Chhaya Kadam
Chhaya Kadam is an Indian actress who works in Marathi and Hindi cinema. She is widely recognised for portraying strong, socially rooted female characters and for her collaborations with filmmakers such as Nagraj Manjule and Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Her performances in Fandry, Sairat, Nude, Jhund, Gangubai Kathiawadi, Laapataa Ladies, and Madgaon Express have earned her critical acclaim.
Chhaya Kadam 
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| Born | 23 October Kalina, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 2009–present |
| Education | Textile Design |
| Alma mater | Sathaye College |
| Known for | Fandry, Sairat, Nude, Gangubai Kathiawadi, Laapataa Ladies |
Early Life and Education
Chhaya Kadam was born and raised in the Mumbai suburb of Kalina in a working-class family. Her father, Raghunath Dattaram Kadam, was a mill worker and played a major role in shaping her values and outlook on life. She completed her education at Sathaye College, graduating in Textile Design. During her college years, she was actively involved in sports and was a state-level kabaddi player.[1]
Early Career and Theatre
Kadam began her artistic journey in theatre and made her stage debut with Waman Kendre’s play Zulva. Acting was not a planned career choice; she entered the field after attending an acting workshop during a difficult personal phase. She started her film journey in 2009, appearing in projects across Marathi cinema before transitioning to Hindi films.[2]
Film Career
Early Film Work (2009–2012)
Her early film appearances included Mi Sindhutai Sapkal (2010), Baboo Band Baaja (2011), and Kuni Ghar Deta Ka Ghar (2013). Her first film, Baimanus (2010), remained unreleased. She made her Hindi film debut with a brief role in Singham Returns.
Breakthrough and Critical Acclaim (2013–2017)
Kadam’s breakthrough came with Nagraj Manjule’s Fandry (2013), where her portrayal of Nani received widespread praise. She continued to gain recognition with films such as Highway and Gour Hari Dastaan (2015). In Sairat (2016), she played a Hyderabadi Telugu woman, earning a Filmfare nomination for Best Supporting Actress – Marathi.
Nude and Recognition (2018–2019)
In 2018, Kadam starred in the Marathi film Nude, playing a middle-aged woman who becomes a nude model for art students. The film faced censorship challenges but later received international acclaim and won Best Film at the New York Indian Film Festival. Her performance earned her the Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Supporting Actress. During this period, she also appeared in Redu, Andhadhun, and Zelya. Her film Aatpadi Nights (2019) earned her another Filmfare nomination.
Mainstream, OTT, and International Recognition (2020–present)
Kadam made her television debut with Mere Sai (2020) and expanded into digital platforms with varied roles. In 2022, she appeared in Nay Varanbhat Loncha Kon Nay Koncha, Gangubai Kathiawadi, and Jhund. Her portrayal of Rashmibai in Gangubai Kathiawadi and her role as Amitabh Bachchan’s character’s wife in Jhund were widely noted.
In 2024, she received widespread recognition for her performances in Laapataa Ladies and Madgaon Express. The same year, she appeared at the Cannes Film Festival with All We Imagine as Light and Sister Midnight. Her recent and upcoming work includes Rupesh Paul’s experimental silent film Pedigree.
Acting Style and Legacy
Chhaya Kadam is known for portraying women from marginalised and working-class backgrounds with authenticity and empathy. Her performances often focus on invisible or underrepresented women, making her a distinctive voice in Indian cinema. From regional theatre to international film festivals, her journey is regarded as one of perseverance, discipline, and artistic integrity.
Awards and Recognition
- Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Supporting Actress – Nude
- Filmfare Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress – Marathi
- Multiple national and international recognitions for ensemble and supporting performances
Personal Life
Kadam prefers to keep her personal life private. She has spoken openly about starting her acting career later than many of her peers and overcoming personal loss. She remains closely connected to her roots in Mumbai and the Konkan region.