Sarika Thakur, better known as Sarika, is an Indian actress and costume designer who has worked across Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam cinema. She began her career as a child artist in the 1960s.
She later evolved into a critically acclaimed performer, winning the National Film Award for Best Actress for her role in Parzania (2005).
As a costume designer, she brought a refined aesthetic to several films, showcasing her multifaceted creative talent.
Profile
- Full Name: Sarika Thakur
- Stage Name: Sarika
- Born: 5 December 1960
- Age: 65 Years old
- Birthplace: New Delhi, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Ethnicity: Indian
- Occupation: Actress, Costume Designer
- Height: 1.61 m
- Religion: Unknown
- Parents: Kamal Thakur
- Siblings: Unknown
- Spouse: Kamal Haasan (m. 1988–2004)
- Children: Shruti Haasan, Akshara Haasan
- Relationship: Divorced
- Net Worth: $4 million USD
Early Life and Education
Sarika was born on 5 December 1960 in New Delhi to Kamal Thakur, a single mother who worked as a costume designer and theatre personality.
Her father’s identity has never been publicly disclosed, and she has no known siblings.
Growing up in a creative household, she was exposed to the arts early and began acting as a child to support her family.
She did not pursue formal higher education; instead, she learned on film sets.
Her ethnic background blends Marathi and Punjabi roots, but her religious beliefs remain private.
Career
Sarika began her career as a child actress in films like Hum Panchhi Ek Daal Ke (1966) and Jal Bin Machhli Nritya Bin Bijli (1971).
As a teenager, she transitioned to adult roles in Hindi and regional cinema throughout the 1970s and 1980s. However, in the 1990s, she stepped back from acting after her marriage to Kamal Haasan.
During that period, she discovered a new passion and worked as a costume designer for several Tamil films, including Hey! Ram (2000) and Virumaandi (2004) earned praise for their authentic period designs.
Her acting comeback came with Parzania (2005), where she played a mother searching for her lost son during the Gujarat riots. The role won her the National Film Award for Best Actress.
Since then, she has appeared in select films such as Munnabhai M.B.B.S. (2003), Bajirao Mastani (2015), and the web series Tandav (2021).
Her dual career as an actress and designer remains unique in Indian cinema, and she continues to inspire performers seeking longevity beyond mainstream glamour.
Awards and Nominations
National Film Award for Best Actress – Parzania (2005) Star Guild Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Bajirao Mastani (2016) – Nominated Screen Award for Best Supporting Actress – Bajirao Mastani (2016) – Nominated
Social Media
Instagram Handle: @sarikathakur Facebook Handle: Sarika Thakur
Personal Life
Sarika, 65 years old and standing 1.61 m tall, married legendary actor Kamal Haasan in 1988 after several years of living together.
The couple had two daughters, Shruti Haasan and Akshara Haasan, both of whom are now actresses. They divorced in 2004, and Sarika has since remained single.
Known for her quiet, dignified presence away from the limelight, she divides her time between Mumbai and Chennai, often visiting her daughters on film sets.
Net Worth
Sarika has an estimated net worth of $4 million USD, earned from decades of acting, costume design fees, and brand appearances.
Her National Award-winning performance brought renewed commercial opportunities, and her design work for major productions added a steady secondary income.
Filmography
As Actress: · Hum Panchhi Ek Daal Ke (1966) – child artist · Munnabhai M.B.B.S. (2003) · Parzania (2005) · Bajirao Mastani (2015) · Tandav (2021) – web series
As Costume Designer: · Hey! Ram (2000) · Virumaandi (2004)
