Navratri 2023: 6 actresses who nailed it as Maa Durga onscreen

During the 1990s, the landscape of entertainment witnessed a significant shift across the country. Radios, once the pinnacle of entertainment, began to see a decline with the burgeoning popularity of television. Among the cultural shifts, the celebratory incantation of Mahalaya carved a space on the TV screens. The epic narrative of the goddess vanquishing the demon was visually brought to life. Doordarshan paved the way by introducing Mahisasurmardini in a dance drama format. This fresh rendition elevated the story from a mere narration to a cinematic spectacle. Today, numerous shows vie for the audience's attention with their special Mahalaya broadcasts. As the festive season heralding Durga Puja is upon us, let's delve deep into the portrayals of popular actresses who brilliantly brought Maa Durga to life on the small screen.

Representing the newer generation of Bengali actresses, Koel Mallick brought forth a blend of tradition and contemporary nuances. Her performance in the 2021 Mahalaya for a popular TV channel exuded a mix of elegance and fervor, reminiscent of an old-world charm. Her portrayal, marked by grandeur and energy, has solidified her position as one of the memorable Maa Durga portrayals in recent years.

Known widely for her title roles in like "Durga" and "Behula", Payel De's association with the character of the goddess goes beyond just Mahalaya specials. She has, on numerous occasions, portrayed the goddess in her many forms, each time bringing a fresh perspective to the character. Her frequent recurrences as Durga onscreen affirm her as one of the most sought-after faces for the role.

In 2003, Doordarshan's Mahalaya program witnessed actress Indrani Halder stepping into the shoes of Durga. But even before this iconic portrayal, she had already essayed the role of the divine feminine in "Maa Shakti" on Star Plus in 2002. Her commendable looks, combined with her dance skills, ensured a captivating performance. Winning a national award, Halder's rendition as the goddess left an indelible mark on the audience.

Srabanti Chatterjee's captivating eyes have mesmerized audiences on several occasions in her portrayal of Durga. Over the years, various TV channels have chosen her for their Mahalaya specials, evidencing her undeniable popularity in this role. Her last notable portrayal being in 2020, Srabanti has consistently showcased a blend of grace and strength in the character.

2022 saw Subhashree Ganguly as Durga in a popular TV channel’s Mahalaya broadcast, but this wasn’t her debut in the role. Standing tall both in stature and talent, her cherubic face combined with her performance skills has enamored fans. Her portrayal of the demon-slaying goddess has solidified her as a favorite in the eyes

In 2020, Mimi Chakraborty’s Mahalaya program saw the actress playing Maa Durga, the epitome of strength, for the first time. Her performance was lauded by fans and followers. During one interview she was asked whether she felt different once she got into the look. “Yes, there is an amazing sensation. I really felt it. A different kind of positive energy surges through you, which inspires and motivates you,” Mimi shared.