Beginning her career as a model, Rao made her acting debut with Ab Ke Baras (2002) for which she won her best debut award. She then starred in Ken Ghosh’s love-story Ishq Vishk (2003) and earned a Filmfare nomination in the Best Female Debut category

While studying in Sophia College, Rao auditioned for an advertisement for Fairever Face Cream. Her appearance in Cadbury’s Perk Karwa Chaut ad and the Bru Coffee advertisement helped her receive offers from film directors in Bollywood.

As she wanted to complete her education, she refused them. After earning a degree in psychology, she began her profession as an actress, working in numerous films.