Birbaha Hansda is an Indian actress and politician associated with Santali-language cinema and public life in West Bengal. She is best known for her work in the Santali film industry and for her subsequent entry into electoral politics.
| Name | Birbaha Hansda |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian |
| Known for | Acting in Santali cinema; politics |
| Region | West Bengal, India |
| Language of work | Santali |
Birbaha Hansda comes from the Santal community, an Adivasi group spread across parts of eastern India, including West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha and Assam. Santali, written in the Ol Chiki script, is one of the languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India, and Santali-language cinema has developed a distinct cultural following in this region.
Hansda built her public profile through Santali-language films, a regional industry centred largely in West Bengal and Jharkhand. Her work in this industry brought her recognition among Santali-speaking audiences and helped raise the visibility of Santali cinema in the wider cultural landscape of eastern India.
Alongside her acting work, Hansda entered politics in West Bengal, transitioning from cinema into public life. Her political activity has been associated with issues relevant to the Adivasi community and the Jangalmahal region of southern West Bengal.
As a public figure who has worked in both Santali cinema and politics, Birbaha Hansda is often cited as an example of growing visibility for Adivasi and Santali-language voices in mainstream Indian cultural and political spaces.