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).
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Early and personal life
Matondkar was born on 4 February 1974 to Shrikant and Sunita Matondkar in Bombay (present-day Mumbai) in a Hindu Maharashtrian family. She studied at DG Ruparel College, Mumbai. She married a Kashmir-based businessman and model Mohsin Akhtar Mir on 3 March 2016.
Urmila Matondkar Age Husband Children Family Biography
| Bio | |
|---|---|
| Profession(s) | Actress, Model, Politician |
| Physical Stats & More | |
| Height | in centimeters- 161 cm in meters- 1.61 m in Feet Inches- 5′ 3½” |
| Weight (approx.) | in Kilograms- 50 Kg in Pounds- 110 lbs |
| Figure Measurements (approx.) | 32-24-32 |
| Eye Colour | Greyish |
| Hair Colour | Brown |
| Politics | |
| Political Party | • Indian National Congress (INC) (27 March 2019 – 10 September 2019) • Shiv Sena (1 December 2020-present) |
| Acting Career | |
| Debut Film | As a child actress: Kalyug (1980) As an adult actress: Narasimha (1991) |
| Personal Life | |
| Date of Birth | 4 February 1974 (Monday) |
| Age (as of 2025) | 51 Years |
| Birthplace | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Zodiac sign | Aquarius |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Hometown | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| School | Not Known |
| College | Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra |
| Educational Qualification | Graduate (B.A. in Philosophy) |
| Family | Father– Shivinder Singh (a lecturer) Mother– Rukshana Sultana (homemaker) Sisters– Mamta Matondkar (elder, actress), Pooja Matondkar (younger) Brother– Kedar Matondkar (elder; worked in the Indian Air Force as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician) |
| Best Friends | Manish Malhotra (Fashion Designer), Paulomi Sanghvi (Jewellery Designer) |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Address | 93/14, Lokhandwala Road Andheri West, Mumbai |
| Tattoo | A airy on her right shoulder |
| Hobbies | Studying, Acting |
| Controversies | N/A |
| Favourite Things | |
| Food | Italian & Chinese Cuisines |
| Actor | Aamir Khan |
| Actress | Rani Mukerji |
| Singer(s) | Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle |
| Travel Destination(s) | London & Kashmir |
| Boys, Affairs and More | |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Affairs/Boyfriends | Ram Gopal Varma (Director) Mohsin Akhtar Mir (model, businessman) |
| Husband | Mohsin Akhtar Mir |
| Marriage Date | 3 March 2016 |
| Children | None |
| Money Factor | |
| Salary (approx.) | ₹1-2 Crores/film |
| Net Worth (approx.) | $20 million |
Acting career
Debut and work as a child artist (1977–88)
Matondkar made her film debut as a child artiste in B.R. Chopra’s Karm (1977). Following this, she featured in Shreeram Lagoo’s Marathi film Zaakol (1980). Additionally, she appeared in Shyam Benegal’s crime drama Kalyug (1980), Shekhar Kapur’s Masoom (1983), and Praveen Bhatt’s Bhavna (1984). Later on, she acted in K. Viswanath’s Sur Sangam (1985), Rahul Rawail’s Dacait (1987), and Kalpataru’s Bade Ghar Ki Beti (1989), all as a child star.
Adult debut and career beginnings (1989–1993)
Matondkar made her acting debut in 1989 with the Malayalam blockbuster Chanakyan, opposite Kamal Haasan. In 1991, she entered Bollywood with N. Chandra’s action drama Narsimha, playing the rebellious daughter of a crime lord. The film was a commercial success.
In 1992, she starred alongside Shah Rukh Khan in the ghost comedy Chamatkar. That same year, she made her Telugu debut with Antham and its Hindi version Drohi, opposite Nagarjuna. Playing Bhavna, an ornithologist in love with Nagarjuna’s character, she earned positive reviews. This film marked her first collaboration with director Ram Gopal Varma.
In 1993, she appeared in Shreemaan Aashique (opposite Rishi Kapoor) and Bedardi (opposite Ajay Devgn), both of which failed at the box office. However, she found success with Varma’s Telugu political thriller Gaayam, which won six Nandi Awards. Matondkar’s performance earned her a Nandi Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Stardom and public recognition (1994–98)
Urmila Matondkar gained wider public recognition in 1994 with the romantic drama Aa Gale Lag Ja, where she starred alongside Jugal Hansraj. The film’s success brought her into the limelight, paving the way for more significant roles.
