Ever wondered who brings those powerful negative roles to life on Indian television? Meet Pratima Kazmi, the actress who’s made a career out of playing characters you love to hate. From stern matriarchs to cunning antagonists, she’s done it all—and with such conviction that you might actually forget she’s just acting!
Quick Facts About Pratima Kazmi
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Pratima Kazmi (also known as Pratima Kannan) |
| Date of Birth | July 21, 1948 |
| Age | 78 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 50 kg (110 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Profession | Television and Film Actress |
| Years Active | 1996 – Present |
| Famous For | Playing Sumitra Devi in “Uttaran” |
Who is Pratima Kazmi?
Pratima Kazmi is an Indian television and film actress who has built her reputation by portraying complex antagonistic roles in Hindi television serials and Bollywood films. If you’ve watched Indian television over the past two decades, chances are you’ve seen her intimidating screen presence. She’s that actress who makes you squirm in your seat whenever she appears—and that’s exactly her talent!
What sets Pratima apart is her ability to make even the most villainous characters feel authentic. She doesn’t just play negative roles; she embodies them with such depth that viewers can’t help but be captivated.
Early Life and Education
Born on July 21, 1948, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Pratima’s journey into acting wasn’t accidental. While in college, she joined a theatre group and started taking part in plays. This wasn’t just a hobby for her—it was the foundation of what would become a decades-long career.
Educational Background
| Education Level | Details |
|---|---|
| Graduation | Completed from Mumbai |
| Special Training | Professional Theatre |
| Early Acting | College Theatre Group |
After completing her graduation, she did professional theatre for a while before stepping into films. This theatrical background gave her something many actors lack: the ability to deliver dialogue-intensive performances with emotional depth. It’s like learning to swim in the deep end first—when you transition to calmer waters, you’re already a pro!
Physical Appearance
Let’s talk numbers, shall we? Here’s everything you need to know about Pratima Kazmi’s physical stats:
| Physical Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height (cm) | 165 cm |
| Height (meters) | 1.65 m |
| Height (feet/inches) | 5′ 5″ |
| Weight (kg) | 50 kg |
| Weight (lbs) | 110 lbs |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Complexion | Dusky |
Her height is in centimeters 165 cm, in meters 1.65 m, and in feet & inches 5′ 5″. At 76 years young, she continues to maintain her health and presence on screen—proving that talent doesn’t retire with age!
Family and Personal Life
Marital Status and Relationships
| Relationship Status | Details |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Married |
| Husband | Kannan Arunachalam (Actor) |
| Children | One Son |
| Religion | Muslim Family Background |
| Spiritual Practice | Follower of Brahma Kumaris |
Here’s where the story gets sweet. Pratima met her husband, Kannan Arunachalam, during her college days when they were part of the same theatre group and did many plays together. Talk about a perfect match! They literally found love while chasing their passion. How’s that for a Bollywood script?
She is married to Kannan Arunachalam, and they have one child. The couple has maintained a relatively private life despite their presence in the entertainment industry, which is quite rare these days!
Religious and Spiritual Life
Pratima belongs to a Muslim family and is also a follower of Brahma Kumaris. This spiritual connection adds another dimension to her personality, perhaps contributing to the depth she brings to her characters.
Career Journey: From Theatre to Television Stardom
Early Career Beginnings
Pratima’s career didn’t start with a big bang—it started with persistence and passion. Here’s her career timeline:
| Year | Project | Role/Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Vardi | Dancer in song “Maine Kitne Dil Liye” |
| 1996 | Itihaas (TV Serial) | Television Debut |
| 1997 | Sixth Happiness (British Film) | Brothel Madam – Film Debut |
| 1998 | Dushman | Hindi Film Debut |
Pratima Kazmi started her acting career in 1996 with the TV serial “Itihaas,” followed by her film debut with the British film “Sixth Happiness” in 1997, where she played the role of a Brothel Madam.
Before all this, in 1989, she appeared as a dancer in the song “Maine Kitne Dil Liye” from the film “Vardi”. Every journey starts somewhere, right?
