Sonal Jha, born on July 29, 1971, in Patna, Bihar, has carved a career path that spans theatre, television, and film, showcasing her versatility and depth as an actress. Her journey from the local stages of Patna to the bright lights of Bollywood has been both inspiring and unique.
Basic Information
Field | Details |
---|---|
Name | Sonal Jha |
Nickname | – |
Parents Name | Nitiranjan Jha (Father), Indurani Jha (Mother) |
Parents Occupation | – |
Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
Birthday | July 29, 1971 |
Birthplace | Patna, Bihar, India |
Siblings | Five siblings |
Spouse | Name Not Known |
Past Relationships | – |
Current Relationship | – |
Height | 5’6″ (1.68 m) |
Weight | Not publicly disclosed |
Reasons for Fame | Versatile roles in films, television, and theatre; nuanced performances. |
Education
Sonal Jha’s educational journey began in Patna, where she completed her schooling in Hindi medium. She later moved to Delhi, where she pursued and completed her master’s degree in history from Delhi University. Her stint in New York at Ithaca College, earning a Master’s in Corporate Communications, gave her a diverse educational background, which she uses to bring depth to her characters.
Professional and Life Achievements
Theatre
Jha’s love for theatre started early. At 11, she began performing with the Patna Indian People’s Theatre Association (IPTA). In Delhi, she joined Ekjute Theater Group, learning from renowned personalities like Nadira Babbar and acting in plays nationwide. Her theatre background has significantly shaped her acting style, emphasizing authenticity and emotional depth.

Television
Her television career took off with her role as Irawati in the long-running series “Balika Vadhu,” making her a household name. She continued to play sensitive and charming mothers in shows like “Na Aana Is Des Laado” and “Sapno Ke Bhanwer Main.” Her work on television has been noted for its realism and the ability to connect with audiences.
Film
Sonal Jha’s film career includes notable roles in “Lipstick Under My Burkha” as Leela’s Mother, “3 Storeys” as Malini’s Mother, and “Chillar Party” as Encyclopedia’s Mother. Her performance in “12th Fail” as Sharaddha’s Mother was critically acclaimed. She has also been part of ensemble casts in films like “Agra,” which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.
Web Series
Jha ventured into web series with “Sunflower” on ZEE5, where she played Mrs. Iyer, showcasing her ability to adapt to digital platforms. She also appeared in “Jehanabad – Of Love & War” on Sony Liv and “Dil Dosti Dilemma” on Prime Video.
Awards
- 2017: Nominated for Best Performance by an Ensemble Cast at the FOI Online Awards for “Lipstick Under My Burkha.”
- 2018: Her short film “MAD” won the Perfect 10 at The Mumbai Film Festival.
Chronological Timeline of Life Events
- 1971: Born in Patna, Bihar, India.
- 1982: Began performing in theatre at 11 with Patna IPTA.
- 1990s: Moved to Delhi for postgraduate education in history.
- 2000: Relocated to Mumbai with her husband and son.
- 2004: Rejoined theatre with Ekjute Theater Group.
- 2008: Television debut with “Bombay Lawyers” and “Bahubali.”
- 2012: Gained fame with “Balika Vadhu.”
- 2016: Focused on theatre, starred in “Lipstick Under My Burkha.”
- 2017: “MAD” faced censorship issues but won at The Mumbai Film Festival.
- 2021: Web series debut with “Sunflower.”
- 2023: Starred in “Coat” as Madho’s mother and “Agra.”
Cultural and Social Background
Growing up in Patna, Jha’s early life was steeped in theatre and cultural performances, which have profoundly influenced her work. Her performances often reflect the complexity of Indian society and the lives of its diverse inhabitants.
Relationships, Hobbies, and Interests
Family: Jha is married with one son, Ritwick Jha. She has five siblings.
Hobbies: Apart from acting, she is passionate about singing and has a background in Kathak, holding a ‘Prabhakar’ degree in the same.
Quotes and Anecdotes
- “Theatre teaches you to live life to the fullest. Every character I portray on stage brings me closer to understanding human emotions.”
- “In film, every moment counts, but in theatre, every breath you take shapes the narrative.”
Did You Know?
- Sonal Jha holds a ‘Prabhakar’ degree in Kathak.
- She faced significant challenges adjusting in Delhi due to language and cultural differences.
- Her role in “Lipstick Under My Burkha” received critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of a woman’s journey.
- She has been involved in theatre since childhood, starting as an actress and singer in Patna.
Reference Articles
S. No. | Website | Link |
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1 | Wikipedia | Link |
2 | IMDb – Awards | Link |
3 | Stars Unfolded | Link |
4 | IMDb – News | Link |
5 | JSB Market Research | Link |
6 | Times of India | Link |
7 | IMDb – Biography | Link |
8 | Bollywood Hungama | Link |
9 | The Indian Express | Link |
10 | GlamSham | Link |
Sonal Jha’s journey from theatre to television to film has been a testament to her dedication to the art of storytelling. Her ability to adapt, her nuanced performances, and her cultural roots have made her a beloved figure in the Indian entertainment industry. Her story continues to inspire many, proving that passion and perseverance can indeed take one from the modest stages of Patna to the bright lights of Bollywood.