Meet the Odia Actresses Making Waves in Hindi Cinema!
Odia Stars Shine Bright in Hindi Entertainment
The Odia film industry has birthed numerous cinematic treasures, and among them, several talented actresses have successfully transitioned into the Hindi entertainment scene. These remarkable women have transcended regional and linguistic boundaries, making significant contributions across various platforms, including parallel cinema, national television, and OTT. Here’s a spotlight on five Odia actresses who have made their mark in Hindi cinema.
Nandita Das: A Pioneer of Parallel Cinema
Hailing from Bhubaneswar, Nandita Das is celebrated internationally for her impactful performances in socially relevant films. A graduate of Miranda House in Delhi with a Master’s in Social Work, she gained recognition through Deepa Mehta’s films Fire (1996) and Earth (1998), followed by roles in Bawandar and Aks.
As a director, she has also made significant contributions with films like Firaaq (2008) and Zwigato (2022), the latter featuring Kapil Sharma and set in her hometown. Notably, she was the first Indian to serve on the jury at the Cannes Film Festival in 2005.
Key Hindi Films: Fire, Earth, Bawandar, Aks, Zwigato
Apsara Rani: RGV’s Discovery from Odisha
Anketa Maharana, known as Apsara Rani, gained national attention after being cast by Ram Gopal Varma in his 2020 thriller Thriller. RGV introduced her on Twitter as an 'Odia beauty,' highlighting her roots and upbringing in Dehradun.
Thriller was marketed as a follow-up to RGV’s previous bold digital releases, Climax and Naked. The name Apsara Rani was specifically chosen for her role in this project.
She later appeared in Dangerous, recognized as India’s first lesbian crime-action film, and is featured in RGV’s D Company series.
Notable Hindi Works: Thriller, Dangerous
Prakruti Mishra: From Regional Awards to National Fame
Prakruti Mishra, also from Bhubaneswar, began her journey as a child artist in Odia films and television. She gained national recognition after receiving a Special Mention at the 65th National Film Awards for her performance in Hello Arsi (2017), which explored themes of urban loneliness and identity.
Transitioning to Hindi television, she has taken on significant roles in shows like Bitti Business Wali (2018) and Jai Kanhaiya Lal Ki (2017), and participated in MTV’s Ace of Space 2 (2019). With her blend of talent and dedication, Mishra continues to navigate both regional and national projects.
Riyana Sukla: Cuttack’s Rising Star
Riyana Sukla, born in Cuttack, made her Bollywood debut with Kashi… In Search of Ganga (2025), alongside Sarman Joshi. She has also appeared in Hindi films such as Life Ki Aisi Ki Taisi, Mr MBA, and Lucknowi Ishq.
Kavya Keeran: From Odisha to Hindi Cinema
Kavya Keeran, who hails from Bhubaneswar, began her career in notable Odia films like Kaunri Kanya (2013) and received state accolades for her performances in Khusi (2019) and Shahid Raghu Sardar (2020). She ventured into Hindi cinema with Rang-E-Ishq (2015) and appeared in the music video Tu Ki Kitta (2022).