Neena Kulkarni is a multifaceted personality who has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry. Born and raised in Mumbai, she completed her schooling at Canossa Convent High School in Mahim and further education at Elphinstone College.
Neena's acting journey began in the 1970s on the Marathi professional stage and Hindi experimental stage, simultaneously participating in fashion shows and modelling. She was fortunate to meet Pt. Satyadev Dubey, her first guru, and went on to work on several Hindi productions under his direction. Some of her prominent plays include Mohan Rakesh's Adhe Adhure, Shankar Shesh's Mayavi Sarovar, and Willie Russell's Educating Rita.
In 1978, Dr. Vijaya Mehta chose Neena to play Shabbo in Anil Barve's Hamidabai Chi Kothi, marking the beginning of her long association with Bai and her remarkable journey in Marathi Theatre. She has assisted Bai in her workshops and has directed plays like Mahasagar.
Neena's extensive repertoire includes award-winning Marathi plays such as Mahasagar, Akasmat, Dhyani Mani, Vatvat Savitri, Dehabhaan, Prem Patra, Hamidabai Chi Kothi, and Chapa Kaata. She has also been part of English plays like Mahatma Versus Gandhi and Wedding Album.
In addition to her theatrical achievements, Neena has also made a mark in Marathi cinema. Her prominent films include Savat Maazhi Laadki, for which she won the State Award for Best Actress, Aai, Uttaryan, and Shevri, for which she won the National Award and the PIFF Award as Producer. She has also won the State Award for the Best Supporting Actress for Sari Var Sari and the Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award for Bioscope.
Currently, Neena is running her fourth year on the television show Yeh Hai Mohabatten, and has also been part of international projects like the film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and Rani, an eight-part series in French, telecast on channel France Deux.
