Urmila Matondkar

Urmila Matondkar (born 4 February 1974) is an Indian actress and politician. Known for her work primarily in Hindi films, in addition to Telugu, Malayalam, Marathi and Tamil films, she has received numerous accolades, including the Filmfare Award and the Nandi Award. Having established a distinctive on-screen persona, she is known for her acting skills, style statements and dancing skills.

After making her debut as a child in the 1977 film ''Karm'', Matondkar gained recognition with ''Masoom'' (1983), following which she appeared in few other films. Her first lead role came with the Malayalam film ''Chanakyan'' (1989), and her subsequent lead role in Hindi cinema with ''Narsimha'' (1991), both of which were commercial successes. After a brief setback, Matondkar emerged as a star with Ram Gopal Verma's romantic drama ''Rangeela'' (1995).

Matondkar had further success in the drama ''Judaai'' (1997), the crime film ''Satya'' (1998), the romantic comedy ''Khoobsurat'' (1999), and the thriller ''Jungle'' (2000). She also played the leading lady in Malayalam, Telugu and Tamil films such as ''Thacholi Varghese Chekavar''(1995), ''Antham'' (1992), ''Gaayam'' (1993), ''Indian'' (1996) and ''Anaganaga Oka Roju'' (1997). Matondkar garnered critical recognition for portraying a range of intense characters in several psychological thrillers and horror films, including a serial killer in ''Kaun'' (1999), an obsessive lover in ''Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya'' (2001), a possessed woman in ''Bhoot'' (2003) and a violent avenger in ''Ek Hasina Thi'' (2004). During these years, she collaborated with independent filmmakers in art-house cinema, including the dramas ''Tehzeeb'' (2003), ''Pinjar'' (2003), ''Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara'' (2005), ''Bas Ek Pal'' (2006). She has since worked intermittently, including in the Marathi film ''Ajoba'' (2014).

In addition to acting in films, Matondkar is involved with several humanitarian causes and is vocal about issues faced by women and children. She has participated in concert tours and stage shows, and featured as a talent judge for various dance reality shows, including ''Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa'' (2007) and ''DID Super Moms'' (2022). Provided by Wikipedia