Nandita Das

Nandita Das is known for creating path-breaking cinema and her immensely controversial film Fire. She is a powerhouse of talent and of substantial mettle and her work as an actor and director is critically acclaimed over the years.  

From featuring in the movie Fire that dealt with homosexuality around 25 years ago to stepping into the man's world of film direction, she has had many roles to play in her life including that of a social and a human rights activist.

Her film Manto (2018),  a biographical drama about the prominent and controversial Urdu author Saadat Hasan Manto, premiered in Cannes film festival and was also screened at Toronto International film festival.

She won critical acclaim for her movies including Fire, Earth, Provoked, Bawandar, Hazaar Chaurasi ki Maa, Azhagi, Kamli, Before The Rains and many more. She’s acted in about 40 feature films in 12 different languages and has been acclaimed for many of her performances.

In 2020, during the pandemic, she wrote, directed and acted in a short film called, Listen to Her. The 7 min film focused on the increase in domestic violence and overburden of work that women are facing during the lock-down. It was supported by UNESCO, UNFPA, UNICEF, UN Women and South Asia Foundation.

Nandita prioritizes her social work above her cinema work. She’s advocated for social issues and actively participated in several campaigns. She has worked for children’s rights, spreading awareness on HIV/AIDS, domestic violence against women and many more.