Sonal Jha

Biography

Sonal Jha (born 29 July 1971) is an Indian actress known for her work in film, television, and theatre. She has earned acclaim for portraying strong, sensitive, and memorable characters, particularly in family dramas and socially relevant stories.

Early Life and Education

Sonal Jha was born in Patna, Bihar. From a young age, she was actively involved in theatre and music, performing as both an actress and singer for 15 years in her hometown. She later moved to Delhi to pursue higher education and earned a master’s degree in history from Delhi University, balancing her academic pursuits with her passion for performance.

Theatre Career

Jha became a member of the Ekjute Theatre Group, where she trained under renowned theatre personality Nadira Babbar. She acted in several stage productions across India, honing her craft and gaining a strong foundation in classical and contemporary theatre.

Film and Television Career

Sonal Jha made her mark in cinema and television with versatile roles:

Films: She appeared in critically acclaimed films such as Lipstick Under My Burkha, 3 Storeys, Chillar Party, and 12th Fail. Her performances often bring depth and authenticity to her characters.

Television: Jha became a household name with her portrayal of Irawati in Balika Vadhu, a sensitive and memorable mother figure. She also played important roles in popular shows such as Na Aana Is Des Laado and Sapno Ke Bhanwer Main.

Her short film MAD won the Perfect 10 award at the Mumbai Film Festival, highlighting her ability to excel in both mainstream and independent storytelling.

Notable Achievements

Recognized for playing strong maternal and socially conscious roles in television and film.

Worked in regional cinema, including Bhojpuri films, where she played significant roles such as the mother of Bahubali in a regional adaptation.

Praised for her theatre work and contributions to contemporary Indian performing arts.