Suhasini Mulay

Introduction

Suhasini Mulay (born 20 November 1950) is an Indian actress, documentary filmmaker, and former model whose versatile career spans films in multiple languages as well as television and non-fiction work. National Film Awards for her documentary work and for acting.

Early Life and Background

Suhasini Mulay was born in Patna, Bihar, India, into a Marathi-speaking family. Vijaya Mulay, a noted documentary filmmaker and film historian.

As a teenager, Suhasini was selected to feature in an advertisement for Pears Soap (in 1965), which brought her moderate public attention and opened doors into the film world.

Education & Early Career Choices

Despite her early connection to film, Suhasini did not immediately pursue acting full time. She went abroad to McGill University, Montreal, and studied agricultural technology (with a specialization in soil chemistry & microbiology) and later also earned a degree in mass communication, including film, radio, TV, journalism, and print.

After her studies, she returned to India (circa 1975) and worked behind the scenes in film. She assisted Satyajit Ray on Jana Aranya and worked with Mrinal Sen (joining him in Mrigaya) as assistant director. 60 documentaries, many of which won National Awards.

Film Acting Career

Debut and Early Impact

Her acting debut came with Bhuvan Shome (1969), directed by Mrinal Sen, in which Suhasini played Gauri, a village belle.

Later Acting & Character Roles

After a long hiatus from mainstream acting, Suhasini made a return to Bollywood with Gulzar’s Hu Tu Tu, earning a National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role.

Some of her notable film roles include:

• Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (she played Yashodamai)

• Jodhaa Akbar (role: Rani Padmawati)

• Aparoopa (Assamese film / multi-language version) — she played the titular character in Aparoopa (Assamese) / Apeksha (Hindi)

• Many other Hindi films across decades (over 60) and television serials.

Television & Non-Fiction Work

Suhasini’s work is not limited to cinema. She has acted in numerous Indian television serials, often in supporting roles.

Awards & Recognition

• She has won five National Film Awards, encompassing both her acting and documentary work.

• Her National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress came for Hu Tu Tu (1999).

• Her documentaries have also been honored multiple times in National Award ceremonies.

Personal Life

Suhasini Mulay was in a long-term live-in relationship that ended around 1990. 16 January 2011, she married Prof. Atul Gurtu, a physicist, in a ceremony at an Arya Samaj temple.

Her mother, Vijaya Mulay, was a distinguished figure in Indian cinema and education.

Personality, Influence & Legacy

Suhasini Mulay has been praised for her integrity, depth, and adaptability. She resisted being typecast early in her career and balanced her artistic and intellectual interests throughout her life. Her documentary work reflects her commitment to socially relevant cinema, while her acting in character roles has made her a familiar and respected face in Indian films.

Her legacy includes:

• Demonstrating that one can straddle both artistic cinema and mainstream film.

• Elevating the role of female character artists in Indian cinema.

• Paving a path for those who cross between non-fiction filmmaking and performance.

• Helping keep alive the tradition of meaningful television and film character work in an industry often focused on glamor and lead roles.