Decades ago, in 2001, Chhaya Kadam had not left her home for months. “That year, my father and brother both passed away in quick succession,” she recalled. Kadam was looking for ways to escape her rut, and that’s when she stumbled upon a newspaper advertisement for an acting workshop. What seemed like an ordinary decision taken to shake off her grief would go on to change her life forever.
Fast forward to 2024, and Kadam is everywhere — on the big screen, small screen, and even at international film festivals. Her stellar role in Laapataa Ladies has not only won global acclaim but has also been picked as India’s official entry for the 2025 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category.
Kadam’s role in Laapataa Ladies — as Manju Mai, a fiercely independent tea stall owner — has become a sensation. Audiences have praised her nuanced portrayal of a woman who is tough yet compassionate. Manju Mai, hardened after facing betrayal from her abusive husband and the sacrifices she made, teaches Phool (and the viewers) the power of self-reliance.
But Kadam’s success didn’t come overnight. Born and raised in Kalina, a suburb of Mumbai, she comes from a humble working-class background. In her early years, she harboured dreams of playing kabaddi professionally, even making it to the state level. Later, she considered opening a gym or joining the police force; acting was never on her radar.
“I didn’t plan on becoming an actor; it happened accidentally,” she admitted. After years of working odd jobs and supporting her family, she found herself drawn to the world of Marathi theatre. Despite her enthusiasm, Kadam’s debut film never saw the light of day, and her first Bollywood role consisted of just one scene.
Yet, every small opportunity fuelled her determination. Early in her career, Kadam approached a director for a Doordarshan role but was told the casting was done and was offered an assistant position instead. She accepted, but when the lead actor didn’t show up, Kadam was offered the part. “It was one of those moments where I knew I was at the right place at the right time. What’s meant for you will find its way to you,” she recalled.
Despite the victories, Kadam often found herself doubting whether she even “looked like an actress”. In an industry where looks, contacts, and fluency in English often determined success, Kadam, who was not formally trained, felt out of place. “I started doing parts for Rs 250 a day. Everyone around me seemed younger, smarter, and more connected,” she reflected. But she refused to let any limitations define her.
Her breakthrough came in 2013 with Fandry, where her powerful portrayal of Naani, a woman battling caste oppression, earned her critical acclaim. Following this, she played a string of unforgettable roles in Marathi films like Sairat and Nude, which further solidified her presence in the industry.
In 2018, Kadam took on a notable role in Sriram Raghavan’s Andhadhun, and in 2022, she starred alongside Amitabh Bachchan in Jhund as Ranjana, the wife of Bachchan’s character. She credits this milestone to her portrayal of the invisible women she has championed on screen without a second thought throughout her career. “I never thought about playing one character and not another; I just followed my heart and played what I wanted to,” she said.
It was this same pursuit of her inner voice that first led her to the acting workshop in 2001. In May this year, 23 years since that day, Kadam graced the screens at the Festival de Cannes not once, but twice — with Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine as Light that won the Grand Prix award, and Karan Kandhari’s Sister Midnight.
As she continues to break barriers in an industry that once questioned her, Kadam refuses to slow down just yet. “I admit that I may have to work harder than some others to achieve what I want, but I am ready to do it,” she said.
Edited by Arunava Banerjee
