On June 10 2025, Urmila Matondkar celebrated her 51st birthday, reminding fans of her incredible journey in Indian cinema. She is a famous Indian actress and politician. Urmila has worked in Hindi, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam films. Her acting, dancing, and style made her a Bollywood star. This article tells the story of her life in simple words. It covers her childhood, career, personal life, and more.
Early Life And Family
Urmila Matondkar was born on February 4, 1974, in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Her father, Shrikant Matondkar, worked in media. Her mother, Rukshana Sultana, was a housewife. Urmila grew up in a Marathi family with mixed religious roots. Her father was Hindu, and her mother was Muslim. She has three siblings. Her elder sister, Mamta, was an actress. Her younger sister is Pooja. Her elder brother, Kedar, worked in the Indian Air Force as an aircraft technician.
Urmila was a bright student. She loved reading and swimming. She studied at a school in Mumbai. Later, she joined Pune University. She earned a degree in philosophy. Urmila was also a trained Kathak dancer. Her love for dance helped her in films later. As a child, she was shy but hardworking. Her family supported her dreams.
Urmila Matondkar Age, Wikipedia, Biography, Net Worth, Husband, Children, Family
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Urmila Matondkar |
| Date of Birth | February 4, 1974 |
| Place of Birth | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Age (as of June 10, 2025) | 51 years |
| Family | - Father: Shrikant Matondkar (media professional) - Mother: Rukshana Sultana (housewife) - Siblings: Elder sister Mamta (former actress), younger sister Pooja, elder brother Kedar (IAF technician) |
| Ethnicity | Marathi, mixed religious roots (Hindu father, Muslim mother) |
| Education | - School in Mumbai - Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Pune University |
| Hobbies | Reading, swimming, Kathak dance, yoga, fitness |
| Marital Status | Married Mohsin Akhtar Mir in 2016; filed for divorce in September 2024 |
| Spouse | Mohsin Akhtar Mir (Kashmir-based businessman and model) |
| Pets | Two dogs: Sheru and Zorro |
| Career Start | 1977, as a child artist in Karm (age 3) |
| Child Artist Films | - Zaakol (1980, Marathi) - Kalyug (1980) - Masoom (1983) - Bhavna (1984) - Sur Sangam (1985) - Dacait (1987) |
| First Lead Role | Chanakyan (1989, Malayalam) |
| Bollywood Lead Debut | Narsimha (1991) |
| Breakthrough Film | Rangeela (1995), directed by Ram Gopal Varma |
| Notable Films | - Judaai (1997) - Satya (1998) - Kaun (1999) - Mast (1999) - Jungle (2000) - Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya (2001) - Bhoot (2003) - Pinjar (2003) - Ek Hasina Thi (2004) - Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara (2005) |
| Recent Film | Blackmail (2018, special appearance in song “Bewafa Beauty”) |
| Other Work | - Produced Marathi film Madhuri - Judge on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa (2010) - Guest on Bigg Boss |
| Political Career | - Joined Indian National Congress (2019) - Contested Lok Sabha election from Mumbai North (2019, lost) - Joined Shiv Sena (2020) |
| Awards | - Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress (Bhoot, 2003) - Nandi Award (Gaayam, 1993) - Nominations for Rangeela, Satya, Judaai - Zee Cine Awards, Bollywood Movie Awards - Rajiv Gandhi Award (2010) |
| Achievements | - Wax statue at Madame Tussauds, Hong Kong (first Bollywood actress) - Known for versatile roles in romance, thriller, horror, and drama |
| Social Causes | Supports animal welfare, women’s rights, education for poor children |
| Languages Known | Marathi, Hindi, English |
| Fitness Routine | Yoga, cardio, healthy diet, avoids smoking and alcohol |
| Legacy | Iconic Bollywood actress, fashion icon, versatile performer, influential in Indian cinema |
Starting as a Child Artist
Urmila began acting at a young age. In 1977, she appeared in the film *Karm* as a child artist. She was only three years old. In 1980, she acted in a Marathi film called *Zaakol*. The same year, she debuted in Bollywood with *Kalyug*. The film did not do well, but Urmila’s talent was noticed. In 1983, she played a role in *Masoom*. This film was a big hit. People loved her acting as a young girl. Critics praised her natural performance.
After *Masoom*, Urmila acted in more films as a child. She appeared in *Bhavna* (1984), *Sur Sangam* (1985), and *Dacait* (1987). In *Dacait*, she played Sunny Deol’s sister. Her role was small but emotional. These films showed her acting skills. By the late 1980s, Urmila was ready for bigger roles.
Becoming a Lead Actress
In 1989, Urmila got her first lead role. She acted in the Malayalam film *Chanakyan*. The movie was a success. In 1991, she debuted as a lead actress in Bollywood with *Narsimha*. She starred opposite Sunny Deol. The film was a hit. Urmila’s performance was liked by audiences. She was now a young adult star.
