Shalini Vatsa

Shalini Vatsa is an Indian theatre and film actress best known for her performances in the Netflix series Sacred Games (2018–2019) and films Peepli Live, Ludo (2020) and Homebound (2025) . Active in Indian cinema since 2010, she has also worked across digital streaming series and independent cinema.

Early life and education Shalini Vatsa was born in Patna, Bihar, India. Both of her parents were professors at Patna University. She studied Political Science at Indraprastha College for Women, Delhi University and later completed an M.Phil. from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi.

Vatsa began performing in school plays and local theatre in Patna before moving to Delhi in 1990. She was later trained in theatre under Barry John and Habib Tanvir and was associated with Barry John's Theatre in Education (TIE) initiative and was part of Naya Theatre, the repertory company founded by Habib Tanvir.

Career

Debut and early roles (2010–2015) Shalini Vatsa made her film debut as Dhaniya in Peepli Live (2010), a satirical drama produced by Aamir Khan.

She went on to appear in several films, including Shanghai (2012), directed by Dibakar Banerjee, and Shahid (2012), directed by Hansal Mehta, in which she portrayed Prosecutor Tambe.

Streaming and ensemble work (2016–present) In 2016, she appeared as part of the ensemble cast in Gurgaon, an independent noir thriller.

Vatsa gained wider recognition for her role as Kanta Bai in Netflix’s Sacred Games (2018–2019). In Ludo (2020), she played Nurse Lata Kutty, a character described by The Indian Express as "fun and quirky."

In 2025, she played Warden in the Amazon Prime series Khauf. Her latest work includes a supporting role in Homebound (2025), directed by Neeraj Ghaywan. The film premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.

Awards and nominations

+ List of awards and nominations Year Award Category Nominated Work Result 2021 SPOTT Awards Web Film Award: Performance in a Supporting Role – Female Ludo 2022 IIFA Awards Best Supporting Actress Ludo 2026 Critics' Choice Awards, India Best Supporting Actress Homebound Screen Awards Screen Award for Best Supporting Actress Homebound

Selected filmography Year Title Role Notes 2010 Peepli Live Dhaniya Film debut 2012 Shanghai Gauri 2013 Shahid Prosecutor Tambe 2016 Gurgaon Karma Devi 2018–2019 Sacred Games Kanta Bai Netflix series 2020 Ludo Lata Kutty Netflix film 2025 Khauf Warden Gracie Dungdung Amazon Prime series 2025 Homebound Chandan's mother Cannes premiere