Chhaya Kadam shares Cannes journey through India’s intimidating challenges
Chhaya Kadam shares Cannes journey through India’s intimidating challenges
For actress Chhaya Kadam, It was an exceptional feeling on her journey through transforming India’s formidable challenges into opportunities only on The Better India Show! Watch Now
It is Chhaya Kadam’s rise from earning
Rs 250/Day to Laapataa Ladies & Oscars
Chhaya Kadam, was once a kabaddi player with no plans afoot for acting. But she became a sensation overnight with her role in Laapataa Ladies, India’s official Oscar entry for 2025. From Marathi theatre to the Cannes red carpet, her journey was packed with unexpected turns and hard-earned victories.
In 2001, Chhaya Kadam was confined to the walls in her house for months. She went on to recall that very year, her father and brother left for immortal world. And she was on the look out for ways to escape her rut, and that’s when she stumbled upon a newspaper advertisement for an acting workshop. What seemed like an ordinary decision taken to shake off her grief would go on to transform her life forever.
Notably in 2024 Kadam found herself everywhere -on the big screen, small screen, and even at international film festivals. It was her stellar role in Laapataa Ladies which not only won global acclaim but also selected as India’s official entry for the 2025 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category.
Her role in Laapataa Ladies as Manju Mai, a fiercely independent tea stall owner has turned sensational. Audiences have heaped praises on her nuanced portrayal of a woman tough yet compassionate. Manju Mai, hardened following betrayal from her abusive husband and the sacrifices she made, teaches Phool (and the viewers) the power of self-reliance.
Her success never came overnight. Born and raised in Mumbai’s Kalina, she comes from a humble working-class background. In her early years, she dreamt of playing kabaddi professionally, even making it to the state level. Later, she considered opening a gym or joining the police force; acting was never on her radar.
She went on to add that she had no plans whatsoever for an acting career, and she admitted that it happened accidentally
After years of doing odd jobs and supporting her family, she found herself drawn to the world of Marathi theatre. Regardless her enthusiasm, Kadam’s debut film never saw the light of day, and her first Bollywood role consisted of just one scene.
Yet, every small opportunity fuelled her determination. Early in her career, Kadam approached a director for a Doordarshan role but was told the casting was done and was offered an assistant position instead. She accepted, but when the lead actor didn’t show up, Kadam was offered the part. She recalled that it was one of those moments where she knew she was at the right place at the right time. What’s meant for you will find its way to you,.
Notwithstanding the victories, Chhaya often found herself doubting whether she even “looked like an actress”. In an industry where looks, contacts, and fluency in English often determined success, Kadam, who was not formally trained, felt out of place. She started doing job for Rs 250 a day. Everyone around her seemed younger, smarter, and more connected..But she refused to let any limitations define her.
Her breakthrough came in 2013 with Fandry, where her powerful portrayal of Naani, a woman battling caste oppression, earned her critical acclaim. Following this, she played a string of unforgettable roles in Marathi films like Sairat and Nude, which further solidified her presence in the industry.
In 2018, Chhaya took on a notable role in Sriram Raghavan’s Andhadhun, and in 2022, she featured alongside Amitabh Bachchan in Jhund as Ranjana, the wife of Bachchan’s character. She credits this milestone to her portrayal of the invisible women she has championed on screen without a second thought throughout her career. She never thought on playing one character and not another; just followed her heart and played what she wanted to.
It was this same pursuit of her inner voice that first led her to the acting workshop in 2001. In May this year, 23 years since that day, Kadam graced the screens at the Festival de Cannes not once, but twice — with Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine as Light that won the Grand Prix award, and Karan Kandhari’s Sister Midnight.
As she continues to break barriers in an industry that once questioned her, Kadam refuses to slow down just yet. She admits that she may have to work harder than some others to achieve what she wants but she is ready to do it.
News Edit KV Raman
