Shoma Anand’s story is one of resilience and reinvention in the cutthroat world of Indian entertainment. Born Neelam Arora in Mumbai on February 16, 1958, she nurtured acting ambitions alongside dance prowess from childhood.
Breaking in with 1976’s ‘Barood’ opposite Rishi Kapoor, she dazzled as a lead. ‘Jaagir’ and ‘Kuli’ soon followed, positioning her as a rising starlet.
As leading roles dried up, Shoma carved a niche in powerful secondary characters. Her portrayals of crafty, irascible bahus and bhabhis in classics like ‘Ghar Ek Mandir’, ‘Ghar Dwar’, ‘Swarg Se Sundar’, ‘Bade Ghar Ki Beti’, and ‘Jaisi Karni Waisi Bharni’ were tour-de-forces, blending humor and drama to perfection.
The small screen beckoned in the 90s, with ‘Hum Paanch’ delivering breakout success. She dominated with roles in ‘Bhabhi’, ‘Shararat’, ‘Maayka’, ‘Jeannie Aur Juju’, and ‘Khelti Hai Zindagi Ank Micholi’, becoming a fixture in daily viewing.
Her 2003 ‘Hungama’ role as Paresh Rawal’s wife Anjali is legendary, stealing scenes effortlessly. Cameos in ‘Kya Kool Hai Hum’ and ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’ added to her repertoire.
Stepping back from the industry, Shoma Anand’s influence persists, her roles revisited fondly by generations, underscoring her lasting impact.