As we celebrate Surveen Chawla’s birthday, here’s a throwback to some of her most impactful roles across film and streaming. From gritty thrillers to emotional dramas, delivering bold, nuanced performances that stay with the viewer. Here’s a look at the standout roles that define her fearless journey.
Sacred Games: as Jojo Mascarenas, In the critically acclaimed Netflix series, Surveen played Jojo, a troubled yet sharp-witted talent manager entangled in the city’s dark underbelly. Her performance, though limited in screen time, left a deep emotional impact especially in the heartbreaking moments between Jojo and Kukoo.
Rana Naidu (Season 2): In the second season of this crime-drama series, Surveen brings fire and vulnerability to her role, navigating family chaos and personal turmoil with remarkable depth.
Mandala Murders: As Ananya Bharadwaj, a powerful politician in a mytho-crime thriller, Surveen plays a central role in this eerie whodunnit set in the fictional town of Charandaspur. Her portrayal of a woman shrouded in mystery added a sharp edge to the show’s suspense.
Decoupled: As Shruti Sharma Iyer, In this quirky dramedy opposite R. Madhavan, Surveen plays a woman balancing motherhood, career, and a decaying marriage with sharp realism. Her performance was praised for its restraint, maturity, and dry humour.
Parched: As Bijl, One of her most hard-hitting performances, Surveen played a sex worker in rural India in Leena Yadav’s Parched. Her portrayal of Bijli was fearless, layered, and deeply empathetic, earning her critical acclaim internationally.
Criminal Justice: Adhura Sach (Season 3): In the third season of this popular courtroom drama, Surveen plays a mother caught in the crossfire of legal and emotional battles. Her performance stood out for its sincerity and emotional rawness.
Hate Story 2: As Sonika, This revenge thriller marked a turning point in her film career. As Sonika, a woman who rises from trauma to take down her abuser, Surveen delivered a fierce performance that combined vulnerability with grit. It cemented her as a unconventional lead in mainstream cinema.
(Contributed by Vivaan Shenoy)