Chhaya Kadam

Biography:

Chhaya Kadam is an Indian actress known for her work in both Marathi and Hindi cinema. Her notable performances include roles in Nagraj Manjule’s films Fandry (2013), Sairat (2016), and Jhund (2022), as well as in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022). Her performance in Nude (2018) earned her the Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Supporting Actress. Kadam also gained significant recognition for her roles in the 2024 comedy-dramas Laapataa Ladies and Madgaon Express.

Kadam’s acting career began on stage before transitioning to film in 2009. She made her stage debut with Waman Kendre’s Zulva and appeared in her first film, Baimanus (2010), which was never released. Her film career includes Mi Sindhutai Sapkal (2010), Baboo Band Baaja (2011), and Kuni Ghar Deta Ka Ghar (2013). She made her Hindi film debut with Singham Returns (2013) in a brief role alongside Ajay Devgn.

Her breakthrough came with Fandry (2013), where her portrayal of Nani was highly praised. She continued to earn acclaim with roles in Highway (2015) and Gour Hari Dastaan (2015). In Sairat (2016), her portrayal of a Hyderabadi Telugu woman was well-received, and she was nominated for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Marathi.

In 2018, Kadam starred in the provocative film Nude, which faced censorship issues but ultimately received acclaim and won Best Film at the New York Indian Film Festival. She also appeared in Redu (2018) and had roles in Andhadhun (2018) and Zelya (2018). Her 2019 film Aatpadi Nights earned her a Filmfare nomination, and she made her television debut with Mere Sai (2020).

Her 2022 release Nay Varanbhat Loncha Kon Nay Koncha sparked controversy but was praised for its realistic depiction. She also appeared in Soyrik, Gangubai Kathiawadi, and Jhund. In Gangubai Kathiawadi, she played Rashmibai, and in Jhund, she starred as the wife of Amitabh Bachchan’s character.

Kadam’s next project, Rupesh Paul’s neo-noir experimental film Pedigree (2023), claimed to be the first silent Indian film since the advent of sound. Born in Kalina, Mumbai, to a mill worker father, Kadam attended Sathaye College, where she was active in sports and graduated in Textile Design. She credits her father as a significant influence in her life.