Roopa Ganguly
Biography
Roopa Ganguly, born 25 November 1966 in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, is an Indian actress, playback singer and politician. She is widely recognised for portraying Draupadi in B. R. Chopra’s television series Mahabharat (1988). Frequently described as the Bengali film industry’s counterpart to Bollywood’s Shabana Azmi, she is noted for versatility and accent adaptation, and has worked with directors Mrinal Sen, Aparna Sen, Goutam Ghose and Rituparno Ghosh. A trained Rabindra Sangeet vocalist and classical dancer, she has received a National Award and two BFJA Awards. In October 2015 she was nominated as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha by the President of India. She has been reported to reside with her father‑in‑law Soumitra Chatterjee and his father Haradhan Bandopadhyay.
Career overview
Roopa Ganguly was born on 25 November 1966 in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. She began her career as an actress and has accumulated more than sixty credited roles across film and television. She achieved widespread recognition for portraying Draupadi in B. R. Chopra’s television adaptation of the Mahabharata, which aired in 1988. In addition to her television work, Ganguly has appeared in a range of Indian films, collaborating with directors such as Mrinal Sen, Aparna Sen, Goutam Ghose and Rituparno Ghosh, reflecting a versatile presence in both mainstream and art‑house cinema.
Beyond acting, Ganguly is a trained vocalist in Rabindra Sangeet and a classical dancer, skills that have complemented her performances. Her contributions to Indian cinema have been acknowledged with several honors, including a National Award and two awards from the Bengal Film Journalists’ Association. In October 2015, she was nominated by the President of India as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, marking her entry into public service. Throughout her career, she has been credited under both Roopa Ganguly and Rupa Ganguly, and her body of work continues to be documented across multiple media platforms.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
64 titles- Pratyabartan (2026)
- Raghu Dakat (2025) as Dakat Ma
- Meyebela (2023) as Bithika Mitra
- Natoker Moto: Like a Play (2015) as Kheya's mother
- Aro Ekbar (2015)
- Arshinagar (2015) as Tayyab's mother
- Gurudakshina (2015)
- Onyo Opalaa (2015) as Opalaa
- Punascha (2014)
- NayanChampar Dinratri (2014)
- Aashbo Aarek Din (2013)
- Namte Namte (2013)
- Barfi! (2012) as Shruti's mother
- Abosheshey (2012) as Suchismita
- Hemlock Society (2012) as Niharika Basu
- Dutta Vs Dutta (2012) as Runu
- Mayabazaar (2012)
- Na Hannyate (2012) as Jui
- Jaani Dekha Hobe (2011)
- Nobel Chor (2011) as Diya
- Rehmat Ali (2010)
- Luck (2009) as Special appearance
- Piyali's Password (2009) as Piyali Ray
- Crossroads of Love (2009)
- The Understudy (2009)
- Waqt Batayega Kaun Apna Kaun Paraya (2008) as Madhvi Malhotra
- Khela (2008) as Renu
- Love Story (2007) as Ritu (Akash's mother)
- Chaurahen (2007) as Mrs Bose
- Bidhatar Lekha (2007) as Shubho's mother
- Jara Bristite Bhijechhilo (2007) as Suchetana Basu
- Karam Apnaa Apnaa (2006) as Suguna
- Antarmahal (2005) as Zamindar's wife
- Nagordola (2005) as Nandini
- A Fistful of Tales (2005)
- A Fistful of Tales (2005) Producer
- Critical Encounter (2005)
- Mayer Raja (2005)
- Empty Canvas (2005) as Sharmishtha
- Mahulbanir Sereng (2004)
- Krishna Cottage (2004) as Nun
- Bow Barracks Forever! (2004)
- In the Forest... Again (2003)
- Dekha (2001)
- Bastir Meye Radha (2000)
- Bariwali (2000) as Sudeshna Mitra
- Yugant (1995) as Anasuya
- Janani (1994)
- Rajar Raja (1994)
- Prithibir Sesh Station (1993)
- The Padma Boatman (1993) as Kopila
- Nishchaiy (1992) as Vidya
- Police Matthu Dada (1991)
- Inspector Dhanush (1991)
- Naa Ille Naa Swargam (1991) as Krishna wife
- Saugandh (1991) as Rajha
- Sadharan Meye (1991)
- Bahaar Aane Tak (1990) as Rama
- Pyar Ka Devta (1990) as Shardha Kumar
- Kamla Ki Maut (1989) as Geeta
- Ek Din Achanak (1989) as Seema Roy
- Toofan (1989)
- Mahabharat (1988) as Draupadi
- Paar (1984)
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Roopa Ganguly best known for?
Roopa Ganguly is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Meyebela (2023), Barfi! (2012), Abosheshey (2012), Blue Orchestra (2023).
When and where was Roopa Ganguly born?
Roopa Ganguly was born on November 25, 1966 in Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
How many credits does Roopa Ganguly have?
Roopa Ganguly has accumulated over 64 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1984 to 2026.
What is Roopa Ganguly's background in cinema and television?
Roopa Ganguly, born 25 November 1966 in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, is an Indian actress, playback singer and politician. She is widely recognised for portraying Draupadi in B. R. Chopra’s television series Mahabharat (1988). Frequently described as the Bengali film industry’s counterpart to Bollywood’s Shabana Azmi, ...
Roopa Ganguly by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Barfi! (2012) as Shruti's mother — aged about 45
- Mahabharat (1988) as Draupadi — aged about 21
- Abosheshey (2012) as Suchismita — aged about 45
- Krishna Cottage (2004) as Nun — aged about 37
- Meyebela (2023) as Bithika Mitra — aged about 56
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