Yana Gupta, who created a stir with her moves in the iconic song 'Babuji Zara Dheere Chalo', remains a memorable figure for many. Despite achieving immense stardom and becoming a national crush through a single song, she eventually distanced herself from the acting industry. Today, Yana has completely faded from the silver screen, leading a life far removed from the glitz and glamour of Bollywood.
The Phenomenon of 'Babuji Zara Dheere Chalo' and the Movie 'Dum'
In 2003, the film 'Dum' was released, starring Vivek Oberoi, Diya Mirza, and Atul Kulkarni. While the movie didn't perform exceptionally well at the box office, its item number 'Babuji Zara Dheere Chalo' became a massive hit. Even after 23 years, the song continues to be a popular track that gets people dancing. The lyrics were penned by Anjaan, with music composed by Sandeep Chowta. The hit number was sung by Sukhwinder Singh, Sonu Kakkar, and Sonu Kakkar. Yana Gupta featured in this song, which catapulted her to instant fame across the country.
From Czechoslovakia to India in Search of Spirituality
Yana Gupta was born as Jana Synkova on April 23, 1979, in Brno, Czechoslovakia, which is now part of the Czech Republic. Her childhood was marked by challenges as her parents separated when she was very young, and she was raised by her mother amidst financial difficulties. After completing her initial education, she studied gardening and park architecture. Her life took a turn when a friend suggested she join a modeling course. She soon became a prominent name in the modeling industry in Europe and Japan. However, exhausted by the fast-paced life, she came to India seeking peace and spirituality at the Osho Ashram in Pune.
Marriage, Modeling, and Stardom in Bollywood
During her time in India, Yana met Satyakam Gupta. Their friendship turned into love, and they got married in 2001. Following her marriage, she added 'Gupta' to her name and made India her home. She began modeling in India and worked with renowned photographer Dabboo Ratnani, which led to major advertisements and show offers. Her big break came in 2003 with the song in 'Dum'. While she received many offers for item songs in South Indian films as well, she began to feel restricted by the constant offers for only glamorous roles and item numbers.
Television Stints, Writing, and Current Life
Yana appeared in several reality shows, including 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa' and 'Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi'. In 2009, she made headlines for her book focused on fitness and eating habits. Her last appearance in the film industry was in the 2018 movie 'Dashahra', where she performed the song 'Joganiya'. Since then, she has maintained a distance from the cinematic world. Yana isn't very active on social media either, while according to reports, she's now focusing on yoga, meditation, and a spiritual lifestyle, with her primary interests lying in writing and music.