A three-time National Film Award Winner, star of Indian Soap Operas and Hindi theatre veteran, Surekha Sikri is undoubtedly one of the finest actors we have. Her latest performance in Badhaai ho has made us realize and made this very clear that the roles she opts for are actually written for her only. The way she does justice to each one of the roles is really remarkable.
Here are some of the roles which clearly shows how smoothly and effortlessly she plays all her roles.
1. Tamas – 1988
The movie is based on Bhisham Sahni’s novel, which made her win her First National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress. This shows the heart-wrenching effects on people during the partition. Her supporting role as Rajo stayed in people’s hearts forever.
Surekha Sikri made her film debut in 1978, with the role of Meera. Though her character wasn’t on the right side, she succeeded in making her impression on the audience.
The movie explores the effects of Hindutva extremism on minor communities. The movie won two national film awards and Surekha’s performance was unbelievable because the role she played in the movie was way far from her age in real life. And she portrayed the character really well.
Surekha Sikri played the role of Radha in one of the earliest shows. The show was based on the class divide, gender differences. And the character remains one of Indian TV history’s most remarkable characters.
This movie was the first part of the Muslim trilogy whose director was Shyam Benegal, the movie made Surekha Sikri win her second National Film Award. She played the role of Fayyuzi, who was the protagonist’s legal guardian, who comes in an encounter with her long lost sister, Mammo unexpectedly. Her role and character had a perfect balance of warmth and emotions.
Sardari Begum was the second part of Shyam Benegal’s trilogy, where Surekha played the role of Ittan Bai. Though the role was very brief, she still succeeded to make the place in the audience’s heart with her brilliant acting as always.
The final part of Benegal’s trilogy, made Surekha repeat her role as Fayyuzi in Zubeida. With her performance in Zubeidaa, she proved again how finely she is seasoned with acting skills.
It was a collaboration of Surekha Sikri and Shyam Benegal to give life to his story of 5 women and their struggles with reproductive rights. Surekha has played the role of the eldest in the family, which shows the journey of life she has lived to the life of her granddaughter if the customs and traditions won’t change.
Surekha Sikri is an alumnus of NSD and she has continued acting throughout her career. The act was based on the 12th century Persian Poem written by Farududdin Attar, “Mantiq-Ut-Tayr”. The act was so brilliant that people will always remember her performance.
10. Mr and Mrs Iyer – 2002
Though the movie was highlighted because of Konkana Sen’s role, Surekha Sikri’s character was worth remembering. Even though she just had 2 scenes in the entire movie, her anguish role was on point and was really appreciated for her fantastic acting skills.
11. Kirdaar: Rehman Ke Joote (TV Series) – 1993-1995
This was directed by Gulzar, which involves various short stories by Indian writers. There were many brilliant performers like Om Puri, Irrfan Khan on screens, Still, Surekha Sikri managed really well to hold her performance and gave effortless acting.
12. Star Bestsellers: Kabaad (TV Series) – 1999-2000
This is one of the best tales of Star Bestsellers. it starred Surekha Sikri and Raghubir Yadav, which shows how a simple conversation between two people from completely different background curbs their loneliness. And undoubtedly, her performance was remarkable which made the simple story worth remembering for a lifetime.
No matter how small or big the role she played, she has always shined like a star and the best part about this is that she has started getting recognition and awards which she really deserves.