Nandita Das

Nandita Das is an actress. Das gained popularity in the 1990s by starring in Deepa Mehta films like Fire and Earth .

Das holds a Master's degree in Social Work and initially worked in street theatre group and later on involved with a number of NGOs. Her belief is that since films have mass appeal, she would like to use it as a powerful instrument for social change. Her work in social activism involves human rights issues, particularly with respect to women and children. She has directed four public service short films for Civil Society Organizations through the socio-communication organization Leapfrog, co-founded with her ex-husband Saumya Sen. She is the daughter of noted Oriya painter Jatin Das and writer Varsha Das. She has a younger brother, Siddhartha who is a graphic and exhibition designer. She has been married twice and has recently divorced.

Nandita Das is known for her critically acclaimed performances in the films Fire, Earth (both directed by Deepa Mehta), Bawander (directed by Jagmohan Mundhra) and Amar Bhuvan (directed by Mrinal Sen). She has performed in over 25 feature films and has won the Best Actress award for her performance in the film Bawander at the Santa Monica Film Festival (2001). She also won the Best Actress award for performance in Amar Bhuvan at the Cairo Film Festival (2002). In May 2005, she served as a Member of the Jury at the Cannes Film Festival. She has played storyteller/narrator in the audiobook series for kids "Under the Banyan" by Karadi Tales. She has also been the narrator in the audiobook of Mahatma Gandhi's autobiography by Charkha Audiobooks "The Story of My Experiments with Truth". She also gives talks around the world about the impact of her films and the need for powerful social movements in India. She most recently spoke at MIT on April 12, 2007 after a screening of Fire. Film Background (Filmography) Debut Film: Pariniti Famous Movies: Provoked, Vishwa Thulasi, Ek Din 24 Ghante, Kagaar: Life on the Edge, Shubho Mahurat, Supari, Bas Yun Hi, Lal Salaam, Kannathil, Muthamittal, Azhagi, Pitaah, Aamaar Bhuvan, Kannaki, Solla Marantha Kathai, Daughters of This Century, Aks, Saanjh, Bawandar, Hari-Bhari: Fertility, Rockford, Deveeri, Earth, Janmadinam, Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa, Fire, Parinati (updated by -- akkashh)