Seema Biswas grew up in a culturally artistic environment. Her mother, Meera Biswas, was a well-known figure in the local theatre circle of Assam, and her home was frequently visited by legendary personalities like Bhupen Hazarika, Bishnu Prasad Rabha, and Phaneesh Sharma. This exposure ignited her early interest in performance arts. Although introverted as a child, she found comfort and expression through acting, dance, and stage performances. Her first stage experience began at age 15 when a theatre group selected her for a local play. This early involvement built her confidence and deepened her connection with the performing arts.

After completing her graduation in Political Science from Nalbari College, she decided to pursue theatre seriously and enrolled at the National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi. The early years at NSD were challenging, especially due to her limited Hindi and English vocabulary. Determined to grow, she practiced rigorously, often rehearsing extra hours with classmates. Her dedication soon made her a prominent performer in the NSD Repertory Company, where she worked for nearly seven years. This strong theatre foundation shaped her disciplined and grounded approach to acting.

Seema Biswas gained national and international acclaim with Shekhar Kapur's landmark film Bandit Queen (1994), where she portrayed the real-life story of Phoolan Devi. Her performance was raw, intense, and emotionally layered, earning her the National Film Award for Best Actress. The film marked her powerful entry into Hindi cinema and set a turning point in her career. Despite the sensitive nature of the role, she chose to perform it with complete honesty, believing in the story's social relevance. The film's global recognition made Seema Biswas a respected name across the world.

Her career expanded with notable films like Khamoshi, Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa, Water, Vivah, Bhoot, Pinjar, and Midnight's Children. Her portrayal of Shakuntala in Deepa Mehta's Water received immense global appreciation and won her the Genie Award (Canadian Oscar) for Best Actress. She continued to deliver memorable roles in Marathi, Tamil, Malayalam, Punjabi, Konkani, and Assamese films, proving her adaptability and linguistic talent.

Seema Biswas also made a strong presence on television and OTT platforms, appearing in acclaimed series like The Family Man, Human, and Leila. Her ability to shift naturally between mainstream, art-house, and regional cinema reflects her range and mastery as an actor.

Throughout her journey, Seema Biswas has remained grounded and committed to the essence of art. She believes in challenging roles, meaningful scripts, and powerful narratives. Her achievements include the National Film Award, Screen Award, Genie Award, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, and several international honours. She has served as a jury member at major global film festivals, showcasing her respected position in the global cinema community.

Despite the fame, Seema Biswas often acknowledges the struggles she faced during her NSD days, where financial constraints forced her to live with limited means. However, her determination and resilience helped her overcome difficulties and emerge as a symbol of strength and dedication for aspiring actors.

Today, Seema Biswas stands as an iconic figure from Assam whose contribution to world cinema continues to inspire countless performers. Her journey is a powerful reminder that talent, perseverance, and genuine passion can break boundaries and create a lasting legacy in the world of arts and entertainment.

Few of the Movies List by Seema Biswas

Seema Biswas – Awards and Honors