University of Mumbai. Photo: Pinakpani, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mumbai_University_Buildings_15.jpg)
University of Mumbai. Photo: Pinakpani, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mumbai_University_Buildings_15.jpg)
Nishigandha Wad is an Indian actress, author, and social scientist known for her work in Marathi and Hindi cinema, television, and theatre. She has appeared in more than 100 screen productions, written Marathi books, received state literary recognition, and completed doctoral research on women and theatre.
Background
Nishigandha Wad was born on October 11, 1969, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, to writer Vijaya Wad and Dr. Vijay Wad. She grew up in a literary and academically oriented family and began performing in school cultural programs and Marathi stage productions during childhood.
Her early theatrical work included Durga Zhali Gauri and Mukhwata, directed by Amol Palekar, as well as commercial Marathi plays such as Premachya Gava Jaave, Moruchi Mavshi, and Asa Ghadla Kasa. She also received theatre training from Sulabha Deshpande and studied Kathak with K. Rajkumar. During her school years, she received a National Scholarship for Dramatics from the Department of Culture, Government of India.
Education
Wad completed doctoral research at the University of Mumbai on Changing Role of Women in Society: Marathi and British Theatres. She received the PhD in May 2003 under the supervision of historian Varsha Shirgaonkar. The University of Mumbai, founded in 1857, was one of the major centers of higher learning in western India and supported historical and interdisciplinary research on society, culture, and the performing arts.
Her research examined changing representations and roles of women in Marathi and British theatre, connecting her academic work with her experience in acting and stage performance. Later accounts also describe further doctoral research on women's empowerment and an ongoing research project concerning the poetry of Shanta Shelke.
Wad began performing on the Marathi stage as a child and received an early television opportunity in the Marathi serial Aavhan, directed by Atmaram Bhende and written by Jaywant Dalvi. She entered Hindi cinema with Salim Langde Pe Mat Ro in 1989 and made her Marathi film debut in Eka Peksha Ek in 1990. She subsequently appeared in Marathi films including Shejari Shejari, Bandhan, Bala Jo Jo Re, Vaat Pahate Punvechi, Wajva Re Wajva, Premankur, Topi Var Topi, and Sada Haldi Kunkwacha.
From the 2000s, Wad expanded her work in Hindi cinema and television. Her film credits include Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge, Aap Mujhe Achche Lagne Lage, Wazir, Race 3, and Har Har Mahadev. Her television work included Kulvadhu, Sasural Simar Ka, Sajda Tere Pyaar Mein, Khushiyon Kii Gullak Aashi, Savitri Devi College & Hospital, Jai Bhavani Jai Shivaji, Rabb Se Hai Dua, and Suman Indori. In Jai Bhavani Jai Shivaji and Har Har Mahadev, she portrayed Rajmata Jijabai.
Alongside acting, Wad has written Marathi books and worked in literary and cultural activities. She served as editor of the Marathi magazine CharChoughi for more than a decade and has participated in public discussions concerning Marathi reading, literature, women's empowerment, and social relationships.
Achievements
Wad established a substantial parallel career as a Marathi-language author while continuing her work in film, television, and theatre.
She completed doctoral research on the changing role of women in Marathi and British theatre, linking scholarship on gender and performance with her professional experience as an actress.
Works
book
Phulpankhi
(A Marathi book authored by Wad that received the Maharash...)
children's poetry collection
Ivalu Tivalu
(A Marathi children's poetry collection authored by Wad an...)
(A Marathi novel authored by Wad and published by Shalini ...)
poetry collection
Anushka
(A Marathi poetry collection authored by Wad that received...)
Views
Wad has emphasized the importance of Marathi reading, literary culture, and the preservation of language-based cultural traditions. Her academic and public work has also focused on women's changing roles, representation, and empowerment in society and the performing arts.
Personality
Quotes from others about the person
Wad has expressed concern about declining familiarity with Marathi books and writers among younger generations and has emphasized the cultural value of Marathi literary publications.
Interests
Marathi literature, theatre, women's empowerment, Kathak, and cultural activities.
Connections
Wad is the daughter of writer Vijaya Wad and Dr. Vijay Wad. She is married to actor Deepak Deulkar, and they have a daughter, Ishwari. Her younger sister Prajakta works in the medical profession.
Father:
Vijay Wad
Doctor and the father of Nishigandha Wad.
Mother:
Vijaya Wad
Writer and the mother of Nishigandha Wad.
husband:
Deepak Deulkar
Actor who has worked in Marathi and Hindi television and film.
Varsha S. Shirgaonkar faculty profile
Institutional profile documenting Wad's University of Mumbai doctoral research on the changing role of women in Marathi and British theatres and the completion of the degree in May 2003.
Gandh Nishigandhacha
Book-seller and publisher information identifying Gandh Nishigandhacha as a Marathi novel written by Nishigandha Wad and published by Shalini Books.
