Ava Mukherjee

Biography

Ava Mukherjee (c. 1929 – 15 January 2018) was an Indian film and television actress known for her memorable late-career performances in Hindi cinema. She earned widespread recognition for portraying Shah Rukh Khan’s grandmother in Devdas (2002) and for playing the lead role in the mystery film Detective Naani (2009). In addition to films, she was also a familiar face in Indian commercial advertising.

Mukherjee began her acting career with the Bengali-language film Ram Dhakka in 1965, directed by Taru Mukherjee. Following her debut, she remained largely absent from cinema for several decades. Her return to acting came with the Hindi film Snip (2000), which marked the relaunch of her career in Bollywood.

Her breakthrough role arrived in 2002 with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s lavish romantic drama Devdas, where she played the dignified and affectionate grandmother of Shah Rukh Khan’s character. The performance resonated strongly with audiences and brought her nationwide popularity. She continued to take on selective but impactful roles, including an appearance in the horror-thriller anthology Darna Zaroori Hai (2006).

In 2009, Mukherjee took on a rare leading role as the title character in Detective Naani, portraying an elderly woman who solves mysteries with intelligence and courage. The film further highlighted her versatility and screen presence, even late in her career.

Ava Mukherjee passed away in Mumbai on 15 January 2018 at the age of 88. She is remembered for her graceful performances, distinctive screen persona, and her ability to leave a lasting impression through a relatively small but significant body of work in Indian cinema.