My story, My path – Born as Juanita Doda, Jonita (Her Parents) adopted this name for ease of pronunciation in India, where her original Spanish name was quite unique and unfamiliar. The name Juanita, meaning “God is gracious,” was chosen by her parents based on a suggestion from their Spanish friends, reflecting both cultural tradition and personal significance.
Born and raised in Chandigarh, Growing up in a household that embraced both Hindu and Sikh traditions, Jonita was instilled with strong family values and a firm belief in humanity. Jonita Doda developed a passion for flying inspired by her father, Inderjit Doda, who had a deep love for aviation. Although she initially pursued a career in modelling, gaining recognition for her unique style and grace on the runway, Jonita often refers to herself as an “actor by default”—a term reflecting her belief that her acting career was a divine choice. Her mother, Jaswinder Doda, provided unwavering support in her artistic pursuits.
Jonita’s foray into the entertainment industry began during her senior school years with the romantic comedy Dil Bechara Pyar Ka Maara. After completing her MBA in Marketing, she fully committed to acting, making her mark in the South Indian film industry with Minchu (2010), a Kannada remake of the Tamil film Thimiru. She further expanded her repertoire with notable roles in Punjabi cinema, including Chak Jawana (2010) alongside Gurdas Maan, and Yamley Jatt Yamley (2012).
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In 2017, Jonita showcased her versatility by directing and starring in the short film Heer Unstoppable, which earned her the Best Director award at the PCIFF International Film Festival. Her collaboration with director Madhur Bhandarkar in Mumbai Mist received a standing ovation at the BRICS Film Festival, highlighting her dynamic presence in the industry.
From a young age, Jonita Doda harbored the ambition to be part of groundbreaking projects in Indian cinema. This aspiration materialized with her lead role in Salmon 3D, celebrated as India’s first 3D romantic film. Reflecting on this milestone, Jonita shared in an interview, “I truly believe that God has manifested my childhood dream of being a part of something that falls under the category of ‘India’s first.'”
timesofindia.indiatimes.com The film, released in seven languages, featured the song “Kaadhal En Kaviye,” which became a viral sensation.
Beyond her acting career, Jonita co-founded Chandigarh Fashion Week, a platform dedicated to promoting inclusivity by supporting emerging designers, artisans, and sustainable fashion. Her entrepreneurial spirit also led her to establish Neonwale, a company specializing in neon signage, in partnership with her brother, Harshdeep Doda.
Jonita’s commitment to environmental sustainability is evident through her documentary India the Golden Sparrow – Disaster Risk Reduction, which has been officially selected at multiple international film festivals. Her advocacy extends to various social causes, including women’s rights and education, reflecting her belief that small actions can lead to significant change.
She has also been involved in organising medical camps in underserved areas and supporting cultural programs for individuals with disabilities. She believes that everyone has the power to make a difference and that small actions can lead to big changes.
Her journey reflects a blend of dedication, creativity, and a strong sense of purpose, pushing the boundaries of her field and inspiring others to make a difference.