In 1992, Urmila acted in *Chamatkar* with Shah Rukh Khan. The film was a fun ghost story. Kids loved it. She also did *Drohi* and *Shreemaan Aashique* in 1993. These films were not big hits. Urmila struggled to find success. Other actresses like Manisha Koirala were more popular. But Urmila did not give up.
Rise to Fame with Rangeela
In 1995, Urmila’s life changed. She starred in *Rangeela*, directed by Ram Gopal Varma. The film was a musical drama. Urmila played Mili, a girl who dreams of becoming an actress. Her acting was fresh and lively. The film’s music by A.R. Rahman was a huge hit. Songs like “Tanha Tanha” and “Rangeela Re” became iconic. Designer Manish Malhotra gave Urmila a bold, stylish look. She became a fashion icon. *Rangeela* was a superhit. Urmila was now a top actress.
After *Rangeela*, Urmila worked with Ram Gopal Varma in many films. In 1997, she acted in *Judaai* with Sridevi and Anil Kapoor. The film was a family drama. Urmila’s role as a rich girl was loved. She was nominated for a Filmfare Award. In 1998, she starred in *Satya*. This crime drama was a masterpiece. Urmila played a simple girl. Her acting was powerful. *Satya* is still called one of Bollywood’s best films.
Success in the Late 1990s and 2000s
Urmila’s career grew stronger. In 1999, she acted in *Kaun*, a thriller. Her role was intense. The same year, she did *Mast* and *Jaanam Samjha Karo*. These films showed her versatility. In 2000, she starred in *Jungle*. It was a hit thriller. Urmila’s dance in “Chamma Chamma” from *China Gate* (1998) was also very popular.
In 2001, Urmila acted in *Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya*. Her role as an obsessive lover was bold. She won awards for it. In 2003, she starred in *Bhoot*, a horror film. Her acting as a scared wife was brilliant. She won a Filmfare Award for Best Actress (Critics). The same year, she acted in *Pinjar*. This film was about the 1947 India-Pakistan partition. Urmila’s role as Puro was emotional. Critics loved her performance.
Urmila also did *Ek Hasina Thi* (2004) and *Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara* (2005). These films showed her range. She played strong, complex characters. In 2006, she acted in *Banaras*. Her role was spiritual. Urmila was now known as a versatile actress. She could do romance, horror, drama, and thrillers.
Later Career and Comeback
After 2006, Urmila took fewer roles. She acted in *Bas Ek Pal* and *Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag*. These films did not do well. In 2014, she acted in a Marathi film called *Ajoba*. It was a small role. In 2018, she made a comeback with *Blackmail*. She did a special dance in the song “Bewafa Beauty”. Fans were excited to see her again.
Urmila also tried television. In 2010, she was a judge on *Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa* Season 2. She appeared on *Bigg Boss* as a guest. Her charm was still strong. In recent years, she has focused on other work. She produced a Marathi film called *Madhuri*.
Political Journey
In 2019, Urmila entered politics. She joined the Indian National Congress. She contested the Lok Sabha elections from Mumbai North. She did not win. Later, she left Congress due to internal issues. In 2020, she joined Shiv Sena. She wanted to serve people. Urmila is fluent in Marathi, Hindi, and English. This helped her connect with voters.
Personal Life
Urmila married Mohsin Akhtar Mir in 2016. He is a Kashmir-based businessman and model. The wedding was private. Urmila is 10 years older than Mohsin. Their interfaith marriage was admired. In September 2024, news came that Urmila filed for divorce. The reasons are not public. Urmila loves animals. She has two pet dogs, Sheru and Zorro. She supports animal welfare causes.
Urmila is a fitness lover. She does yoga and cardio. She eats healthy food. She avoids smoking and alcohol. Her skin is fresh because of her simple routine. Urmila also supports women’s rights and education for poor children. She is kind and generous.
Awards and Achievements
Urmila has won many awards. She got a Filmfare Award for *Bhoot*. She won a Nandi Award for *Gaayam* (1993). She was nominated for *Rangeela*, *Satya*, and *Judaai*. She also won Zee Cine Awards and Bollywood Movie Awards. In 2010, she got a Rajiv Gandhi Award for her work. Urmila’s wax statue is at Madame Tussauds in Hong Kong. She is the first Bollywood actress to have this honor.
Legacy
Urmila Matondkar is a true star. She started as a child artist. She became a leading lady. Her films like *Rangeela*, *Satya*, and *Bhoot* are unforgettable. She changed Bollywood with her bold roles. Her dance and style inspired many. Even today, fans love her. Urmila’s journey shows hard work pays off. She is an icon of Indian cinema.
At 51, Urmila is still active. She supports social causes. She may return to films soon. Her story is one of talent and courage. Urmila Matondkar will always shine in Bollywood’s history.