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From Indrani Haldar to Mimi Chakraborty, several actresses have portrayed Goddess Durga in television serials and Mahalaya specials.
Navratri is a time when devotees worship Goddess Durga and her nine forms. The festival has also inspired several memorable portrayals of the goddess on Indian television, with actresses bringing her strength, grace and divine power to the screen. From Bengali television’s much-loved Mahalaya specials to Hindi mythological shows, several performers have taken on the iconic role over the years.
Indrani Haldar
Indrani Haldar is remembered for her portrayal of Goddess Durga in Doordarshan’s Mahalaya special in 2003. She had also played the divine feminine in the television show Maa Shakti in 2002. Her performances remain an important part of Bengali television’s tradition of depicting the goddess during the festive season.
Payel De
Payel De has portrayed Goddess Durga on multiple occasions. Known for her work in mythological and period dramas, she has played the goddess in television serials and special festive programmes. Her association with roles inspired by mythology has made her a familiar face among audiences who enjoy Bengali devotional shows.
Koel Mallick
Popular Bengali actress Koel Mallick appeared as Goddess Durga in a Mahalaya special in 2021. Her portrayal combined traditional styling with the grandeur associated with the goddess. Mahalaya broadcasts are an important part of the Durga Puja celebrations in West Bengal, and celebrity appearances in these programmes often attract considerable attention.
Srabanti Chatterjee
Srabanti Chatterjee has portrayed Goddess Durga in several Mahalaya television specials. Her appearances have brought her into the spotlight during the festive season, when channels present their own interpretations of the goddess’s story and her battle against evil.
Subhashree Ganguly
Subhashree Ganguly appeared as Goddess Durga in a Mahalaya broadcast in 2022, having taken on the role previously as well. The actress, known for her work in Bengali cinema, brought the goddess’s story to television audiences through the special programme.
Mimi Chakraborty
Mimi Chakraborty portrayed Goddess Durga for the first time in a Mahalaya programme in 2020. The actress spoke about the experience in an interview, describing the feeling of getting into the goddess’s look as a memorable one. Her appearance added to the tradition of popular Bengali actresses taking on the role during the festive season.
Piyali Munshi
Piyali Munshi played Goddess Durga in the Hindi mythological television series Jai Jag Janani Maa Durga. The show explored the goddess’s stories and divine powers, bringing Hindu mythology to television audiences. Her portrayal was central to a series dedicated to the many facets of Maa Durga.