Aarti Gupta Surendranath (born 25 May 1961) is an Indian model, actress, producer, and creative consultant known for her work in the entertainment and advertising industries. She has been associated with several notable campaigns and projects in India.^[1]

Born in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, Aarti grew up in a family with a strong military background. Her father, Major Gyan Gupta, served as an officer in the 3rd Guards Battalion and was appointed A.D.C. to the President of India, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, from 1962 to 1967. During a posting in Mumbai, she attended St. Joseph’s Convent of Jesus & Mary, Colaba.

Modelling

Aarti began her modeling career at the age of 15 with her debut in a Sunsilk shampoo advertisement, in which she was featured walking down the slopes of Kodaikanal in a green sari. The campaign gained significant recognition. In the 1980s, Aarti Gupta (now Surendranath) became the face of Garden Vareli’s inaugural print campaign, symbolizing youth, beauty, and Indianness. She styled her own look to blend ethnic and contemporary fashion. Her association significantly enhanced the brand’s visibility, leading to the launch of a memorable television ad featuring a model on a swing, further cementing Garden Vareli’s market presence. She was also the face of the Bombay Dyeing Sarees campaign, which ran simultaneously, garnering widespread attention.

During her work on the Campa Cola ad, she introduced Salman Khan to her then-fiancé, Kailash Surendranath, which led to Salman’s first appearance as a model in advertising.^[2]

Films

Aarti transitioned into acting with her debut in the horror film Purana Mandir (1984), which was a commercial success and is considered a notable entry in Indian horror cinema. She later appeared in films such as Janbaaz (1986), directed by Feroz Khan, alongside Anil Kapoor, Sridevi, and Dimple Kapadia. Her other projects include Aashiana (1986), an art film, and Apna Jahan (1985), featuring Naseeruddin Shah and Deepti Naval.

Advertising and Production

In addition to acting, Aarti contributed significantly to Indian advertising. She was the associate producer for Mile Sur Mera Tumhara (1988), a film promoting national integration, and produced its sequel Phir Mile Sur (2010). She also worked as a creative producer for the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign (2022).^[3]

Her contributions to feature films include roles as a producer, writer, stylist, and creative consultant for projects such as Love You Hamesha (2001) and the web series Chakravyuh: An Inspector Virkar Crime Thriller (2021). She was also a creative consultant for the international film A Mighty Heart (2007), starring Angelina Jolie.

Wildlife Advocacy and Conservation Efforts

Aarti Surendranath is actively involved in wildlife conservation, particularly through her work with the Wildlife Trust of India. She has advocated for the protection of the Tibetan antelope, known as the chiru, which is critically endangered. The animal’s undercoat is used to create shahtoosh shawls, a practice that has led to the decline of the species.^[4] Surendranath has worked to raise awareness about the ethical concerns surrounding shahtoosh production, aiming to educate the public on the importance of preserving the chiru and other endangered wildlife.^[5][6]