Roopa Ganguly

Roopa Ganguly, born on November 25, 1966, is a prominent Indian actress, playback singer, and politician, celebrated for her compelling portrayal of Draupadi in the acclaimed television series Mahabharat, directed by B R Chopra in 1988. Championed as the Bengali Film Industry's equivalent to Bollywood's Shabana Azmi, Ganguly is renowned for her adaptability in performance and dialects. Her illustrious career includes collaborations with esteemed filmmakers such as Mrinal Sen, Aparna Sen, Goutam Ghose, and Rituparno Ghosh, showcasing her diverse talents across various genres.

In addition to her acting prowess, Ganguly is a trained Rabindra Sangeet vocalist and an accomplished classical dancer, further enriching her artistic repertoire. Her contributions to cinema have been recognized with multiple accolades, including a National Award and two BFJA Awards, underscoring her impact on the industry.

In October 2015, she transitioned into politics when she was nominated as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha by the President of India. Furthermore, she has held significant positions within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), serving as the President of the BJP Mahila Morcha in West Bengal. Ganguly also played a vital role in the West Bengal Motion Picture Artistes' Forum, where she served as General Secretary and Vice President, advocating for the rights and welfare of cinema professionals.