Our generation knows “Sudha Shivpuri” as “Baa” in “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi,” but she was much more than that. She was an accomplished actress of theatre and films like “Swami,” “Insaaf Ka Tarazu,” “Arvind Desai Ki Ajeeb Dastaan,” “Maya Memsaab,” “Pinjar,” and plays like “Aadhe Adhurey,” “Tughlaq,” and “Khamosh! Adalat Jari Hai.” And yeah, she was not at all as old as the serial makes us believe.
Early Life and Career
Sudha Shivpuri was born on July 14, 1937, in Indore, India, and raised in Rajasthan. After losing her father at a young age, the responsibility of supporting her family fell upon her shoulders. This early challenge in life may have shaped her into the formidable actress she became. Shivpuri began working at All India Radio in Jaipur as a young girl, supporting her family. She met Om Shivpuri there, her future husband.
She later joined the National School of Drama (NSD) in Delhi, graduating in 1963. Her training under Ebrahim Alkazi. Her future husband Om Shivpuri was also with her in NSD. After NSD, she joined its Repertory Company with Om. Together, they founded the theatre company “Dishantar,” which became known for its powerful productions.
Sudha Shivpuri’s stage performances in plays like “Aadhe Adhurey,” “Tughlaq,” and “Khamosh! Adalat Jari Hai” were critically acclaimed, showcasing her range and depth as an actress.
Sudha Shivpuri On Screen
She made her film debut with Basu Chatterjee’s ‘Swami‘ in 1977. She then appeared in notable films such as BR Chopra’s “Insaaf Ka Tarazu (1980),” and Saeed Akhtar Mirza‘s “Arvind Desai Ki Ajeeb Dastaan (1980).” In 1981 she acted in Basu Chaterjee‘s “Hamari Bahu Alka (1982),” alongside Rakesh Roshan, Bindiya Goswami, Utpal Dutt. She also acted in films like “Vidhata,” “Hum Dono,” “Sawan Ko Aane Do,” “Sun Meri Laila,” “The Burning Train,” “Maya Memsaab,” and “Pinjar“.
She made her TV debut with Bandhan in 1999. However, it was television that brought her into the living rooms and hearts of millions across India. Her portrayal of “Baa” in the iconic soap opera “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi” (2000–2008) left an indelible mark on Indian television.
She also acted in serial like Hum hain, Kal Aaj aur kal (2000), Arzoo Hai Tu (2003), Outsourced (2006), Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil (2008), Kasamh Se (2006), and Maniben Dot Com (2009).
Personal Life
Sudha married noted actor Om Shivpuri; together they had Vineet and Ritu Shivpuri. Ritu is also an actress who does films like “Aankhen,” and “Ham Sab Chor Hain.”
Sudha Shivpuri’s contributions to the arts were recognised with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Academy Award in 2009. Shudha Ji passed away on May 20, 2015, at the age of 77.
Sudha Shivpuri on IMDB