In 1995, Matondkar cemented her position as a leading actress in Bollywood with Ram Gopal Varma’s musical romance Rangeela. Co-starring Aamir Khan and Jackie Shroff, the film became one of the year’s highest-grossing productions, earning ₹334 million at the box office.
She played Mili Joshi, a vibrant and ambitious young woman aspiring to become an actress. Her performance earned her a Filmfare Best Actress nomination, marking her first major recognition. Rangeela was also screened at the International Film Festival of India. In the same year, she appeared in the Malayalam action film Thacholi Varghese Chekavar, portraying Maya, the sole witness to a homicide who is kept under house arrest by her parents.
Tamil Debut and Success with Indian (1996)
In 1996, Matondkar made her Tamil film debut in S. Shankar’s Indian (released in Hindi as Hindustani). The film featured Kamal Haasan in dual roles alongside Matondkar and Manisha Koirala. At the time, it was the most expensive Indian film, with a budget of ₹150 million.
Indian was a commercial success and became India’s official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 1996 Academy Awards, though it did not receive a nomination. Critics praised its engaging storytelling, with India Today highlighting its energetic dance sequences, A. R. Rahman’s music, and the strong performances of its leading ladies.
Matondkar’s first release in 1997 was Judaai, a melodrama directed by Raj Kanwar. A remake of the Telugu film Shubhalagnam, it depicted the story of Kajal (Sridevi), who asks her husband Raj (Anil Kapoor) to marry Janhvi (Matondkar), the wealthy daughter of his boss, in exchange for financial stability.
The Indian Express praised Matondkar’s performance, stating that she “comes out with flying colours.” The film was a commercial success, earning her a Filmfare Best Supporting Actress nomination.
Mixed Box Office Performances (1997-1998)
Following Judaai, Matondkar starred in several films, including the crime comedy Daud (opposite Sanjay Dutt), the romantic drama Mere Sapno Ki Rani (opposite Sanjay Kapoor), and the action romance Aflatoon (opposite Akshay Kumar). However, these films failed to perform well at the box office.
She then reunited with Ram Gopal Varma for her third Telugu film, Anaganaga Oka Roju, co-starring J. D. Chakravarthy. The film followed a couple on the run who get falsely accused of a politician’s murder. It received positive reviews and became a box office hit.
Matondkar’s next major success came with Satya (1998), a crime drama that earned her another Filmfare Best Actress nomination. The film was a massive box office hit and is considered one of Bollywood’s greatest gangster films.
Satya appeared on CNN-IBN’s 2013 list of the “100 Greatest Indian Films of All Time” and the “70 Iconic Movies of Independent India” list. It was also featured in Rachel Dwyer’s 100 Bollywood Films, where it was hailed as a masterpiece, and in Shubhra Gupta’s 50 Films That Changed Bollywood (1995-2015).
Professional expansion and success (1999–2003)
In 1999, Matondkar appeared in six films. Four of them—Jaanam Samjha Karo, Hum Tum Pe Marte Hain, Mast, and Dillagi—failed commercially. However, critics praised her performances. Rediff noted in its review of Jaanam Samjha Karo, “Urmila is just about the only heroine who can give Karisma a run for her money when it comes to pelvic thrusts.”
Her first hit that year was Ram Gopal Varma’s psychological horror thriller Kaun, co-starring Manoj Bajpayee. Playing a nameless character, she captivated audiences. The Times of India’s Khalid Mohamed wrote, “She rivets the viewer’s interest, carrying off entire reels on her shoulders.”
Later, she starred in the action-comedy Khoobsurat opposite Sanjay Dutt, which became a box-office hit.
During the 2000s, Matondkar revealed strong, dramatic and psychological features in her roles, and delivered a number of critically acclaimed performances. In 2000, Matondkar re-united with Varma for the action Jungle, alongside Fardeen Khan and Sunil Shetty. She played Anu, who is hostaged by the chief of bandits, when he starts liking her. Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama wrote, “Urmila Matondkar is at ease in a role that gives her ample scope to showcase her talent. Her scenes with Durga can easily be singled out, for they have been shot with brilliance.” The film was both critically and commercially successful. She next starred opposite Govinda in David Dhawan’s romantic comedy Kunwara. The film underperformed at the box office, with a grossing of ₹182 million (US$2.2 million).
