Biography

British actress Aruna Shields performed in UK theatre and film before she was headhunted by Tips Industries (one of the largest studios in India) to play the female Bond in action thriller Prince (2010). When the film released worldwide she became the fastest rising star on Google and the first female action hero in Indian cinema. A trained Kung-Fu martial artist and former gymnast she performed all her own stunts including motorbike bungee jumps. Her hit song for the movie "Tere Liye" has over 200 million views.

Aruna then broke boundaries and crossed over into French cinema. After worldwide auditions UK Casting Director Des Hamilton chose Aruna for the gritty lead in the epic adventure Ao: The Last Hunter (2010). The film was produced by French studio and cinema chain UGC after their Oscar-nominated A Prophet (2009). Aruna learned a prehistoric language and body movement for the role. Other critically acclaimed lead roles include 'Nera', an artist's muse, in the avant-garde feature Mr. Singh/Mrs. Mehta (2010).

A descendant of Sage Mandavya, Aruna then took a sabbatical to follow her family lineage and became a meditation expert and modern spiritual teacher. She is returning to the film industry in 2023 and now based in Los Angeles. Aruna is the first female Sidha (highly advanced meditator) who is a film star. Other Sidha's include director David Lynch and Bill Duke.

Aruna has a Distinction from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, a degree from Central Saint Martins University of the Arts London and has studied psychotherapy at masters level.

Earlier Aruna was ahead of her time. She was one of the first Anglo/Indian models to cross over into mainstream fashion, was asked to shoot for Vogue, won Miss India Talent for dancing, appeared on the cover of The Times of India and several magazines. She was also one of the first actresses of Indian origin to perform a sex scene in a feature film.