Actor, director Seema Pahwa, daughter of stage actress Saroj Bhargava, started performing in theatre and radio plays in Delhi when she was a child. In 1984, she started her career and appeared on “Hum Log” – India’s first soap that aired in 1984. Pahwa played Badhki, the simple eldest daughter in the family who becomes a social worker. In the ‘90s, at the peak of her career with several television dramas to her credit, Pahwa made a conscious choice to stay at home when her children were small. She added that her decision was her own and a well-thought one. However, Pahwa did continue to act on stage even during her break, but she made a true comeback in her 50s, when her children graduated.
Pahwa, who is now 60, started her second innings in the film industry 10 years ago. She wanted to prove that being a mother wasn’t the only option left. “My second innings has been a blessing. It has reminded me to take care of myself better and focus on what I really want to do.”
Pahwa won the Screen Best Supporting Actress Award for her role as Amma in Ankhon Dekhi. In the recent phase of her career she is also known for her roles in Gangubai, Jamtara-2, Shubh Mangal Savdhan, Bala, Dum Lagake Haisha and Ek Ladki Ko Dekha To Aisa Laga among others.
In 2020, She made her directorial debut with the film Ramprasad Ki Tehrvi, which was praised by critics and audiences alike. “Acting is my first passion since childhood, but with this new start I get to have an overall all-inclusive and comprehensive outline of the project in terms of costume and production design, technical finesse and every little detail that goes into the making of a film or a dramatic narration. It is truly a very satisfying experience.” In her chat with Her Circle, watch this Luminaire talk about her biggest achievements, why giving yourself a second chance is important, and what it’s like to work with professionals belonging to a different generation.