In 2001, Matondkar starred as Ria, an obsessed lover, in Rajat Mukherjee’s romantic thriller Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya. The film received critical acclaim, and her performance was widely praised. Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama called her the “actual hero” of the film, applauding her ability to portray intensity, love, hate, and obsession with perfection.
Planet Bollywood described her as “mind-blowing,” predicting nominations for both Best Actress and Best Villain. The film performed well at the box office, earning ₹281 million (US$3.4 million). Matondkar received multiple Best Villain nominations, including one for the Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role.
In 2002, Matondkar starred in the drama Om Jai Jagadish alongside an ensemble cast, playing Neetu, the love interest of Fardeen Khan’s character. However, the film failed commercially.
Her next release was Anees Bazmee’s psychological thriller Deewangee, where she played Sargam, a popular singer caught in a conflict between the protagonist and antagonist. Co-starring Ajay Devgan and Akshaye Khanna, the film received positive reviews and achieved moderate box office success. Rediff praised the performances but noted that Matondkar had limited screen time, though she executed her part well.
Breakthrough with Bhoot (2003)
Matondkar’s first release of 2003 was the supernatural horror Bhoot, where she played Swati, a woman possessed by a ghost. Her performance earned widespread acclaim. Taran Adarsh praised her, stating, “The film clearly belongs to Urmila Matondkar all the way… Sequences when she is possessed are simply astounding.” Khalid Mohamed described her as “consistently excellent—controlled and persuasively vulnerable.”
As a result of her outstanding performance, she won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress (Critics’ Choice) along with multiple Best Actress awards, including Star Screen, Zee Cine, and Bollywood Movie Awards. Additionally, she received the Rajiv Gandhi Award for her contributions to Bollywood. Bhoot was a box-office success, grossing ₹224 million (US$2.7 million).
Later that year, she starred in Tehzeeb, playing a young woman in a strained relationship with her mother. Rediff praised her, stating, “Urmila has done a commendable job as the emotionally scarred Tehzeeb.”
She next played Puro in Pinjar, a critically acclaimed film set against the backdrop of the 1947 Partition. Her character’s life is shattered when she is kidnapped by Manoj Bajpayee’s character. Variety called the film “one of the better Bollywood treatments” of the Partition, highlighting Matondkar and Bajpayee’s strong performances.
Critical acclaim and decrease in workload (2004–present)
In 2004, Urmila Matondkar starred in the thriller Ek Hasina Thi, which marked the directorial debut of Sriram Raghavan. The film follows the story of Sarika Vartak, played by Matondkar, a woman deceived by her lover (portrayed by Saif Ali Khan). She is arrested for alleged links with the underworld and later escapes from prison to seek revenge.
Upon release, Ek Hasina Thi received positive reviews from critics, with Matondkar’s performance earning high praise. The Deccan Herald noted, “An author-backed role ensures that Urmila gets to do everything just right… She carries off the transition from naïve to knowing effortlessly. Seductive and steely, she’s quite explosive.” The film was a box office success, and Matondkar earned nominations at the Filmfare, Screen, Zee Cine, and IIFA Awards. Additionally, the film was screened at the New York Asian Film Festival.
In 2005, Matondkar played the lead role in the horror film Naina, where her character gains the ability to see into the supernatural world after an eye transplant. The film premiered in the Marché du Film section at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival.
She then starred in Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara, portraying Trisha Chaudhary, the devoted daughter of Professor Uttam Chaudhary (Anupam Kher). As a result, the film received critical acclaim. Moreover, Rediff praised her performance, stating, “Her credibility as a versatile actress is further established in her reserved albeit realistic delivery of emotions.” Consequently, this role reinforced her reputation as a skilled and nuanced performer. Her performance earned her the Bollywood Movie Award for Best Actress.
In 2006, she appeared in Banaras: A Mystic Love Story alongside Ashmit Patel and Dimple Kapadia. However, the film was not well received by critics. Raja Sen from Rediff commented, “She looks great, refreshingly beautiful and striking. That’s about it.” Her next release that year was Bas Ek Pal, directed by Onir.
