Actress who is known for her prolific career across Indian television, film, and theater. She is often regarded as one of the finest actors in India, and in 1999, she won a record-setting 5th National Film Award for Best Actress.
She completed a graduate degree in psychology from St. Xavier's College in Mumbai, India. Following her time there, she successfully applied to the Film and Television Institute of India in Pune in 1972. She completed their 1 year intensive acting program in 1973.
She has served as a Goodwill Ambassador on the behalf of India to the United Nations Population Fund. Her primary cause she advocates for is population control in India. In 2006, she was awarded the Gandhi International Peace Award by the Gandhi Foundation in London, England for her efforts.
She was born in Hyderabad, India. She was subsequently raised there by her parents Kaifi and Shaukat.
She made her film debut in what was also Director Shyam Benegal's directorial debut film, Ankur.
