Seema Biswas is a critically acclaimed Indian actress, best known for her fearless and moving performance as Phoolan Devi in Shekhar Kapur’s Bandit Queen (1994). A powerhouse performer, she has carved a niche in Indian cinema and theatre with her ability to embody layered, emotionally intense roles. Over the years, Biswas has worked across Hindi, Marathi, Assamese, Bengali, and international cinema and has become one of the most respected actors in Indian parallel and mainstream films.
Her career, spanning over three decades, is marked by National Awards, international recognition, and memorable performances in both commercial blockbusters and offbeat films.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Seema Biswas |
| Born | 14 January 1965 (Age 60 in 2025), Nalbari, Assam, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession(s) | Actress, Theatre Artist |
| Husband/Spouse | Nikhilesh Sharma |
| Children | Not publicly known |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Height | 163 cm (5’4”) |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Alma Mater | National School of Drama (NSD), Delhi |
| Hobbies | Reading, Theatre, Travelling |
Seema Biswas was born in Nalbari, Assam, in a middle-class family. From an early age, she was drawn to the performing arts, participating in school plays and Assamese theatre productions.
Her mother, a schoolteacher, encouraged her love for drama. This passion led her to pursue professional training at the National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi, where she mastered classical and contemporary acting techniques.
After graduating from NSD, Biswas initially worked with stage productions across Assam and Delhi. Her theatre background gave her a strong foundation in realistic performance, which became her hallmark in films.
Her major break came with Shekhar Kapur’s Bandit Queen, where she played Phoolan Devi, a role rejected by many actresses due to its raw and bold nature. The film established her as a serious and fearless performer.
She won the National Film Award for Best Actress for this role, cementing her place in Indian cinema.
Over the years, Seema Biswas has played diverse roles, often balancing arthouse and commercial projects:
Khamoshi: The Musical (1996) – Won the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress.
Bhoot (2003) – Strong supporting role.
Water (2005) – Received international acclaim.
Vivah (2006) – Played a memorable motherly role in Sooraj Barjatya’s family drama.
Half Girlfriend (2017).
Khufiya (2023) – Netflix release directed by Vishal Bhardwaj.
Jolly LLB 3 (2025) – Upcoming release.
Deepa Mehta’s Water (2005) introduced her to global audiences, and she later acted in several Indo-Canadian and independent films that received international festival acclaim.
National Film Award – Best Actress (Bandit Queen, 1994)
Filmfare Critics Award – Best Actress (Khamoshi: The Musical, 1996)
Screen Awards – Multiple nominations for supporting roles.
International recognition at film festivals for Water and other works.
Estimated ₹15–20 Crores ($2–3 Million USD) earned through:
Films (Bollywood & regional)
Theatre productions
OTT projects & international films
Food: Assamese cuisine, home-cooked meals
Actors: Smita Patil, Naseeruddin Shah
Hobby: Theatre & reading novels
Seema Biswas is often called the “actress who redefined realism” in Indian cinema.
Unlike many Bollywood actresses, she has always stayed away from glamour and chosen content-driven roles.
She has worked in multiple languages – Hindi, Assamese, Marathi, Bengali, and English.
Despite international fame, she remains deeply rooted in Indian theatre.
Seema Biswas will be seen in Jolly LLB 3, releasing on 19 September 2025, alongside Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi, and Gajraj Rao.
Recently appeared in Vishal Bhardwaj’s Khufiya (2023) on Netflix.
Continues to work in regional cinema alongside Bollywood projects.
1. Which was Seema Biswas’s breakthrough film?
Her breakthrough came with Bandit Queen (1994), where she portrayed Phoolan Devi and won the National Award.
2. Is Seema Biswas from the National School of Drama (NSD)?
Yes, she is an alumna of NSD, one of India’s most prestigious acting institutes.
3. Apart from films, does Seema Biswas work in theatre?
Yes, she is a trained theatre artist and continues to act in and support stage productions.
4. What is Seema Biswas’s net worth in 2025?
Her net worth is estimated at ₹15–20 crores ($2–3 million USD).
5. What is her latest film?
Her latest movie is Jolly LLB 3, scheduled to release on 19 September 2025.
Seema Biswas is more than just an actress—she is a storyteller who has brought truth and depth to every role. From the boldness of Bandit Queen to the sensitivity of Khamoshi and the maternal strength of Vivah, she has proven her versatility across decades. With Jolly LLB 3 (2025) on the horizon, her legacy as one of India’s finest performers continues to inspire.
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