Notable Film Career
Pratima has appeared in several critically acclaimed and commercially successful Bollywood films. Here’s a glimpse of her impressive filmography:
| Film | Year | Notable Aspect |
|---|---|---|
| Dushman | 1998 | Hindi Film Debut |
| Fiza | 2000 | Supporting Role |
| Gadar: Ek Prem Katha | 2001 | Box Office Blockbuster |
| Raaz | 2002 | Horror Thriller |
| Ek Hasina Thi | 2004 | Critically Acclaimed |
| Waisa Bhi Hota Hai Part II | 2003 | Notable Performance |
| Bunty Aur Babli | 2005 | Commercial Success |
| Black Friday | 2007 | Critically Acclaimed |
| No Entry | 2005 | Comedy Film |
| Badlapur | 2015 | Intense Drama |
| Dabangg 3 | 2019 | Action Film |
| Merry Christmas | 2024 | Recent Release |
She played supporting roles in many Bollywood films like “Fiza,” “Gadar: Ek Prem Katha,” “Raaz,” “Waisa Bhi Hota Hai Part II,” “Bunty Aur Babli,” and “Dabangg 3”.
Television Career: The Game Changer
While films kept her busy, television is where Pratima truly became a household name. Her TV journey includes:
| TV Show | Role | Years | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Itihaas | Khabri | 1996 | Debut Serial |
| Kkusum | Supporting Role | 2001-2005 | Multiple Episodes |
| Jabb Love Hua | Raghu’s Grandmother | 2006-2007 | Various |
| Saat Phere | Various | 2000s | Zee TV |
| Uttaran | Sumitra Devi/Nani | 2008-2015 | Colors TV |
| Kesar | Supporting Role | 2000s | Star Plus |
| Mere Angne Mein | Various | 2015-2017 | Star Plus |
| Siya Ke Ram | Supporting Role | 2015-2016 | Star Plus |
| Udaan | Various | 2014-2019 | Colors TV |
The Iconic Role: Sumitra Devi in Uttaran
Uttaran aired on Colors TV from December 1, 2008 to January 16, 2015, becoming the third longest-running Indian television series on the channel. And at the heart of this show’s drama was Pratima Kazmi.
Kazmi became a household name in India by playing the role of ‘Sumitra Devi’ in Colors TV’s “Uttaran”. This role wasn’t just another character—it became her identity for seven years!
| Character Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Character Name | Sumitra Devi Jaiswal/Nani |
| Show Duration | 2008-2015 (7 years) |
| Character Type | Primary Antagonist |
| Relations in Show | Divya’s aunt, Tapasya’s grandaunt |
| Impact | Became household name |
In the show, Sumitra would brainwash Tapasya through false theories to see Ichcha differently and fuel jealousy that ruined their friendship. She was the puppet master, the instigator, the one who kept the drama boiling—and viewers loved to hate her for it!
The show itself was phenomenal. Uttaran’s premiere had a 3.25 target rating point (TRP) and became one of the top-rated Hindi programs, helping Colors TV briefly gain first position, breaking Star Plus’s nine-year run. Being part of such a successful show cemented Pratima’s place in television history.
Challenges and Triumphs: Breaking Barriers
Pratima’s journey wasn’t all smooth sailing. The entertainment industry has its share of prejudices, and she faced them head-on.
Throughout her career, she encountered significant obstacles due to colorism in the industry. However, she demonstrated remarkable resilience by trusting in her theatrical foundation and acting abilities. Despite offers for stereotypical roles, Kazmi chose to reject them, stating “I took a risk by not doing them,” which limited her immediate prospects in an industry focused on conventional beauty standards.
But here’s what makes her story inspiring: She emphasized her faith in her craft, saying “I trusted my work, and it has borne fruit today,” enabling her to sustain a decades-long career without compromising her artistic integrity.
Now that’s what I call staying true to yourself! She didn’t compromise, didn’t take shortcuts—she just kept working hard and letting her talent speak.
Awards and Recognition
| Award/Recognition | Category | Work | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Star Screen Award | Best Performance in Negative Role (Nomination) | Waisa Bhi Hota Hai Part II | 2004 |
| Recognition | Popular TV Villain | Uttaran | 2008-2015 |
| Industry Standing | Character Actress | Various Projects | Ongoing |
Pratima Kazmi received a notable nomination at the 2004 Star Screen Awards for Best Performance in a Negative Role for her portrayal in “Waisa Bhi Hota Hai Part II”, recognizing her ability to deliver commanding villainous characters.
Personal Interests and Hobbies
Beyond the screen, Pratima is quite the well-rounded individual:
| Interest/Hobby | Details |
|---|---|
| Music | Enjoys listening to music |
| Cooking | Passionate about cooking |
| Spiritual Practice | Active follower of Brahma Kumaris |
| Theatre | Continues to appreciate theatrical arts |
Her hobbies include listening to music and cooking. Imagine getting to taste food cooked by someone who brings such passion to everything she does!
