Chhaya Kadam: From Rs 250 a day to 'Laapataa Ladies' and the Oscars
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Meet Chhaya Kadam
Chhaya Kadam's stellar performance in Laapataa Ladies has gotten her global fame. It is India's official entry for the 2025 Oscars in the Best International Feature Film category.
Image credits: Social media
Early life
She wanted to be a professional kabaddi player. Chhaya never planned to become an actress; instead, she thought about starting a gym or getting into the police.
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Past challenges
In 2001, her father and brother passed away. To escape from that, she picked up acting workshops from a newspaper advertisement.
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Manju Mai in Laapataa Ladies
Kadam has gained popularity for her portrayal of the fiercely independent tea shop owner Manju Mai in Laapataa Ladies.
Image credits: Social media
Chhaya Kadam's journey to stardom
In an interview with Better India, Chhaya revealed that she started her acting with Rs 250/day. However, now the All We Imagine as Light actress is a global star.