Tillotama Shome: Early Life and Education
Tillotama Shome was born on June 25, 1980, in India. Though she has carved a niche for herself in the world of cinema, her journey began in an academic setting. She pursued her higher education at New York University, where she studied acting and theatre. Her educational background played a crucial role in shaping her skills as a performer, allowing her to explore the depth of characters beyond traditional storytelling.
Tillotama Shome: Personal Details
Date of Birth | 25 June 1979 |
Age (as of 2025) | 46 Years |
Birthplace | Kolkata, West Bengal |
Zodiac sign | Cancer |
Nationality | Indian |
Hometown | Kolkata, West Bengal |
College/University |
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Educational Qualification |
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Ethnicity | Bengali |
Food Habit | Non-vegetarian |
Education and Career Beginnings
Tillotama pursued her higher education at Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University, where she was actively involved in theatre. Later, she moved to the United States to complete her Master’s in Educational Theatre from New York University. This educational background provided her with a deeper understanding of performance and storytelling, which she effectively translates into her acting.
Debut and Breakthrough: Monsoon Wedding (2001)
Shome’s entry into the film industry was marked by her role in Mira Nair’s internationally acclaimed film Monsoon Wedding (2001). In the movie, she played the role of Alice, a housemaid with dreams and aspirations beyond her social status. Despite being a supporting character, her performance stood out for its sincerity and nuance. The film’s global success introduced Shome to the world of cinema and set the foundation for her career in independent films.

Rise to Prominence in Cinema
Following her breakthrough, Tillotama Shome continued to work in films that challenged societal norms and explored intricate human emotions. She was widely appreciated for her role in Qissa (2013), a poignant drama in which she portrayed a young girl forced to live as a boy. Her ability to immerse herself into complex roles earned her widespread recognition.
Some of her other notable performances include Sir (2018), where she played a domestic worker navigating social class boundaries, and Is Love Enough? – Sir (2019), which garnered international acclaim. Her nuanced acting style and commitment to meaningful cinema make her a sought-after artist in the independent film circuit.
Famous Roles:
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- Alice in Monsoon Wedding
- Ratna in Qissa (2013)
- Diana in A Death in the Gunj (2016)
- Shamlu in Sir (2018)
- Bulbul in Bulbbul (2020)
- Rani in The Mirror (2023)
- Paatal Lok Season (2025)
Awards and Recognition
- Won the Best Supporting Actress award at the Filmfare OTT Awards 2021 for Sir (2018).
- Received critical acclaim for her role in Qissa (2013).
- Nominated for several awards for her performances in A Death in the Gunj (2016) and Bulbbul (2020).
Net Worth
- Estimated Net Worth (2023): 2 million (approx.)
- Primary Source of Income: Acting in films, web series, and theatre
Lesser Known Facts
- Tillotama Shome initially worked as a teacher before pursuing acting full-time.
- She is fluent in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, and Bengali.
- Tillotama is known for her preference for independent and offbeat cinema over mainstream Bollywood films.
- She has collaborated with renowned directors like Mira Nair (Monsoon Wedding) and Konkona Sen Sharma (A Death in the Gunj).
- Despite her success, Tillotama prefers to keep her personal life private and away from the limelight.
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