Mumbai, May 16, 2025 — While Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli remains in the public eye for his stellar performances and his life with actress Anushka Sharma, an old connection of his has resurfaced in the spotlight — Brazilian model and actress Izabelle Leite.
Once romantically linked to Kohli, Leite has since built a noteworthy, albeit quiet, career in Indian cinema and now leads a private life abroad. Here’s a closer look at the journey of the woman who briefly held a place in Kohli’s life and in the hearts of Bollywood fans.
🎬 Early Life and Entry into Indian Entertainment
Born on September 1, 1990, in João Pessoa, Brazil, Izabelle Leite began her career as a model. She worked with several high-profile brands such as Lakme, Big Bazaar, and P&G. Her modeling assignments in India quickly opened doors to Bollywood, where she made her uncredited debut in Aamir Khan’s psychological thriller Talaash: The Answer Lies Within (2012).
Her breakout role came in 2013 with the coming-of-age film Sixteen, in which she played the lead character Anu. The role earned her a nomination for Best Female Debut at the Life OK Screen Awards, cementing her as a fresh face to watch. She followed it up with another leading role in Purani Jeans (2014), portraying Nayantara Sapru.
🎥 Telugu Debut and Film Career
Izabelle’s career also extended into Telugu cinema. In 2018, she appeared in Narendra, where she played a Pakistani human rights activist — a role that highlighted her versatility as an actor. She later featured in Mr. Majnu (2019) and World Famous Lover (2020), where she played one of Vijay Deverakonda’s four love interests.
Her work across Bollywood and regional cinema showcased her adaptability and earned her recognition, especially among younger audiences.
💔 Personal Life and Past Relationship with Virat Kohli
Izabelle Leite made headlines in 2014 when she confirmed in an interview that she had dated Virat Kohli. “We were together for almost two years, but we didn’t want to make it public,” she said at the time. The revelation came as a surprise to many, given the couple’s effort to keep their relationship away from the media spotlight.
Despite parting ways, Leite spoke respectfully about the cricketer and emphasized that they ended on good terms.
🌍 Life Today: Away from the Spotlight
As of 2025, Izabelle Leite resides in Doha, Qatar, with her husband and two daughters. She has stepped away from acting and now lives a relatively private life. Her social media accounts occasionally give fans a glimpse into her family life and personal moments, but she largely remains out of the entertainment limelight.
📈 Impact and Legacy
While her filmography may not be extensive, Izabelle Leite left a lasting impression with her performances in Sixteen and Purani Jeans. Her career stands as a testament to the global appeal of Indian cinema and the potential for cross-cultural success stories.
Today, as fans rediscover her through nostalgic posts and media coverage, Leite remains a unique figure — a Brazilian talent who briefly dazzled in Bollywood and chose a quieter life after the fame.
