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A three-time National Film Award winner, a Hindi theater veteran, and a star of Indian soap operas, Surekha Sikri was easily one of the most talented actors we had. Here’s a look at some of
her most memorable performances across various mediums which proved she was an effortless screen stealer: 1. _TAMAS_ Based on Bhisham Sahni’s novel of the same name, this was the role that
won Surekha Sikri her first National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress. The movie explored the heart-wrenching effects of partition on the people at the lowest rung in the society and
Surekha Sikri as Rajo was a performance that stayed with the audience, long after the movie was over. 2. _KISSA KURSI KA_ In 1978, Surekha Sikri made her film debut as Meera in this
political satire. As a conniving supporter of a political aspirant, Meera’s tactics weren’t on the right side of morality. But Surekha Sikri’s performance had the audience even rooting for
those sly actions. 3. _SALIM LANGDE PE MAT RO_ One of the finest movies to explore the effects of Hindutva extremism on minor communities, the movie won two National Film Awards. And
Surekha Sikri played the role of the protagonist’s mother. Early in her film career, she gave a memorable performance with this role, convincingly playing a character far removed from her
age or real-life situation. 4. _BANEGI APNI BAAT_ (TV SERIES) One of the earliest shows that she was a part of, Surekha Sikri played the role of Radha. The series, that dealt with class
divide, gender differences, and transition from the college-to-professional world was far ahead of its times. And Radha remains one of Indian TV history’s most memorable characters. 5.
_MAMMO_ The movie that won Surekha Sikri her second National Film Award was the first part of director Shyam Benegal’s Muslim trilogy. She plays the role of the protagonist’s legal guardian
Fayyuzi, who unexpectedly comes to an encounter with her long lost sister Mammo. Through her character, she perfectly balanced emotions of warmth and exasperation and left the audience in
awe of her brilliance. ADVERTISEMENT 6. _SARDARI BEGUM_ Shyam Benegal followed his semi-autobiographical trilogy with _Sardari Begum_, where Surekha Sikri played the role of Ittan Bai – the
owner of a house where courtesans perform. Though she had a brief role in the movie, she ensured that her performance was hard to forget, like always. 7. _ZUBEIDAA_ The final culmination
of Benegal’s trilogy, _Zubeidaa_ had Surekha Sikri reprise the role of Fayyuzzi (from Mammo). With _Zubeidaa_, Surekha Sikri once again proved that a seasoned performer does not need screen
time, but rather screen space to leave an impactful performance. 8. _HARI-BHARI_ Surekha Sikri collaborated with Shyam Benegal again to present his story of five women and their struggles
with reproductive rights. Surekha Sikri played the role of the family matriarch, and the movie draws a comparison from the life she’s lived to the life her granddaughter may end with if
things are not changed and traditions not altered. 9. _PARINDON KI MEHFIL _(PLAY) A recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (for her contribution to the theater), Surekha Sikri is an
alumnus of NSD and has continued to act in plays throughout her career. Based on a 12th Century Persian poem ‘Mantaq-ut-Tayr’ by Fariduddin Attar, _Parindon Ki Mehfil _was one of those rare
works of art that had the audience visibly entranced by the performances on display. ADVERTISEMENT 10. _MR. AND MRS. IYER_ Even though Konkona Sen’s performance became the highlight of the
movie, it’s impossible to not be moved by Surekha Sikri’s impassioned performance – though she hardly has more than two scenes in the movie. As she rises in defense of her husband from
sectarian violence, her anguished actions lead to her death – and the brief scene remains one of the most impactful moments from the movie. 11. _REHMAAN KE JOOTE_: _KIRDAAR _(TV SERIES)
Directed by Gulzar, _Kirdaar _presented various short stories by Indian writers. Rich in literary content, each story brought to screen brilliant performances by seasoned actors like Om
Puri, Irrfan Khan, and others. And yet, Surekha Sikri managed to hold her own. ADVERTISEMENT 12. _KABAAD: STAR BESTSELLERS _(TV SERIES) _Kabaad_, starring Surekha Sikri and Raghubir Yadav,
was one of Star Bestsellers’ best tales. The story revolved around how a simple conversation can bring two people from diverse backgrounds together as friends, and help curb their
loneliness. As always, Surekha Sikri’s performance had no false note, which helped elevate the simple story into a memorable tale. 13. _BADHAAI HO_ With her performance as the cantankerous
but good-at-heart family matriarch in _Badhaai Ho_, Surekha Sikri earned the third National Film Award of her career. Her dialogues became the talk of the town, and her performance towered
over everybody in the frame, earning her a spot in the list of the industry’s most memorable and popular grandmothers. Through a long and illustrious career, Surekha Sikri continued to
shine in every role, no matter how brief. Her contribution to the world of cinema will continue to live on, forever.