Chhaya Kadam’s rise in the entertainment industry is a story of resilience and hard work. Born into a working-class family in Kalina, Mumbai, Kadam never imagined that one day she would star in an Oscar-nominated film. Her journey, filled with struggles and perseverance, has taken her from earning just Rs 250 a day to rubbing shoulders with international filmmakers at prestigious festivals like Cannes and now the Oscars.
From Kabaddi Player to Actor
Kadam never intended to become an actress. She grew up in a humble household where her primary ambition was to become a Kabaddi player. She even played at the state level. But life had other plans for her. After the unfortunate loss of both her father and brother in 2001, Kadam found herself searching for an outlet to escape her grief. It was during this time that she came across an advertisement for an acting workshop. What seemed like a simple decision to attend the workshop would go on to change the course of her life forever.
The Breakthrough with Marathi Theatre
Kadam’s first foray into acting came through Marathi theatre. Though she did not dream of an acting career, her passion and dedication soon led her to small roles in local theatre productions. Her first film role was not released, but she remained undeterred. She continued performing in various Marathi plays, steadily building her reputation in the industry.
Struggling in the Early Days
Kadam’s early acting days were filled with challenges. She doubted whether she could ever fit into an industry that often valued looks, connections, and fluency in English. But she persisted, taking on small roles and earning just Rs 250 a day to support herself and her family. Her perseverance eventually paid off when she began landing more prominent roles in Marathi cinema. Her journey had begun, but she was far from the heights she would eventually reach.
Breakout Roles in ‘Fandry’ and ‘Sairat’
One of Kadam’s breakthroughs came in 2013 when she played the role of Nani in the Marathi film Fandry, a powerful story about caste oppression. Her performance was highly praised, marking her as a versatile and talented actress. This was followed by Sairat, one of the most successful Marathi films in recent times, where Kadam’s performance once again stood out. These films helped her establish a solid reputation in the Marathi film industry.
Working with Amitabh Bachchan in ‘Jhund’
In 2022, Kadam’s career reached another significant milestone when she starred alongside Amitabh Bachchan in Jhund, a sports drama directed by Nagraj Manjule. Kadam played the role of Ranjana, Bachchan’s on-screen wife. The film was yet another example of her ability to seamlessly transition between different kinds of roles, whether it was in Marathi cinema or Bollywood. Working with a legend like Amitabh Bachchan was a dream come true for Kadam, and her performance was widely appreciated.
‘Missing Ladies’ and the Journey to the Oscars
In 2024, Kadam found herself in the international spotlight with Missing Ladies (Laapta Ladies), a film that received worldwide acclaim. The movie, which tells the story of a strong-willed tea shop owner named Manju Maayi, earned Kadam praise for her nuanced portrayal of a tough but compassionate woman. The character’s strength and vulnerability resonated with audiences across the globe, making Kadam a standout performer in the film.
The success of Missing Ladies reached new heights when it was announced as India’s official entry in the Best International Feature Film category at the 2025 Academy Awards. For someone who never imagined an acting career, Kadam’s journey from local Marathi theatre to the global stage of the Oscars is nothing short of remarkable.
Overcoming Challenges in the Film Industry
Despite the success Kadam enjoys today, her journey was far from easy. In the early stages of her career, she often faced rejection and even doubted her place in the industry. She once recalled being offered a role simply because the lead actor didn’t show up. Though her initial experiences were tough, they only fueled her determination to keep going.
She shared in an interview, “I had no idea what the acting world was like. I just wanted to find a way out of my grief. But life has its own plans, and once I got my first taste of acting, I knew this was where I belonged.”
International Recognition at Cannes
Kadam’s journey wasn’t just limited to Bollywood and Marathi cinema. In 2024, she appeared at the Cannes Film Festival not once but twice, with two films: All We Imagine As Light by Payal Kapadia and Sister Midnight by Karan Kandhari. These films, which further showcased her talent, marked her entry into the international film circuit, cementing her status as a globally recognized actor.
A Long Journey, but Just the Beginning
From earning Rs 250 a day to becoming a star of Oscar-nominated films, Chhaya Kadam’s journey is one of grit, resilience, and unshakable belief in oneself. Today, she stands tall not only as a successful actor but as an inspiration to many young women from small towns who dream of making it big against all odds.
