Tillotama Shome, the acclaimed ‘crossover actor’ who has been making waves in the international festival circuit and earning accolades as the poster girl for independent cinema in India. But that’s not all – this talented artist has now set the OTT arena ablaze with her captivating performances.
Source: Fresh Press Journal
Tillotama Shome proved her mettle as a powerhouse actor right from her debut. Interestingly, acting was not her initial plan; fate seemed to have different ideas. Born in Kolkata to Anupam and Baishakhi Shome, Tillotama’s upbringing was marked by moving to various parts of the country due to her father’s association with the Indian Air Force.
Source: Bollywood Biography
Overcoming a speech impediment during her time at Asmita, she discovered the transformative power of theatre and the allure of the acting process. Seeking answers about the art form that had changed her life, she delved into drama therapy and educational theatre. This curiosity propelled her into diverse projects, including collaborations spanning Indo-European and Australian realms.
Here are some lesser-known facts about Tilotama Shome:
Source: Tribune India
-Tillotama Shome made her entry into Bollywood through the film “Monsoon Wedding” in 2001, where she portrayed the character of Alice, marking the beginning of her career in the industry.
-She is related to the Bachchan family through her husband Kunal, who is the son of Jaya Bachchan’s sister.
Source: Bollywood MDB
-During her time in New York, she served as a teaching artist at Creative Arts, an organization that utilizes theater to spread messages of social awareness.
-In addition, Tillotama Shome taught theater to inmates at a high-security US prison, showcasing her commitment to using the power of drama for rehabilitation.
Source: Man’s World India
-Her exceptional acting skills earned her the prestigious Filmfare Award for Best Actress (Critics) for her role as a housemaid in the film “Sir” at the 66th Filmfare Awards. Furthermore, she was honored with the Best Actor Award at the UK Asian Film Festival for her remarkable performance in “Raahgir: The Wayfarers,” released in 2019.
-Tillotama Shome possesses a solid educational background, holding bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English literature from India, as well as a second master’s degree from New York University in Educational Theatre.
Source: Mashable India
-Among her close friends in the industry is actress Konkona Sen Sharma, with whom she shares a strong bond.
-Some Notable works in her filmography include “Monsoon Wedding” (2001), “Shadows of Time” (2004), “The Waiting City” (2009), “Shanghai” (2012), “Qissa: The Tale of a Lonely Ghost” (2013), “Hindi Medium” (2017), and “Sir” (2018). These projects have solidified her reputation as a versatile and accomplished actress in the world of cinema.
Source: Scroll.in
-During an interview, she revealed that for two decades, she experienced a sense of being an outsider due to her involvement in films that either did not release in India or had very limited screenings.
-When invited to public screenings, the lack of acknowledgement from others made her feel out of place, leading to resentment, cynicism, and bitterness towards the industry. Unfortunately, these negative emotions took a toll on her career, causing a prolonged period of work scarcity for several years.
Also Read:
MM Keeravani: Lesser Known Facts About The Man Behind ‘Naatu Naatu’
