Chhaya Kadam

Chhaya Kadam is an Indian actress who predominantly appears in Marathi and Hindi films. Her best works are starring in Nagraj Manjule films, Fandry (2013), Sairat (2016), and Jhund (2022), Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022), Redu (2018), and Nude (2018). She is a recipient of the Best Supporting Actress at the 56th Maharashtra State Film Awards for Nude. Early life Chhaya Kadam was born into a middle-class family in Kalina, a suburb in central Mumbai. Her father was a mill worker. She has cited her father as one of the trustees of Sai Baba. On failing in the 12th grade, she said, "Success and failure come in life, but that is no reason to be discouraged. Because you get a second chance to prove yourself in life. But life doesn't come second. It is said that because of exam failure, some students resort to suicide". She attended Sathaye College, Vile Parle, where she played kabaddi at the state level, and graduated in Textile Design. She performed on stage throughout high school and college. Career Chhaya began her career on stage before moving to film in 2009. Her debut on the stage was with Waman Kendre's Zulva. Her first film, Baimanus (2010), was never released. This was followed by films like Mi Sindhutai Sapkal (2010), Baboo Band Baaja (2011), and Kuni Ghar Deta Ka Ghar (2013). Her debut Hindi film was Singham Returns (2013), in which she had a single scene with Ajay Devgn. Her breakthrough role came in Fandry (2013), directed by Nagraj Manjule. Her performance as Nani in the national award-winning film was critically acclaimed. She then appeared in Highway (2015) and Gour Hari Dastaan (2015).