Sharmistha Mukherjee, a prominent figure in Indian politics and the arts, is known for her multifaceted career and outspoken nature. This comprehensive biography explores her life, from her early years as a Kathak dancer to her current role as a political figure.

Wiki/Biography

Born on Saturday, October 30, 1965, in West Bengal, Sharmistha Mukherjee’s zodiac sign is Scorpio. She received her education at prestigious institutions, including Lady Irwin School in Delhi, St. Stephen’s College in Delhi for her graduation, and Jawaharlal Nehru University for her post-graduation in Sociology. Her upbringing in Delhi significantly shaped her life.

Physical Appearance

• Height (approx.): 5’4″
• Eye Colour: Brown
• Hair Colour: Black

Family, Caste & Husband

Sharmistha hails from a Bengali family. Her father, the esteemed Pranab Mukherjee, served as the 13th President of India. Her mother, Suvra Mukherjee, was a talented singer and painter, and the First Lady of India from 2012 until her passing in 2015. She has two brothers: Abhijit Mukherjee, a politician and former MP, and Indrajit Mukherjee.

Career

Dance

Sharmistha’s passion for Kathak dance led her to perform in over 40 countries. She developed a unique style, even performing to the Brandenburg Concertos by Johann Sebastian Bach. Her dedication to her craft is evident in her extensive international performances.

Politics

Joining the Indian National Congress (INC) in July 2014, Sharmistha actively participated in party rallies and grassroots efforts. She contested the 2015 Delhi Assembly Elections from the Greater Kailash Constituency, although she was unsuccessful. She held the position of Communication Head for the Delhi Congress before resigning in February 2019. Subsequently, she was appointed Chief of Mahila Congress Delhi and later a National Spokesperson for the Congress.

Controversies

Sharmistha has not shied away from controversy. In 2016, she publicly exposed an online harasser via Facebook, gaining widespread support for her stance against online abuse. Other instances include publicly criticizing a Congress tweet regarding her father and addressing rumors about her joining the Bharatiya Janata Party. In 2019, she was detained while protesting the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

Address

S-22, 2nd Floor, Greater Kailash -II, New Delhi – 110048

Assets/Properties

In 2014, Sharmistha declared movable and immovable assets totaling approximately Rs. 2.9 Crores.

Favourite Things

• Poet: Rabindranath Tagore
• Political Leader: Subhas Chandra Bose
• Musicians: Budhaditya Mukherjee (Sitar), Swapan Chaudhuri (Tabla)
• Philosopher: Swami Vivekananda
• Singer: M. S. Subbulakshmi

Facts/Trivia

Sharmistha enjoys reading and Indian classical music. Her grandfather, Kamada Kinkar Mukherjee, was a freedom fighter and a member of the West Bengal Legislative Council. She initially prioritized her dance career over politics but later joined the INC. Her role as a temporary hostess at Rashtrapati Bhavan due to her mother’s illness provided further insight into the political world. She’s known for her outspoken nature and willingness to express differing views, even publicly disagreeing with her father.

Additional Information

Sharmistha’s candidness and bold statements have garnered both praise and criticism. She has demonstrated a commitment to women’s issues in India and often utilizes social media to voice her opinions. In 2023, she authored the book “Pranab, My Father: A Daughter Remembers,” offering a personal account of her father’s life and political career.