Rasika Dugal

Get to know Rasika Dugal — acclaimed Indian actress known for Mirzapur, Manto, Hamid and more. Explore her journey, key roles, personal insights, and takeaways.

Introduction

Rasika Dugal is an Indian actress recognized for her quiet but powerful performances in films, web series, and television. Mirzapur (2018–present).

While her birth year is sometimes misreported in popular sources, most reliable biographical profiles list her as being born on 17 January 1985 in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand.

In this article, we trace her early background, education, ascent in acting, notable works, personal side, key reflections, and what we can learn from her career.

Early Life & Education

Rasika Dugal was born in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand (then in the state of Bihar) to parents Jessie Dugal and Raveen Dugal. Sacred Heart Convent School in Jamshedpur during her formative years.

She later moved to Delhi, where she studied mathematics at Lady Shri Ram College for Women, earning a BSc (Honours) in Mathematics in 2004. Sophia Polytechnic, Mumbai.

Her passion for acting led her to the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, where she earned a postgraduate diploma in acting.

Her educational path reflects a blend of analytical rigor (mathematics) and creative pursuit (media and acting), which perhaps underlies the poise and thoughtfulness in her performances.

Career & Achievements

Beginnings & Early Roles (2007–2014)

Rasika Dugal made her screen debut in Anwar (2007) in a small role. No Smoking (2007) and Tahaan (2008).

Over the next few years, she balanced work in films and television. She acted in serials like Powder (2010), Kismat (2010), Upanishad Ganga (2012), and P.O.W. – Bandi Yuddh Ke (2016).

During this period, she began getting noticed for her subtlety, emotional control, and ability to make even small parts memorable.

Breakthrough & Critical Success (2015–present)

Her career gained a sharper trajectory after 2015:

• In Qissa (2015), she played Neeli, a role that drew critical attention.

• In Manto (2018), she portrayed Safia, the wife of writer Saadat Hasan Manto. Her performance earned her a Screen Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

• Hamid (2018) was another milestone: she won Best Actress at the Rajasthan International Film Festival for her role in that film.

• Her role as Beena Tripathi in Mirzapur (Amazon Prime) remains among her most recognized.

She also gained praise for roles in web series such as Made in Heaven (2019), Delhi Crime (2019), Out of Love (2019–2021), A Suitable Boy (2020), and OK Computer (2021).

On the film side, titles like Lootcase and Darbaan (2020) further showcased her range.

Beyond acting, she co-wrote a short film Banana Bread (2020) with her husband Mukul Chadda, and lent her voice to a comedy podcast Uncovidable (2020).

In 2025, she also began work on Mirzapur: The Film, reprising her role as Beena Tripathi.

Personal Life & Character

Rasika Dugal married actor Mukul Chadda in 2010, after dating for about three years. Banana Bread).

She is known for being introspective, modest, and choosing projects that allow her to explore nuance rather than mere visibility. In interviews, she has mentioned enjoying reading Urdu poetry, music, and listening to podcasts.

While not as publicly quotable as some actors, her career choices and restrained performances speak of integrity, thoughtfulness, and commitment to craft.

Notable Roles & Highlights

Here are some standout performances and what makes them special: