Sreelekha Mitra is an Indian Bengali actress, filmmaker, and activist known for her performances in films such as Hothat Brishti, Kantatar, and Once Upon a Time in Calcutta. Over a career spanning more than three decades, she has won prestigious honors, including the Bengal Film Journalists' Association (BFJA) Award and the Anandalok Award. She remains a frequently discussed public figure due to her outspoken commentary on industry dynamics, active involvement in social protests, and independent political voice.
Sreelekha Mitra Biography
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sreelekha Mitra |
| Nickname | Sreelekha |
| Date of Birth | August 30, 1972 |
| Age | 53 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Dum Dum, Kolkata, West Bengal, India |
| Hometown | Kolkata, West Bengal, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Height | Approx. 5 ft 3 in (160 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 60 kg (132 lbs) (Estimated) |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Profession | Actress, Director, Activist |
| Industry | Bengali Film and Television Industry |
| Debut Project | Balikar Prem (Television) / Samadhan (Film, 1997) |
| Years Active | 1990s – Present |
| Known For | Performances in Bengali films, television serials, independent cinema, social activism, and direction |
| Education | Graduate (Reported) |
| School | Local schools in Kolkata (Reported) |
| Languages Known | Bengali, Hindi, English |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse / Relationship Status | Married to Siladitya Sanyal (2003–2013); Currently Single |
| Children | One Daughter |
| Father's Name | Santosh Kumar Mitra (Reported) |
| Mother's Name | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| Residence | Kolkata, West Bengal, India |
| Net Worth (Approx.) | ₹8–12 Crore INR ($1–1.5 Million USD) |
| Income Sources | Acting, film direction, television appearances, endorsements, event appearances, and brand collaborations |
| Directorial Work | Directed independent films and short films focusing on social themes |
| Awards & Honours | Recipient of several Bengali film and television awards and critics' recognitions |
| Notable Films | Samadhan, Kantatar, Aschorjyo Prodeep, Rainbow Jelly, Bhuter Bhabishyat, and numerous Bengali productions |
| Television Shows | Appeared in several popular Bengali television serials and reality shows |
| Hobbies | Reading, travelling, writing, animal welfare, photography, and social activism |
| Favourite Interests | Cinema, literature, women's rights, and animal welfare |
| Social Media Presence | Active on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube |
| Current Status | Active actress, filmmaker, television personality and social activist |
Early Life And Background
Born and raised in Dum Dum, Kolkata, Sreelekha Mitra grew up in a supportive Bengali family. Her father, Santosh Mitra, encouraged her personal independence and artistic inclinations from an early age. During her school and college days, she developed a passion for performance art and storytelling.
She pursued a degree in English literature at the University of Calcutta. Before dedicating herself full-time to acting, she took up a corporate role at the Taj Hotel in Kolkata. While working there, an acquaintance encouraged her to attend audition calls for television productions, steering her path directly toward mainstream entertainment.
Career
Sreelekha began her screen career in television, earning her initial acting assignment in the series Balikar Prem, directed by Dulal Lahiri and produced by author Samaresh Majumdar. Her major breakthrough on the small screen arrived with the 1996 hit TV series Trishna, where her portrayal of Nabanita established her as a household name in Bengal.
She transitioned to feature films shortly after, debuting in Swapan Saha's Samadhan (1997). Her career reached new heights with Basu Chatterjee's iconic romance Hothat Brishti (1998), which became a massive box-office success across West Bengal and Bangladesh.
Her most significant career milestones highlight her artistic range:
- Critically Acclaimed Performances: She delivered a power-packed performance in Bappaditya Bandopadhyay's Kantatar (2006), earning both the BFJA Award and the Anandalok Award for Best Actress.
- Versatility in Modern Cinema: She starred in well-received projects like Suman Mukhopadhyay's Mahanagar@Kolkata (2010), earning the Big Bangla Movie Award for Best Supporting Actress, as well as Uro Chithi (2011) and Bhoother Bhobishyot (2012).
- Subsequent Project Lineup: Over the years, her filmography expanded with notable roles in Aschorjo Prodip (2013), Choukath (2015), Rainbow Jelly (2018), Borunbabur Bondhu (2020), and Once Upon a Time in Calcutta (2021).
- Directorial & Digital Ventures: She expanded into direction and content creation, launching her own digital channel to publish independent short films and vlogs.
Net Worth And Lifestyle
Sreelekha Mitra's estimated net worth falls in the range of ₹8 to ₹12 Crore INR ($1 to $1.5 Million USD). Her financial resources stem from a long-standing career across cinema, television series, commercial endorsements, and digital content creation.
Primary Income Sources
- Acting and Directorial Projects: Earnings from lead and supporting roles in Bengali cinema, television serials, and web series.
- Brand Collaborations & Social Media: Partnerships with regional health, lifestyle, and beauty brands, supplemented by revenues from her digital content channels.
Lifestyle & Personal Philosophy
Residing in Kolkata, Sreelekha lives a comfortable yet practical lifestyle centered around animal welfare, civic activism, and fitness. She is a devoted animal lover who actively cares for stray animals in her neighborhood and frequently advocates for animal rights.
Lesser-Known Facts & Trivia: 5 Unique Insights
- Hotel Industry Background: Before pursuing full-time acting, she worked at the prestigious Taj Hotel in Kolkata while completing her higher education.
- First Audition Twist: During her first audition for the TV series Balikar Prem, the casting team initially hesitated to cast her because she arrived in a saree; she secured the role after reappearing in a teenage-appropriate outfit.
- Award-Winning Record: She won top regional honors, including the BFJA Award and Anandalok Award, for her gripping role as an illegal immigrant seeking love in Kantatar (2006).
- Avid Animal Rights Advocate: She is known across West Bengal for her personal work in rescuing, feeding, and rehabilitating stray dogs and cats.
- Advocate for Accountability: She has consistently raised her voice against systemic issues in entertainment, including speaking out during the 2024 Hema Committee findings regarding industry misconduct.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Sreelekha Mitra’s date of birth?
Sreelekha Mitra was born on August 30, 1972, in Dum Dum, Kolkata, West Bengal.
Which film brought Sreelekha Mitra her major box-office breakthrough?
Her breakthrough role came in Basu Chatterjee's 1998 romantic hit Hothat Brishti, where she played the female lead Priti.
Has Sreelekha Mitra won any major acting awards?
Yes, she won the BFJA Award and Anandalok Award for Kantatar (2006), along with receiving the Zee Bangla Gourav Samman and Big Bangla Movie Award for supporting performances.
Is Sreelekha Mitra married?
She was previously married to Siladitya Sanyal in 2003; the couple divorced in 2013, and she is currently single.