Critical and Commercial Setback with Karzzzz (2008)
Matondkar’s next major film was Karzzzz (2008), a remake of the 1980 classic Karz. Starring alongside Himesh Reshammiya, she played the role of Kamini. Although the film was a critical and commercial failure, critics praised her performance and noted how she added her unique touch to the character.
Later that year, she reunited with Sanjay Dutt for the film EMI. In 2012, she lent her voice to the character of Begum in the animated comedy Delhi Safari.
In 2014, Matondkar made her Marathi film debut with Ajoba, playing Purva Rao, a wildlife activist searching for leopards. Daily News and Analysis praised her performance, stating, “This one’s another jewel in her crown. She portrays Purva with a mild aggressive and rebellious streak, yet these emotions remain an undercurrent to her actions.”
After a four-year hiatus, she made a special appearance in a song from the dark comedy Blackmail (2018).
Off-screen work
In addition to her acting career, Matondkar has participated in several stage shows and televised award ceremonies. In 2007, she lent her voice for Asha Bhonsle’s album Asha and Friends Vol 1, where she performed with Bhonsle for a duet song “Mehbooba Dilruba”. Later that year, she featured as a talent judge for the second season of Sony Entertainment’s dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa alongside Jeetendra and Shiamak Davar. She described her experience of judging Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa by saying, “I’m ecstatic about being able to be part of this show. I was facing the participants and audience for the first time. There were no written lines, no cues, no second chances. Either it worked or it didn’t work for you. It was a concept that I liked.”
In 2008, Matondkar presented Sony TV’s singing reality show Waar Parriwar. In 2011, she co-judged Colors’ dance reality show Chak Dhoom Dhoom, along with Javed Jaffrey and Terence Lewis and in 2012, she featured as one of the jury of Zee Marathi’s Dance Maharashtra Dance, where the dancers from Maharashtra demonstrated their dancing prowess through different dance forms.
Matondkar at a TV studio in 2011
During her years in the film industry, Matondkar has been involved in different charitable organisations and has particularly supported women’s causes in India. In February 2013, Matondkar along with Parineeti Chopra, walked for Manish Malhotra in London, England, to support the Angeli Foundation – a charity that works to empower the Girl Child in India. She has walked the runway for designers such as Manish Malhotra and Rohit Verma.
Political career
Matondkar joined the Indian National Congress on 27 March 2019. She contested from Mumbai North constituency in the 2019 Lok Sabha Election but lost. On 10 September 2019, she resigned from the party, citing petty internal politics. On 1 December 2020, she joined Shiv Sena in the presence of party president Uddhav Thackeray. Shiv Sena hoped to add a nationally recognized face and voice, well conversant in Marathi, Hindi as well as English, to represent the party.
Artistry and media image
Urmila Matondkar has been described by critics as one of the most talented actresses and has been praised for her dancing skills. In 2016, film critic Subhash K. Jha praised her work.
Film critic Sukanya Verma has described Matondkar as “a thinking actress who performs spontaneously.” She further added,”..It is her charismatic image that stays with the audience. She is an actress with a lot of style and a fair amount of substance.” Director Ram Gopal Varma, describing her as someone who impacted him, commented, “I was mesmerized by Urmila’s beauty — from her face to her figure… everything about her was just divine…One of my primary motives in making Rangeela was to capture Urmila’s beauty eternally on camera and to make it a benchmark for sex symbols.” Saurav Bhanot of Scoop Whoop wrote, “Breaking Bollywood stereotypes of how heroines should be on-screen, Urmila was always ahead of her times. With Rangeela, Urmila single-handedly redefined the 90s Bollywood heroine.” In an interview with Rediff, Matondkar described her approach to acting:
I have always tried to make life interesting for myself by doing different roles that connect mainstream cinema with its offbeat counterpart. I guess I have been daring and lucky with my roles. I want to do every kind of role with a reasonable amount of panache. I want to be a fair combination of style and substance.
In 2003, after the massive success of Bhoot, Pinjar, and Tehzeeb, Matondkar was subsequently featured in Rediff’s annual Top Bollywood Actresses listing. Planetbollywood.com described Matondkar as “a force to reckon with in the industry”.
