August 2012 | archive-date=24 October 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024084947/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-07-09/news-interviews/27950090_1_mantra-happy-days-allu-arjun | work=[[The Times of India]] | url-status=dead }}</ref>

| ''[[Satya in Love]]'' || Veda || [[Kannada language|Kannada]] ||  

| ''[[Santosh Subramaniam]]'' || Hasini Govindan || Tamil ||Nominated—[[Filmfare Award for Best Actress - Tamil]]<br>Nominated—[[Vijay Award for Best Actress]]<br>Nominated—[[Vijay Award for Favourite Heroine]]

| ''[[Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na]]'' || Aditi "Meow" Mahant || Hindi || Nominated—[[Star Screen Award for Best Actress]]<br/>Nominated—[[Stardust Superstar of Tomorrow – Female]]<br>Nominated—[[Apsara Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role]]

| ''[[Life Partner (film)|Life Partner]]'' || Sanjana Jugran || Hindi ||  

| ''[[Katha (2009 film)|Katha]]'' || Chitra Singh || Telugu || Nandi Special Jury Award<ref name="katha"/>

| rowspan="3" | 2011|| ''[[Urumi (film)|Urumi]]'' || Arakkal Ayesha || [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]]|| Asiavision Film Award for Best Actress<ref name="articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com">[http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-10/kochi/30382649_1_lifetime-achievement-award-excellence-awards-movie-awards "Adaminte Makan Abu gets Asia Vision's outstanding film award"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130707051415/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-10/kochi/30382649_1_lifetime-achievement-award-excellence-awards-movie-awards |date=7 July 2013 }}. ''[[The Times of India]]''. 10 November 2011. Retrieved 11 November 2011.</ref>

| rowspan="2" | 2012|| ''[[Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya]]'' || Mini || Hindi ||  

|-

| {{won}}<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/cinemaaawards2003.html |work=Idlebrain |title=Telugu CineMaa Awards 2003 |date=5 November 2004 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525025405/http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/cinemaaawards2003.html |archive-date=25 May 2015 |df=dmy }}</ref>

| {{nom}}<ref name="The award goes to"/>

|-

| 2008

|rowspan=3| ''[[Santosh Subramaniam]]''

| [[Filmfare Award for Best Actress - Tamil]]

|-

| 2008

|-

|-

|rowspan=3|  ''[[Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na]]''

| [[Star Screen Award for Best Actress]]

| [[Stardust Superstar of Tomorrow – Female]]

|-

| {{nom}}

| {{nom}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Big Star Awards 2012 / 2013 – Winners, Nominations|url=http://www.indicine.com/movies/bollywood/big-star-awards-2012-2013-winners-nominations/|publisher=Indicine|access-date=2 February 2014|date=17 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325084118/http://www.indicine.com/movies/bollywood/big-star-awards-2012-2013-winners-nominations/|archive-date=25 March 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>

* [[List of Bollywood actresses]]

{{FilmfareTeluguBestActress}}

{{NandiSpecialJuryAward}}