Actor Celina Jaitly is set to make her return to the big screen in a full-fledged role after a six-year break. She will play the lead in a biopic on Sister Nibedita, the Irish-born disciple of Swami Vivekananda, directed by Ram Kamal Mukherjee. The film is scheduled to begin production in early 2027.
Jaitly, who was last seen in the 2020 short film Season’s Greetings, describes this project as one of the most deeply personal journeys of her career. The actor, known for Bollywood hits like No Entry (2005), Golmaal Returns (2008), and Thank You (2011), says the role feels like a calling rather than just another acting job.
“I never imagined that after almost four years our paths would cross for a story of such profound spiritual significance,” Jaitly shared in an interview. She reveals that her connection to Sister Nibedita began long before she was cast in the role, tracing back to her childhood in West Bengal.
“My father was posted in Binaguri in West Bengal. My parents and I would often travel to Darjeeling with military convoys, and one of the places where we often stopped was Roy Villa, where Sister Nivedita spent her last days. My parents would walk around the grounds, and even military convoys would pause there to take in the breathtaking energy and view of Roy Villa. Looking back, I realise something about the place always moved me.”
A Personal Journey Connected to the Role
Sister Nibedita, born Margaret Elizabeth Noble in Ireland in 1867, first met Swami Vivekananda in London in 1895. She traveled to India and became his disciple, receiving the name Nivedita in 1898. She dedicated her life to social work, women’s education, and championing women’s empowerment in India.
Jaitly explains that it was her mother who first introduced her to Sister Nivedita’s life and legacy. “I had no idea that one day, far in the future, I would be the chosen one. I now feel perhaps it was Sister Nivedita herself calling this young girl who studied in Kendriya Vidyalaya,” she recalls.
The actor also reflects on her own life experiences and how they connect to the role. “Life has a remarkable way of connecting dots which only make sense later. After spending 15 years in Europe, coming to India, back to my roots, Sanatan Dharma, rediscovering myself not just as an actor but also as a human being,” she shares.
Director’s Vision for the Biopic
Ram Kamal Mukherjee, a National Award-winning filmmaker, says the subject was waiting to be told. “While making Binodiini, I was reading books on Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda. That’s when I came across Sister Nibedita’s journey, and decided to make a movie,” he shared in an interview.
Mukherjee believes Jaitly is the right choice for the role. “I always felt that Celina would be the right choice for Margaret. I am glad to have Celina as my leading lady, who would understand the pain and passion of woman’s self-sacrifice,” he said.
The film is produced by Aritra Das Creation in association with Assorted Motion Pictures. Mukherjee reunites with music duo Sourendra-Soumyajit, who previously scored his last feature Binodiini Ekti Natir Upakhyan. The screenplay is written by Ipsita Acharya.
Production Details and Filming Locations
The biopic, titled Sister Nibedita, will be shot across three locations—Mumbai, Kolkata, and Ireland. Filming is scheduled to begin in February 2027, according to the director. The project aims to authentically capture the geographical and emotional landscape that shaped Sister Nibedita’s extraordinary life journey, from her formative years in Ireland to her transformative years in India.
The film’s announcement was made on July 4, marking the 124th mahasamadhi (death) anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. The date holds significant spiritual meaning, serving as a tribute to the bond between Swami Vivekananda and his devoted disciple.
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Why This Role Matters to Jaitly
Jaitly openly shares what inspires her most about the historical figure she will portray. “What moves me most about Sister Nivedita is that she was not born in India, yet she chose India in every fiber of her being. She dedicated herself completely to a civilisation, its people, its spiritual philosophy, and above all, its mission. She merely didn’t admire India, she lived for India,” she says.
“As a woman, I find her courage deeply inspiring, even given my own personal agonies that I have been navigating recently,” Jaitly adds, referring to her ongoing personal challenges. She filed for divorce from her husband of 15 years, Peter Haag, in November 2025, citing domestic violence.
The actor says portraying Sister Nivedita feels “less like a role and more like answering a calling.” She pledges to give her full dedication to the project. “With the blessings of Swami Vivekananda and Ramakrishna Mission, I take a sacred vow to give every ounce of my heart and soul to portraying Sister Nibedita,” she stated.
Producer Aritra Das says the film is a dream project. “Celina Vikram Jaitly flew all the way from Austria when our director Ram Kamal wanted to see the final look. We were surprised to see the transformation,” Das shared. The makers are currently finalizing the rest of the cast and creative team.
Stay tuned to VvipTimes for more updates on upcoming Bollywood biopics and celebrity comebacks.
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