Age and Current Status
| Age Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Year | 1948 |
| Current Age | 78 years (as of 2026) |
| Status | Active in industry |
| Recent Work | Merry Christmas (2024) |
Born on July 21, 1948, Pratima continues to work in the industry, proving that talent and dedication don’t have an expiration date. At 76, she’s still bringing characters to life with the same passion she had decades ago.
Relationship Status: Boyfriend or Husband?
Let’s clear up any confusion here. Pratima is not dating anyone—she’s been happily married for decades!
| Relationship Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Current Status | Married |
| Spouse | Kannan Arunachalam |
| How They Met | College theatre group |
| Duration | Several decades |
| Boyfriend Status | N/A – Married since youth |
There’s no boyfriend in the picture because she found her soulmate in college and has been with him ever since. In an industry where relationships often make headlines for all the wrong reasons, their enduring marriage is refreshingly stable.
Lesser-Known Facts About Pratima Kazmi
Here are some interesting tidbits that might surprise you:
| Fact Category | Details |
|---|---|
| First Screen Appearance | As a dancer in 1989 |
| International Debut | British film “Sixth Happiness” |
| Theatre Background | Started in college theatre |
| Spiritual Side | Follower of Brahma Kumaris |
| Career Span | Nearly 30 years in industry |
| Famous Name | Also known as Pratima Kannan |
| Primary Specialty | Negative and antagonist roles |
| Language | Primarily works in Hindi projects |
Professional Impact and Legacy
Pratima Kazmi’s contribution to Indian television extends beyond just acting. She’s redefined what it means to be a character actress in an industry often obsessed with leading roles and glamour.
| Impact Area | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Character Acting | Elevated negative roles to art form |
| Longevity | Nearly 3 decades of consistent work |
| Versatility | Film, TV, and theatre experience |
| Representation | Proved talent transcends conventional beauty |
| Mentorship | Paved way for character actors |
She’s shown that you don’t need to be the protagonist to leave an unforgettable impression. Sometimes, the villain steals the show—and Pratima has been stealing shows for years!
Current Work and Future Prospects
Her recent work includes “Merry Christmas” (2024), showing that she continues to remain active in the film industry. At 76, while many would consider retirement, Pratima continues to accept roles that challenge her and allow her to showcase her range.
| Recent Activity | Status |
|---|---|
| Latest Film | Merry Christmas (2024) |
| Industry Status | Active |
| Project Selection | Continues to choose meaningful roles |
| Health | Maintains good health |
What Makes Pratima Kazmi Special?
In a world where overnight success stories dominate headlines, Pratima’s journey is a testament to persistence, talent, and staying true to one’s craft. She didn’t become famous for her looks or her social media presence—she became respected for her work.
| Special Quality | Impact |
|---|---|
| Authenticity | Never compromised artistic integrity |
| Versatility | Comfortable in film, TV, and theatre |
| Dedication | Nearly 30 years of consistent work |
| Resilience | Overcame industry prejudices |
| Range | From dancer to powerful antagonist |
Her ability to make audiences feel genuine emotions—even if they’re negative emotions toward her character—is what separates good actors from great ones. And Pratima? She’s definitely in the great category.
Conclusion: A Career Worth Celebrating
Pratima Kazmi’s biography is more than just a collection of facts and figures—it’s a story of passion, perseverance, and the power of believing in yourself. From college theatre to becoming one of Indian television’s most recognizable faces, she’s done it all without compromising her values.
Born on July 21, 1948, in Mumbai, she’s now 76 years young and still going strong. Standing at 5 feet 5 inches, she’s proven that physical stature means nothing when you have the talent and presence to command a screen.
Whether you remember her as the scheming Sumitra Devi from “Uttaran” or from any of her numerous film appearances, one thing’s certain—Pratima Kazmi has left an indelible mark on Indian entertainment. She’s shown us that sometimes the bad guys (or in this case, the bad lady) can teach us the best lessons about dedication, craft, and the art of staying true to yourself.
So the next time you find yourself thoroughly annoyed by a villain on screen, remember: that’s not bad acting—that’s Pratima Kazmi–level good acting!
Sources:
- IMDb Official Biography
- Wikipedia Entry on Pratima Kazmi
- WikiBio Biographical Information
- Stars Unfolded Profile
- Uttaran Official Cast Information
