Urmila Mahanta

Urmila Mahanta is an Indian actress. A student of the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune, Mahanta appeared in various plays, short films, and television series before making her feature film debut in the critically acclaimed 2012 Tamil crime thriller Vazhakku Enn 18/9, which was later remade in Bengali as Chirodini Tumi Je Amar 2. She has acted in Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, and Malayalam films.

Early and personal life Mahanta was born to Giridhar Mahanta and Ramala Mahanta in Sonapur, Assam; she has three siblings: Jutika Mahanta, Munmi Mahanta, and Munindra Mahanta. Mahanta completed her schooling in Sonapur and later graduated from Dimoria College in Khetri, Kamrup. and later enrolled at the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune. which were followed by appearances in various critically acclaimed short films including Aaliya, that won the Special Critic Award at the 2012 Mumbai International Film Festival, Their Story and Cheng Kurthy. Mahanta has received notable praise for portraying the character of a slum dweller, Jyothi, who works as a housemaid. The Times of India critic M. Suganth wrote: "It is Urmila Mahanta's understated performance as Jothi that is the film's pivot". Similarly, a reviewer from IndiaGlitz.com noted that Mahanta was "impressive as a short poetry on screen", further adding that she "bubbles with energy and emotes at ease", while another critic quoted: "Urmila is a treat to watch. She delivers what Balaji Sakthivel wants from her. She is cool and passes the test with ease and elan". The film itself received widespread acclaim, with reviewers calling it "excellent", a "must-watch", and even "the film of the year".

She then shot for her first Bollywood project, Pareshaanpur directed Dilip K. Mukharia. and was shortlisted in the Best Picture category at the 86th Academy Awards. In 2014, she made her debut in the Bengali language with the remake of Vazhakku Enn 18/9, Chirodini Tumi Je Amar 2, and in her mother tongue Assamese with TRP Aru. Due to the delay in Pareshaanpurs release, her maiden Hindi release became Manjhi - The Mountain Man.

In 2015, she began work on her first Malayalam film Udal and AR Murugadoss' Hindi directorial Akira.

Filmography

Films

Awards and nominations

Year Award Film Category Result20122nd SIIMA AwardsVazhakku Enn 18/9 Best actress in a supporting role Best actress in Female Debutant 7th Vijay Awards Best Debut actress 2016 Patna International Film Festival Bokul Best actor female Sailadhar Baruah Film Awards Best artist Antareen Best actress Prag Cine Awards North-East 2016 Best actress

Other awards

"Young Achievers" 2017 ' by Dalmia Bharat Cement Ltd. "Youth of the year " 2016 by NEEDS NGO "Youth Icone, Dimoria" 2017 Best Actor (Female) : Assam State Film Awards (2015–16)