Shalini Vatsa
Shalini Vatsa | |
|---|---|
| Born | Patna, Bihar, India |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 2009–present |
| Notable work | Peepli Live, Sacred Games, Ludo |
Shalini Vatsa is an Indian theatre and film actress known for her performances in critically acclaimed works such as Peepli Live (2010), Sacred Games[2] (2018–2019), and Ludo (2020). Active in Indian cinema since 2009, she has also been part of major streaming series and independent films, and is recognized for her strong character portrayals.
Early life and education
Shalini Vatsa was born in Patna, Bihar, India, into an academic family—both her parents were professors at Patna University.[3] She studied Political Science at Indraprastha College for Women, University of Delhi, and later completed an M.Phil. from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi.
Vatsa began performing in school plays and later trained in theatre under Barry John and Habib Tanvir.[4] She was associated with Barry John's Theatre in Education (TIE) initiative and was part of Naya Theatre, the repertory company founded by Habib Tanvir.[5]
Career
Debut and early roles (2010–2015)
Vatsa made her film debut as Dhaniya in Peepli Live[6] (2010), a satirical drama produced by Aamir Khan. Her performance earned her critical attention.[7]
She went on to appear in notable films including Shanghai (2012), directed by Dibakar Banerjee, and Shahid (2013), directed by Hansal Mehta, where she portrayed Prosecutor Tambe.
Streaming and ensemble work (2016–present)
In 2016, she starred in Gurgaon, an independent noir thriller. Her role as Karma Devi drew praise for its intensity and nuance.
Vatsa gained wider recognition through her role as Kanta Bai in Netflix’s Sacred Games (2018–2019). In 2020, she played nurse Lata Kutty in Anurag Basu’s Ludo, a role that was highlighted by critics for its humor and depth.[8][9]
In 2025, she played Warden Gracie Dungdung in the Amazon Prime series Khauf. Her latest work includes a starring role in Homebound[10] (2025), directed by Neeraj Ghaywan. The film premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.[11]
Awards and nominations
- SPOTT Awards (2021) – Winner, Web Film Award: Performance in a Supporting Role – Female (Ludo)
- IIFA Awards (2022) – Nominee, Best Supporting Actress (Ludo)
Selected filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Peepli Live | Dhaniya | Film debut |
| 2012 | Shanghai | Gauri | |
| 2013 | Shahid | Prosecutor Tambe | |
| 2016 | Gurgaon | Karma Devi | |
| 2018–2019 | Sacred Games | Kanta Bai | Netflix series |
| 2020 | Ludo | Lata Kutty | Netflix film |
| 2025 | Khauf | Warden Gracie Dungdung | Amazon Prime series |
| 2025 | Homebound | Phool (Chandan's mother) | Cannes premiere |
References
- ^ S, Srivatsan (26 November 2020). "'Peepli Live' to 'Ludo': Shalini Vatsa on her decade-long run in Bollywood".
- ^ Ghosal, Sharmistha (4 December 2020). "Sacred Games actor Shalini Vatsa rides high with her act in Ludo".
- ^ "I'm not against any kind of cinema: Shalini Vatsa".
- ^ Mishra, BK (30 September 2010). "Theatre continues to be Shalini's first love".
- ^ "Aamir liked my performance: Shalini". The Times of India. 22 August 2010.
- ^ Chhabra, Anjali (24 September 2010). "Being Dhaniya".
- ^ "Shalini Vatsa is on a high after Ludo".
- ^ "Lata Kutty has a fun and quirky side, something I hadn't explored on screen: Shalini Vatsa". 21 December 2020.
- ^ "Ludo actor Shalini Vatsa weighs in on completing a decade in Bollywood and working with Anurag Basu". 3 December 2020.
- ^ News Service, Statesman (15 May 2025). "Karan Johar drops 'Homebound' poster ahead of its big Cannes moment".
- ^ "Cannes 2025 Short Takes: 'Homebound' is a Stunning Portrait of Systemic Cruelty and Defiant Courage".