Shalini Vatsa
 | This article contains wording that promotes the subject in a subjective manner without imparting real information. (July 2025) |
Shalini Vatsa | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Patna, Bihar, India |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 2010–present |
| Notable work | Peepli Live, Sacred Games, Ludo |
Shalini Vatsa is an Indian theatre and film actress known for her performances in the Netflix series Sacred Games (2018–2019) and in films like Peepli Live (2010) and Ludo (2020).[1] Active in Indian cinema since 2010, she has also worked in digital streaming series and independent cinema.[2]
Early life and education
[edit]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
[edit]Debut and early roles (2010–2015)
[edit]Shalini Vatsa made her film debut as Dhaniya in Peepli Live[6] (2010), a satirical drama produced by Aamir Khan. [7]
She went on to appear in notable films including Shanghai (2012), directed by Dibakar Banerjee, and Shahid (2012), directed by Hansal Mehta, where she portrayed Prosecutor Tambe.
Streaming and ensemble work (2016–present)
[edit]In 2016, she appeared as part of the ensemble cast in Gurgaon, an independent noir thriller.
Vatsa gained wider recognition through her role as Kanta Bai in Netflix’s Sacred Games (2018–2019). In Ludo (2020), she played Nurse Lata Kutty, a character described by The Indian Express as "fun and quirky."[8][9]
In 2025, she played Warden in the Amazon Prime series Khauf. Her latest work includes a supporting 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
[edit]- SPOTT Awards (2021): Winner, Web Film Award: Performance in a Supporting Role – Female (Ludo)
- IIFA Awards (2022): Nominee, Best Supporting Actress (Ludo)
Selected filmography
[edit]| 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 | Chandan's mother | Cannes premiere |
References
[edit]- ^ Ghosal, Sharmistha (4 December 2020). "Sacred Games actor Shalini Vatsa rides high with her act in Ludo". indulgexpress.com.
- ^ S, Srivatsan (26 November 2020). "'Peepli Live' to 'Ludo': Shalini Vatsa on her decade-long run in Bollywood". The Hindu.
- ^ "I'm not against any kind of cinema: Shalini Vatsa". Business Standard. India.
- ^ Mishra, BK (30 September 2010). "Theatre continues to be Shalini's first love". The Times of India.
- ^ "Aamir liked my performance: Shalini". The Times of India. 22 August 2010.
- ^ Chhabra, Anjali (24 September 2010). "Being Dhaniya". The Hindu.
- ^ "Shalini Vatsa is on a high after Ludo". The Telegraph (India).
- ^ "Lata Kutty has a fun and quirky side, something I hadn't explored on screen: Shalini Vatsa". The Indian Express. 21 December 2020.
- ^ "Ludo actor Shalini Vatsa weighs in on completing a decade in Bollywood and working with Anurag Basu". firstpost.com. 3 December 2020.
- ^ News Service, Statesman (15 May 2025). "Karan Johar drops 'Homebound' poster ahead of its big Cannes moment". thestatesman.com.
- ^ "Cannes 2025 Short Takes: 'Homebound' is a Stunning Portrait of Systemic Cruelty and Defiant Courage". hollywoodreporterindia.com.