Nowadays it is not uncommon to dream of getting a career in acting. Women and girls dream of it and achieve it. Even though, women have to face serious issues. They are discriminated and treated unjustly.

So it is only right to pay homage to the first woman who challenged all odds, fought against the society and paved the way for Indian women in acting. She is Durga bai Kamat, the first female actor in India.



Durga Bai Kamat was a trailblazing Indian actress who is widely regarded as the first female actor of Indian cinema. She was born in Bombay in 1911 and began her acting career in 1925 with the silent film,

“Bala Joban.”

Kamat’s acting skills were highly praised by audiences and critics alike, and she soon became a sought-after actor in the Indian film industry. She worked with some of the top directors of her time and starred in many successful films, including “Rajput Ramani,” “Jeevan Natak,” and “Bhakta Vidur.” Back in time, men used to play the roles of women. So when she started acting, she obviously faced opposition from the actors who played the roles of women characters.

One of Kamat’s most significant contributions to Indian cinema was her portrayal of strong and independent female characters. She broke the stereotype of women being portrayed as weak and dependent on male characters, which was prevalent in Indian cinema at that time. Kamat’s performances paved the way for other female actors to play powerful roles in Indian cinema.

Despite her immense popularity and success, Kamat faced many challenges in her personal life. She was ostracized by her family and community for working in films, and her financial situation was often

precarious. She was thrown out of Brahmin society. Despite these difficulties, Kamat continued to act in films until the early 1940s.

Durga Bai Kamat’s legacy as the first female actor of Indian cinema is a testament to her talent, courage,

and pioneering spirit. Her contributions to Indian cinema continue to inspire generations of actors and

filmmakers to this day.