Filmography
Films
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Karm | Ajay Kumar | Child artist |
| 1980 | Zaakol | Shona | Marathi film |
| 1981 | Kalyug | Parikshit | Child artist |
| 1983 | Masoom | Pinky | |
| 1984 | Bhavna | — | |
| 1985 | Sur Sangam | — | |
| 1987 | Dacait | Shanta | |
| 1989 | Bade Ghar Ki Beti | Pushpa | |
| 1988 | Tumhare Sahare | ||
| 1988 | Oh Bharya Katha | Neeraja | Telugu film |
| 1989 | Chanakyan | Renu | Debut as lead actress; Malayalam debut |
| 1991 | Narasimha | Meenu S. Singh | |
| 1992 | Chamatkar | Mala | |
| Antham | Bhavna | Telugu film | |
| Drohi | Bhavana | ||
| 1993 | Shreemaan Aashique | Shakuntala (Shaku) | |
| Gaayam | Chitra | Telugu film | |
| Bedardi | Honey | ||
| 1994 | Kanoon | Shalu | |
| Aa Gale Lag Ja | Roshni | ||
| Money Money | Chitra | Cameo appearance in song “Paadu Kaburu Vinagaane” | |
| 1995 | Rangeela | Mili Joshi | Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Actress |
| Thacholi Varghese Chekavar | Maya | Malayalam Film | |
| 1996 | Indian | Sapna | Tamil film |
| 1997 | Judaai | Janhvi Sahni | Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress |
| Anaganaga Oka Roju | Madhu | Telugu film | |
| Daud | Bhavani | ||
| Mere Sapno Ki Rani | Sapna | ||
| Aflatoon | Pooja | ||
| 1998 | Satya | Vidya | Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Actress |
| China Gate | — | Cameo appearance in song “Chamma Chamma“ | |
| Kudrat | Madhu | ||
| Chhota Chetan | Miss Hawa Hawai | ||
| 1999 | Kaun | Unnamed | |
| Jaanam Samjha Karo | Chandni | ||
| Hum Tum Pe Marte Hain | Radhika | ||
| Mast | Mallika | ||
| Dillagi | Shalini | ||
| Khoobsurat | Shivani | ||
| 2000 | Kunwara | Urmila Singh | |
| Jungle | Anu Malhotra | ||
| Deewane | Sapna | ||
| 2001 | Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya | Ria | Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role |
| Lajja | Dancer | Cameo appearance in song “Aa Hi Jaiye” | |
| 2002 | Company | — | Special appearance in song “A Shot of Company” |
| Om Jai Jagadish | Nitu | ||
| Deewangee | Sargam | ||
| 2003 | Bhoot | Swati | Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Actress |
| Tehzeeb | Tehzeeb Mirza | ||
| Pinjar | Puro (Kugi) / Hamida | ||
| 2004 | Ek Hasina Thi | Sarika Vartak / Swati | Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Actress |
| 2005 | Naina | Naina | |
| Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara | Trisha | Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Actress | |
| 2006 | Banaras | Shwetamabri | |
| Bas Ek Pal | Anamika | ||
| 2007 | Aag | — | Cameo appearance in song “Mehbooba Mehbooba” |
| Speed | Richa | ||
| Om Shanti Om | Herself | Cameo appearance in song “Deewangi Deewangi” | |
| 2008 | Karzzzz | Kaamini | |
| EMI | Prerana Joshi | ||
| 2011 | Shabri | — | Cameo appearance |
| 2012 | Hridayanath | — | Cameo appearance in song “Yana Yana” |
| Delhi Safari | Begum | Voice | |
| 2013 | Life Mein Hungama Hai | — | Cameo appearance |
| 2014 | Ajoba | Purva | Marathi film |
| 2018 | Blackmail | — | Special appearance in song Bewafa Beauty |
Television
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Katha Sagar | Shikha / Urmi |
| 1987 | Zindagi | Vimla |
| 1989 | Indradhanush | Bala’s girlfriend |
| 1993–1995 | Bible Ki Kahaniya | Noah Wife’s Niece |
| 2007 | Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Season 2 | Judge |
| 2008 | Waar Parriwar | Host |
| 2011 | Chak Dhoom Dhoom | Judge |
| 2011–2012 | Marathi Paul Padte Pudhe Atkepar Zenda | Judge |
| 2012–2013 | Dance Maharashtra Dance | Judge |
| 2022 | DID Super Moms | Judge |