Birthday Special: Chhaya Kadam's movies you should not miss

Chhaya Kadam is one of the most talented and versatile Marathi actresses of our time. The star has done a range of films but is famous for her roles in two Nagraj Majule directorials - 'Fandry' and 'Sairat'. Before getting recognition in showbiz, the actress was a Kabbadi player and also a State level sportsperson. After making her debut with the film 'Baimanus' (2010), which was based on a novel by Kavita Mahajan, she went on to star in 'Sairat', several other films.

On the occasion of her birthday, we take a look at some of her best till date.

Ravi Jadhav's Marathi film, 'Nude' was a story of a woman played by Kalyanee Mulay. But actress Chhaya Kadam also managed to make a solid impact with her supporting character Chandra Akka. In the film, her character encourages Mulay to take up the profession of becoming a nude artist at the JJ School of Arts.

Director Nagraj Manjule's romantic drama 'Sairat' was a blockbuster in the Marathi film industry. It marked the acting debut of Rinku Rajguru and Akash Thosar. Actress Chhaya played the role of a Hyderabadi-Telugu woman. The story is about how a lower cast fisherman's son and an upper cast local politician's daughter fall in love and the consequences they face because of their relationship. Despite the opposition, the film follows how the protagonists fight for their love.

The Nagraj Manjule directorial 'Fandry' is a marvellously thought-provoking film that must be seen, for the manner in which it awakens the audience to the silent ways in which the caste system operates in India. Born into an untouchable caste, schoolboy Jambavant (Jabya) falls in love with his classmate Shalu. The film is paced beautifully, and it has a simple guitar piece that is like the soul of the film. The actress, Chhaya played a role of Naani, the protagonist Jabya’s mother. The filmmaker praised her for acting and also offered her role on next film 'Sairat'.

'Redu' a Marathi-Malvani film by first-time director Sagar Chaya Vanjari is based in the mid-1970s and revolves around the love for transistor radios. The director scored a hat-trick with this film being selected in three international film festivals. Set in the backdrop of rural Konkan, 'Redu' is a simple story of one man’s life, love, values, and his will to go on. Chhaya Kadam, fresh from the success of 'Nude', played a powerful character of Tatu’s wife. She encapsulated the feelings of a companion and is the pillar of support for the family. Chhaya's work is commendable and she has given justice to her role. This one is definitely worth a watch.

‘Aayna Ka Bayna’ a film by Samit Kakkad revolves around a bunch of youngsters from a remand home who are eagerly trying to sort out their messed up lives. Director Samit Kakkad took references from various dance reality shows for this film. The film shows the boys as skilled dancers and incorporates their talent well into the story. Chuttan and Shivani Madam’s dance sequence is memorable. Ganesh Yadav and Amruta Khanvilkar are perfect in their roles. Chhaya's role as Chuttan's mother is remarkable nonetheless.