Learn more about the accomplished Indian actress, screenwriter, and playwright Sushmita Mukherjee, her illustrious career, and personal life in this comprehensive biography.

Wiki/Biography

Sushmita Mukherjee, also known as Sushmita Bundela Mukherjee and Sushmita Devi, was born on August 20th in New Delhi. She gained significant recognition for her memorable portrayal of Kitty in the popular detective TV series “Karamchand.” Her acting career began in the early 1980s, and she has since appeared in over sixty films. She is particularly known for her compelling performances in negative roles. Beyond her acting prowess, Sushmita is a talented writer, screenwriter, and playwright, showcasing her multifaceted talents.

Physical Appearance

• Height (Approx.): 5’1″
• Eye Colour: Black
• Hair Colour: Black

Family

Sushmita Mukherjee hails from a Brahmin family in Delhi. Her father worked in government service. She first married film director Sudhir Mishra in 1978, though their marriage eventually ended. In 1993, she married actor, producer, activist, and politician Raja Bundela. They are blessed with two sons, Rudransh and Rudranuj Bundela. Her elder son works in advertising, while her younger son is pursuing his PhD in New Zealand.

Career

Sushmita Mukherjee’s educational background includes studies at Jesus and Mary College, University of Delhi. After completing her post-graduation in 1980, she enrolled at the National School of Drama, honing her acting skills from 1980 to 1983. Even earlier, around the age of 15, she joined Barry John’s Theatre Group, gaining valuable early experience. Her acting debut came in 1987 with “Yeh Woh Manzil To Nahin,” alongside the renowned Naseeruddin Shah.

Her breakthrough role as Kitty in “Karamchand” propelled her to prominence. She has since worked in over sixty films, excelling in both negative and supporting roles. Her filmography includes notable movies such as “Main Zinda Hoon,” “Khalnayak,” “King Uncle,” “Sir,” “Dillagi,” “Kyaa Kool Hai Hum,” “Golmaal,” “Ugly Aur Pagli,” “Dostana,” and many more. Her dedication to her craft extends beyond film; she remains actively involved in theatre alongside her husband, Raja Bundela.

Her notable roles also include the “blind Mangala Dadi” in the 2006 film “Golmaal,” which garnered significant praise. In 2008, she expanded her horizons to Hollywood, featuring in “The Other End Of The Line” alongside Shriya Saran and Jesse Metcalf. In addition to her Bollywood career, Sushmita has acted in several television serials and even penned scripts for various shows. More recent projects include the 2018 TV mini-series “Imperfect” and the 2019 Amazon Prime web series “Mind The Malhotras.”

Beyond acting, Sushmita’s talents extend to writing. She served as a script assistant for Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s film “Khamosh.” In 2018, she published her debut novel, “Mee and Juhibaby,” a project that spanned eleven years. She also manages her husband’s production house, “Prayas Production,” and runs her NGO, “Rudrani Kalagram,” an art village in Madhya Pradesh.

Award

She is a recipient of the NFDC (National Film Development Corporation of India) Award for her scriptwriting work on “Kalashri” and “Nati.”

Facts

• Her husband, Raja Bundela, was her senior at NFDC.
• She previously resided in Pandara Road, New Delhi.
• Her hobbies include writing and traveling.
• Meryl Streep is her favorite actress, and she expresses a desire to portray all of Meryl Streep’s roles.
• She portrayed thirty characters in her play “Nari Bai.”
• She draws inspiration from the Indian dramatist and theatre director Badal Sircar.
• Her parents initially aspired for her to become a teacher or an IAS officer.
• She is still widely remembered for her role as Kitty in “Karamchand,” a role that continues to resonate with audiences.
• Her second husband, Raja Bundela, comes from a royal family in the Lalitpur district of Uttar Pradesh.
• She has engaged in ghostwriting for television shows and plays, penned short stories, and contributes writing services to her husband’s production house.
• She initially had reservations about accepting the role of Kitty in Karamchand but now appreciates the opportunity.
• She excelled academically during her student years.

Key Milestones in Sushmita Mukherjee’s Career