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Nandita Das debuted in Bollywood with the film Parinati (1989). She received a brekthrough with her criticallly-acclaimed role as Radha in the film Fire (1996).
Das’s latest directorial is Zwigato (2023), centered around a food delivery rider and his family. ((Image: @nanditadasofficial/Instagram)
Nandita Das, who celebrates her 55th birthday today, November 7, is considered one of the most talented and creative actor-directors in India. Throughout her career, Nandita opted away from typical commercial Bollywood films and focused on socially relevant and experimental projects, where she displayed her acting prowess.
Nandita began as a theatre artist and has been a part of several path-breaking films such as Fire, Earth, I Am, among others. Along with acting, she also made her mark in Bollywood as a director and producer.
As we celebrate Nandita Das’ special day, let’s take a closer look at her remarkable career, from her evolution as an actress to a director and producer, along with some of her hit films. Nandita is also a social rights and equality activist and often shares her views on related topics at various international forums.
NANDITA DAS: CAREER
Nandita Das made her Bollywood debut with the film Parinati, but it was her powerful performance in the 1996 movie Fire that brought her fame. It tackled the sensitive topic of same-sex relationships, which was a bold step in Indian cinema.
This proved Nandita’s vision to act in unconventional, socially relevant movies. After this, she became a part of several sensitive films such as Earth, Bawandar, etc. She worked alongside notable director Mira Nair in 2008 Firaaq, a film set against the backdrop of the 2002 Gujarat riots. This role also earned her the National Film Award for Best Actress.
She also assisted Nair in Firaaq as a director, followed by directing her film Manto in 2018. Based on the life of the renowned short story writer Sadat Hasan Manto, the film featured Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the lead role.
Her third directorial project was Zwigato, which explores the everyday challenges faced by a food delivery rider and his family. Kapil Sharma and Shahana Goswami played the main characters in the film that made its world premiere at the 47th Toronto Film Festival.
NANDITA DAS: HER 5 BEST MOVIES
Fire (1996)
Deepa Mehta’s groundbreaking film ignited controversy as it explored the tabooed subject of same-sex relationships. Nandita Das played the role of Sita, a woman trapped in an unhappy marriage, who confides in her sister-in-law Radha, played by Shabana Azmi. Despite facing backlash in India, the film was appreciated at international film festivals.
ALSO READ: Zwigato OTT Release: When And Where To Watch Kapil Sharma’s Movie
Earth (1998)
Also directed by Deepa Mehta, the film centred around a woman amid the chaos of the 1947 partition of India. Alongside Nandita Das, Aamir Khan and Rahul Khanna played key roles in the movie. The powerful performances and plot captured the hearts of viewers and was India’s entry for the Academy Awards.
Bawandar (2000)
Based on a true story, Nandita Das played the lead character, Bhanwari Devi, a courageous woman who fights for justice after being raped. Her powerful performance earned her admiration and numerous awards, including the Best Actress award at the Santa Monica Film Festival in 2001.
Aks (2001)
Released in 2001, Nandita Das played an important role in this supernatural thriller. While the spotlight was primarily on Amitabh Bachchan and Manoj Bajpayee, Nandita received praise for her memorable performance.
ALSO READ: When Sukanya Dubbed For Nandita Das In Eelam Tamil For This Mani Ratnam Film
Leisure (2008)
The film explored the aftermath of the 2002 Gujarat riots and how it affected people’s lives. The film was widely praised for its sensitive portrayal of communal tension. It also earned Nandita Das a national award for her role.
