Deana Uppal is a British model, actress, director, and businesswoman. In 2012, she has crowned Miss India (UK).
Wiki/Biography
Deana Uppal was born on Monday, 30 January 1989 (age 33 years; as of 2022) in Middlesbrough, England. When she was 11 years old, she moved to Birmingham and lived there for 8 to 9 years before moving to Mumbai, India. Her zodiac sign is Aquarius. She did her schooling at Tividale High school in Oldbury, UK. She pursued a master’s degree in Marketing and Public Relations at the University of Wolverhampton in Birmingham, England. In 2018, Deana learned Documentary filmmaking from the London Film School.
A childhood picture of Deana Uppal with her mother
Physical Appearance
Height (approx.): 5′ 9″
Weight (approx.): 55kg
Hair Colour: Black
Eye Colour: Dark Brown
Body Measurements (approx.): 30-28-30
Family
Parents & Siblings
When Deana was 12 years old, her father passed away due to cancer. Her mother’s name is Rashpal Kaur Uppal.
She worked at Wolverhampton City Council in Birmingham, England.
Deana Uppal with her mother
Relationships
According to media houses, Deana was rumoured to be dating Punjabi singer, Yo Yo Honey Singh, in 2014.
Deana Uppal with Yo Yo Honey Singer in Mumbai
Career
Actor
Film
In 2014, she made her Bollywood debut with the film titled Revolver Rani in which she played the role of Nisha. In 2017, she made her Punjabi debut with the film ‘Born to Be King’ in which she played the role of Sheeba.
Deana Uppal on the official poster of the Punjabi film ‘Born To Be King;’ (2016)
In 2017, she played the role of a British girl, Jenny, in the Indian Hindi-language drama film ‘Yeh Hai India.’ She appeared in the Hindi film Parking (2017) and the first-ever female-lead Punjabi film titled Hard Kaur (2017).
Director
In 2017, she made her directorial debut with the Punjabi-language song titled ‘Main Kosa Rabb Nu.’
Producer
She worked as an Executive Producer in the 2021 film titled Jind Mahi, starring Sonam Bajwa and Ajay Sarkaria.
Television
Reality Shows
At the age of 23, she appeared as a contestant in the 2012 reality TV show ‘Big Brother’ (British series 13) and lost to Luke Anderson in third place. She also contested in the stunt-based Indian reality show titled Khatron Ke Khiladi – Darr Ka Blockbuster in 2012. Later, Deana entered the show as a wild card contestant; however, she was eliminated from the show after appearing in eight episodes. In an interview, she said,
A biggest fear of mine has always been with insects. In the show, I broke a record of staying inside a plastic bag for 15 minutes. No one has every stayed in for that long so I feel proud for overcoming that fear the most.”
Deana Uppal and actor Ajaz Khan in a still from the TV show ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi-Darr Ka Blockbuster’ (2012)
Miss India (UK)
Deana Uppal represented the United Kingdom at the Miss India Worldwide 2012. She was crowned Miss India (UK) in 2012 by Ankita Ghazan, former Miss India. Later, she evolved as a model by bringing in the experience that she earned at beauty pageants.
Other works
Deana is the founder of an Indian-based registered charity, Kindness Diaries DKU Charitable Trust, which provides education and distributes daily essentials to the below poverty-line communities. In 2020, she established her own production company, DKU Productions, which is based in India. DKU Productions produce films, documentaries, commercials, and photoshoots. Deana also runs another business, DKU Cosmetics, which specializes in hair transplants.
Controversy
Arrested for overspeeding
In 2014, former Miss India was caught by the City of London Police while she was overspeeding her Lamborghini Aventador Roadster. She was arrested for rash driving; however, released later after paying the fine. In an interview, while talking about her arrest, she said,
I was driving slightly over the speed limit when I was stopped by the police and fined. The car is still new and I am still getting used to handling such a big machine. I will be more careful in the future and stay within speed limits. I am a car fan and plan to get a few more in the future.”
Awards
- 2021: Empowering Women’s Award for her dedication to serving women empowerment.
Deana Uppal receiving Empowering Women’s Award from designer Pooja Motwani in 2021
- 2012: Won the title of Miss India (UK)
Deana Uppal crowned as Miss India (UK) 2021
Car Collection
She owns Lamborghini Aventador.
Deana Uppal in her Lamborghini Aventador
She also owned an Audi Q3 (as of 2013).
Deana Uppal’s Instagram post from 2013, featuring her Audi Q3
Facts/Trivia
- In the 2012 reality show ‘Big Brother- Season 13,’ Deana Uppal was heavily criticized by her fellow contestant Conor McIntyre. In a viral clip, Deana was seen weeping while Conor displayed racist behaviour, brandishing her epilator, and abusing her.
- In the 2022 India vs England match at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, a picture of Deana Uppal holding hands with Shashi Tharoor went viral. Apparently, Deana who was identified as the ‘mystery girl’ drew the attention of thousands of viewers.
Deana Uppal spotted with Shashi Tharoor during India VS England match in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022
- During Big Brother- Season 13, Deana played a prank on a housemate, Becky Hannon, which was related to sex-changing surgery. While faking her sexuality, she said,
I used to be a man. I thought you knew! Thought you’d read up on me. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable, I thought you knew!”
Deana’s joke didn’t go well with Luke Anderson, a housemate who was then undergoing the transformation to becoming a man from being born a woman. Later, Deana apologized for her behaviour and admitted that she was joking.
- From women’s bindi packets to Mumbai billboards, Deana has been featured.
