Manizeh Karimi (Persian: ماندانا کریمی‎; born 19 May 1988), known professionally as Mandana Karimi is an Iranian actress and model based in India.

After working on several successful modelling projects around the world, she appeared as a lead in the Bollywood film, Bhaag Johnny. She participated in the popular reality TV show, Bigg Boss 9 and became the 2nd runner up in 2015.

Early life

Karimi was born on 19 May 1988 in Tehran, Iran, into a Muslim family of mixed ethnicity. Her father, Reza Karimi, is an Iranian Shia Muslim and her mother, Saba Karimi, is an Indian Sunni Muslim. She was raised in Tehran. 

She said in an interview, "I was born in a conservative Muslim family and while growing up, I was very shy and quiet. I studied art. I used to spend most of my time in my room playing around with papers, cameras and colours."

About her Indian connection she commented, "I had come to India many times, visiting my family or for holidays. Also, when I started modelling, I got offers from India but was never interested." >>>