Tillotama Shome (born 25 June 1979) is an Indian actress known primarily for her work in independent cinema. Over a career spanning more than two decades, she has appeared in films and streaming series across Hindi, Bengali and English-language productions, earning critical recognition for her understated performances in character-driven roles.
Key facts
| Full name | Tillotama Shome |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 25 June 1979 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Notable for | Independent films |
| Debut film | Monsoon Wedding (2001) |
| Major award | Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress (for Sir, 2018) |
Background
Shome's name is rendered in Bengali pronunciation as [tilotːɔma ʃom]. She works largely outside the Hindi commercial mainstream, building a body of work in independent and festival-oriented cinema.
Career
Early work
Shome made her acting debut with a supporting role in Mira Nair's ensemble drama Monsoon Wedding (2001), an internationally acclaimed film that introduced her to wide audiences.
Independent films
She subsequently became a familiar presence in independent productions. Her performance as a housemaid in the lead role of the drama film Sir (2018) won her the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress. She also starred in A Death in the Gunj (2017), the directorial debut of Konkona Sen Sharma, and appeared in the anthology Lust Stories 2 (2023).
Television and streaming
Shome has worked across several streaming series, including Delhi Crime (2022), The Night Manager (2023), and Paatal Lok (2025).
Filmography highlights
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Monsoon Wedding | Supporting role; debut |
| 2017 | A Death in the Gunj | Feature film |
| 2018 | Sir | Lead role; Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress |
| 2022 | Delhi Crime | Television series |
| 2023 | The Night Manager | Television series |
| 2023 | Lust Stories 2 | Anthology film |
| 2025 | Paatal Lok | Television series |
Significance
Shome is regarded as one of the more prominent figures in India's independent film space, with a filmography that has bridged diaspora cinema, festival films and the streaming-era resurgence of long-form serialised drama. The Filmfare Critics Award for Sir placed her among contemporary Indian actresses recognised for performance-driven work outside mainstream star vehicles.
Related topics
- Indian independent cinema
- Mira Nair
- Monsoon Wedding
- Sir (2018 film)
- A Death in the Gunj
- Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress
- Paatal Lok
References
- "Tillotama Shome", English Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tillotama_Shome
- Wikidata item: Q2433720