Early Life & Background
Anushka Moni Mohan Das, popularly known as Anushka Das or Moon Das, hails from Kolkata, West Bengal. From a young age, she harbored a deep passion for acting and dance, undergoing formal training in Kathak and other performing arts disciplines (Upgrade Jharkhand, GExpress News). Her compassionate nature was evident early on—she later became involved in social work, inspired by spiritual values and her devotion to teachings like those of the Bhagavad Gita (Upgrade Jharkhand).
Career & Artistic Journey
Over the years, Anushka has built a multifaceted career as an actress, model, dancer, influencer, and social worker (GExpress News, SOCIALSPHERE.CO.IN, Upgrade Jharkhand).
Television & Film
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She gained attention in Bengali films, notably playing lead roles such as in Loafer (The Week, GExpress News).
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In television, she appeared in reality dance shows like Colors TV’s Dancing Queen, judged by veteran actor Jitendra (GExpress News, SOCIALSPHERE.CO.IN).
Modeling & Dance Performances
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Anushka performed alongside music icons such as Udit Narayan, Honey Singh, Bombay Vikings, Mika Singh, and Vinod Rathod (GExpress News, Upgrade Jharkhand).
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She featured in advertisements for major brands like Airtel and electrolyte drink brands, and appeared in Hindi and Bengali music videos like “Ye Raat Bheegi” and the Bengali “Loafer” (GExpress News, SOCIALSPHERE.CO.IN).
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She also performed “item” dance numbers in South Indian films (GExpress News, Upgrade Jharkhand).
Social Service & Moon Charitable Foundation
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Anushka paused her acting career to dedicate herself to social service. Through her Moon Charitable Foundation, she provided assistance to those in need (GExpress News, SOCIALSPHERE.CO.IN).
Recognition & Personal Influences
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She has been honored at events like Bhopal Mahotsav, Lucknow Mahotsav, and awarded by organizations like the Lions Club Brewery Award (Upgrade Jharkhand).
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Her acting inspirations include Indian stars like Vinod Khanna, John Abraham, Ranveer Singh, Ranbir Kapoor, Sridevi, and Deepika Padukone. She also admires Hollywood figures such as Vin Diesel, Jennifer Lopez, and Rihanna (Upgrade Jharkhand).
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Anushka aspires to star in action-packed thriller films and has even expressed a wish to participate in Salman Khan’s Bigg Boss (Upgrade Jharkhand).
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She is known for her warmth, intelligence, and faith-driven outlook (Upgrade Jharkhand).
Recent News & Controversies
Arrest in Prostitution Racket (September 5, 2025)
In a shocking development on September 5, 2025, Anushka Moni Mohan Das (41) was arrested by the Thane (Maharashtra) police for allegedly running a sex/prostitution racket, where she purportedly coerced aspiring actresses into the illicit trade (Maharashtra Times, The Week, The Times of India, AajTak, NewsDrum).
Key details:
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Police used undercover (decoy) customers to trap her. She was apprehended while accepting money at a mall on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad highway near Kashimira (The Week, The Times of India).
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Two women—active in Bengali films and TV—were rescued and sent to a shelter home (The Week, The Times of India, AajTak).
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She faces charges under Section 143(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (human trafficking) and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (PITA) (The Week, The Times of India, AajTak).
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A thorough investigation is underway to uncover the extent of the racket and identify other possible accomplices (The Times of India, The Week).
This arrest has sent waves through the entertainment industry and public discourse, given her previous image as a philanthropist and performer.
Recent Past Controversy (Dance Show Backlash)
Before her arrest, Anushka faced controversy over a modern reinterpretation of Tagore’s “Chandalika” on a dance reality show. Critics accused the performance—where she played "Prakriti"—of disrespecting the original work and cultural sentiments. Judge Mamata Shankar defended the performance, emphasizing artistic freedom (The Times of India).
Summary Timeline
Year / Date | Key Event |
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Early life | Trained in acting & dance; Kolkata native |
Over career | Modeling, dance performances, music videos, reality shows |
COVID-19 pandemic | Focus on social service via Moon Charitable Foundation |
Pre-2024 | Awards at Bhopal, Lucknow, Lions Club; aspirations for action roles & Bigg Boss |
2025 (July) | Controversy over Tagore dance performance on TV show |
September 5, 2025 | Arrest in Thane in prostitution racket case; charges under human trafficking and PITA |
Top Interesting Facts
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Multi-talented personality: An established actress, dancer, model, influencer, and social worker.
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Philanthropic identity: Founder of Moon Charitable Foundation, dedicated to supporting the needy, especially during crises like the pandemic.
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Hit with dance legends: Shared the stage with music icons including Udit Narayan and Honey Singh.
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Enthusiastic performer: Has done item numbers in South Indian films and appeared in popular music videos.
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Award-winning: Honored at cultural festivals and by Lions Club.
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Aspirational: Dreams of thrilling action roles and has a fun wish to be on Bigg Boss.
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Faith-driven: Strongly influenced by spirituality and the Bhagavad Gita.
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Controversial arc: From heartfelt social initiatives to a serious arrest in a prostitution racket—her journey reflects sharp contrasts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is Anushka Das’s full name and stage name?
A1: Her full name is Anushka Moni Mohan Das; she is popularly known as Anushka Das or Moon Das.
Q2: What was her work in social service?
A2: She founded the Moon Charitable Foundation, notably aiding those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic through relief efforts and social support (GExpress News, SOCIALSPHERE.CO.IN).
Q3: Which are some of her notable performances?
A3: She performed on reality dance shows like Dancing Queen, danced with singers like Udit Narayan and Honey Singh, appeared in music videos like Ye Raat Bheegi and Bengali Loafer, and did item songs in South Indian films (GExpress News, SOCIALSPHERE.CO.IN).
Q4: What awards has she received?
A4: She’s been recognized at events like the Bhopal Mahotsav, Lucknow Mahotsav, and received a Lions Club Brewery Award (Upgrade Jharkhand).
Q5: What controversy did she face before the arrest?
A5: She was involved in a backlash over a modern dance version of Tagore’s Chandalika on a Bengali reality show, with critics accusing the act of cultural insensitivity. Mamata Shankar defended the interpretation (The Times of India).
Q6: What are the details of her arrest?
A6: On September 5, 2025, she was arrested by Thane police for allegedly managing a prostitution ring, accused of human trafficking under BNS Section 143(3) and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (PITA). Two actresses were rescued, and investigations are ongoing (Maharashtra Times, The Week, The Times of India, AajTak).
Q7: What is her present legal status?
A7: She has been remanded to judicial custody, and further probe is being conducted to examine the ring’s scope and accomplices (The Week).
Q8: What were her aspirations in film?
A8: She aimed to feature in action- and thrill-centric films and hoped to participate in reality TV shows like Bigg Boss (Upgrade Jharkhand).
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