Himani Shivpuri is a veteran Indian actress known for her remarkable contribution to Hindi cinema and television. She was born on 24 October 1960 in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, and originally belongs to Bhatwari village in Rudraprayag district. Himani comes from a Garhwali Brahmin family deeply connected to the culture and traditions of Uttarakhand.
She received professional acting training from the prestigious National School of Drama and later became one of the most recognized supporting actresses in Bollywood during the 1990s. Her father, Haridutt Bhatt Shailesh, was a renowned writer and teacher. Himani completed her early education at The Doon School and pursued her Master’s degree in Organic Chemistry from DAV College.
Over the years, she appeared in several blockbuster Bollywood films including Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Pardes, Hero No. 1, and Biwi No.1. She was married to Gyan Shivpuri, who was related to acclaimed actor Om Puri. Himani Shivpuri is regarded as one of the most beloved supporting actresses in family-oriented films of the 90s and has been actively working in films and television for more than two decades.
Apart from her acting career, Himani Shivpuri has adopted her ancestral village, Bhatwari, with a vision to transform it into a model village. She has been working toward improving the living standards of villagers and reviving migration-affected areas through better education, healthcare services, and employment opportunities. She has also ensured ambulance facilities for villagers and promotes organic farming and animal husbandry to strengthen rural livelihoods.
Himani is also focused on women’s skill development by encouraging eco-friendly products made from cow dung and promoting sustainable handicrafts. Her mission is to make the village self-reliant and inspire the younger generation to reconnect with their roots. Her dedication toward her native village reflects her deep love for Uttarakhand and serves as an inspiration for many.
Major Awards and Recognitions
- Dadasaheb Phalke Icon Award — Honored in Mumbai for her contribution to the entertainment industry.
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Award — Recognized for her outstanding contribution to acting.
- Indian Television Academy Awards — Nominated for Best Supporting Actress (Comedy) for the TV show Happu Ki Ultan Paltan.