Kanika Dhillon

Biography:

Kanika Dhillon, a prominent figure in the Indian entertainment industry, has made significant contributions as a producer, author, and screenwriter. Her writing journey commenced with the best-selling novel “Bombay Duck is a Fish” (2011), launched by Shah Rukh Khan. Following this success, she penned two more acclaimed novels, “Shiva and the Rise of the Shadows” (2013) and the drama “The Dance of Durga” (2016).

In 2018, Kanika garnered widespread recognition as a screenwriter with the popular romantic drama “Manmarziyaan.” Subsequently, she achieved a series of successes in her filmography with iconic characters and films such as “Manmarziyaan” (2018), “Kedarnath” (2018), “Judgementall Hai Kya” (2019), “Guilty” (2020), “Haseen Dillruba” (2021), “Rashmi Rocket” (2021), and “Raksha Bandhan” (2022).

Transitioning into the role of a producer in 2023, Dhillon founded her production house, Kathha Pictures. Under this banner, she wrote and produced the highly anticipated film “Do Patti,” featuring renowned actors Kajol and Kriti Sanon.

Born in Amritsar, Kanika Dhillon completed her undergraduate education at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, before pursuing a master’s degree at the London School of Economics. After graduating, she moved to Mumbai and worked as a script supervisor for Shah Rukh Khan’s production company, Red Chillies Entertainment. Her journey continued with roles as an assistant director for the company’s film “Om Shanti Om” (2007) and as a script supervisor for “Billu” (2009). Dhillon also ventured into television, writing for series like “Ghar Ki Baat Hai” (2009) and “Ishaan: Sapno Ko Awaaz De” (2010–2011).

In 2011, she published her first novel, “Bombay Duck is a Fish,” a satire about Neki Brar’s aspirations in the Hindi film industry. Dhillon’s achievements were recognized when she was honored at the Hindustan Times annual youth summit “Top 30 Under 30” in 2012. Following the success of “Ra.One,” she released the superhero novel “Shiva & The Rise of The Shadows” in 2013. She also wrote for the Telugu–Tamil bilingual comedy “Size Zero” in 2015.

Dhillon’s third novel, “The Dance of Durga” (2016), delves into the story of Rajjo, a young woman who transforms into a Godwoman. The novel received praise for its gripping narrative and exploration of faith and rural Indian culture.

Apart from her literary accomplishments, Kanika Dhillon has written scripts for notable Hindi films, including “Manmarziyaan” (2018) and “Kedarnath” (2018). She also contributed to her husband’s film, “Judgemental Hai Kya,” a satire on mental illness, starring Kangana Ranaut and Rajkummar Rao. Interestingly, during the promotion of the film, Dhillon and her husband announced their separation, revealing that they had already separated two years earlier.