Actress Chhaya Kadam, known for captivating audiences with her remarkable performances, is set to make a significant appearance at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. Kadam, who has recently enthralled viewers with her role as Manju Mai in Kiran Rao’s directorial ‘Laapataa Ladies’ and Kanchan Kombdi in Kunal Kemmu’s ‘Madgaon Express,’ is eagerly awaiting her attendance at this prestigious international event. The actress will be present at the premiere of Payal Kapadia’s ‘All We Imagine As Light,’ a feature included in the main competition category of the festival.
She is also thrilled about the screening of ‘Sister Midnight,’ starring Radhika Apte, which is scheduled to be part of the Director’s Fortnight sidebar section at Cannes. Speaking to PTI, Kadam expressed her joy, saying, “I am very happy. This is a beautiful moment in my life and I am enjoying it without thinking too much about what’s next.”
Growing up in the suburbs of Mumbai, specifically Kalina, Kadam had aspirations far removed from acting. Initially, she dreamed of becoming a Kabaddi player or joining the police force and even entertained the idea of opening her own gym. However, her path took a dramatic turn in 2001 after attending a workshop with theatre veteran and former National School of Drama director Waman Kendre. This pivotal experience introduced her to the world of acting, setting the stage for her future career in showbiz.
Kadam’s recent role as Manju Mai has not just resonated with the younger generation but has also struck a chord with women across various age groups. She recounts a recent conversation with Sneha Desai, the writer of ‘Laapataa Ladies,’ where Desai asked her how she felt about the film’s reception. Kadam replied, “Whenever I receive any praise, she [Sneha Desai] comes to my mind because Manju Mai’s thoughts were shaped by her and Kiran.”
Having amassed an impressive filmography, Kadam has appeared in critically acclaimed projects such as ‘Fandry,’ ‘Kaun Pravin Tambe?,’ ‘Andhadhun,’ and ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi.’ She feels a deep connection to her character, Manju Mai, almost as if the role was tailor-made for her. Kadam reflects, “Sometimes, I feel Manju Mai was written for me. I have that woman inside me. I didn’t marry, somehow never got around to it, and now I am enjoying living on my own. I felt Manju Mai was also teaching me. I receive so many calls from women who were confused but now feel inspired by Manju Mai.”
Post her Cannes appearance, Kadam plans to take a brief hiatus to spend quality time in her village, Dhamapur, located in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. She shared, “I am still hungry [for work], but when I will spend time there, I will empty out all the praise that has come to me and start from scratch. I don’t want to forget my initial hunger as an actor. People in my village are simple. For them, I am not Chhaya Kadam, the actor, but their ‘Chhaya’.”
The actress’s upcoming attendance at the Cannes Film Festival marks a milestone in her career. ‘All We Imagine As Light,’ directed by Payal Kapadia, is set to compete in the main category, bringing an additional layer of excitement and anticipation. Meanwhile, ‘Sister Midnight,’ led by actress Radhika Apte, adds another feather to her cap, underlining the diverse talents she associates herself with.
This remarkable journey from the streets of Kalina to the red carpets of Cannes underscores Kadam’s evolution as an actress and an individual. Her transformation, driven by passion and dedication, serves as an inspiration for many aspiring talents in the industry. As she gears up for Cannes 2024, the global stage awaits to witness Chhaya Kadam’s undeniable talent and the compelling stories tied to her journey.
Her excitement about both personal growth and professional achievements is palpable, and her story highlights the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the face of life’s unpredictable changes. As Chhaya Kadam prepares for one of the most glamorous and significant film events in the world, her tale continues to encourage audiences and peers alike, proving that with dedication, dreams do come full circle.
(With inputs from PTI)
