Jonita Doda (also known as Juanita Doda) is an Indian actress, filmmaker, and entrepreneur. She is recognized for her roles in regional and Hindi cinema and the fashion industry. Doda is the co-founder of both Chandigarh Fashion Week and Neonwale, a neon sign company.[1][2][3][4]
Early life
Doda was born in Chandigarh, India, to Inderjit Doda and Jaswinder Doda. She was raised in a culturally diverse household that bridged Hindu and Sikh traditions.[5]
Career
Doda began her acting career during her senior school years with the romantic comedy Dil Bechara Pyar Ka Maara. After completing her MBA, she fully committed to acting in the South Indian film industry with Minchu (2010), a remake of a successful Tamil movie Thimiru. She starred in Punjabi cinema in the movie Chak Jawana(2010), alongside Gurdas Mann.[6]
In 2017, she directed and played the lead role in the short film Heer Unstoppable, which earned her the Best Director award at PCIFF. That same year, she also starred in Where Has the Time Gone (Mumbai Mist).[7]
Doda has been the face of Amul Cheese and Kalaniketan and has appeared in many commercials.[8]
Television appearances
In addition to her film work, Doda served as a celebrity judge on the reality TV show Miss PTC Punjabi (2022), a beauty contest that has been running for over 14 years.
Cine Valley Productions
Doda is also the founder of Cine Valley Productions, under which she has produced various films and projects.[9][10][11]
Her film Mumbai Mist, directed by Madhur Bhandarkar, received a standing ovation at the BRICS Film Festival. Her role in the song Kadhal En Kaviye from Salmon 3D became highly popular.[13]
Directing
Doda made her directorial debut with the short film Heer Unstoppable (2017), which earned her the Best Director award at the PCIFF and was officially selected on many international film festivals.
Entrepreneurship
Doda co-founded Chandigarh Fashion Week, a platform that promotes the latest trends in luxury, fashion and supports emerging designers and artisans & handicraft. She is also the co-founder of Neonwale, a neon sign company, with her brother Harshdeep Doda.[14]
Environmental activism
Doda has directed the documentary India the Golden Sparrow – Disaster Risk Reduction, which is officially selected at 4 International Film Festival. Recently, she was invited to Russia by the Save and Preserve Festival and Organization to speak on environmental issues, an event that was covered by Russia 1.[15][16][17]
Philanthropy and social initiatives
Doda organized medical camps in slum areas, supporting cultural programs for individuals with physical disabilities, and advocating for AIDS awareness, anti-drug campaigns, and the fight against female infanticide.[18]
