Kokana Sensharma is a well known actress in the Bollywood industry but her reach has gone international. The 17th New York Indian Film Festival was conducted and Kokana was the star, bagging the Best Actress and Best Director awards.
In 2016, Kokana was part of Alankrita Shrivastava’s Lipstick under my Burkha. The movie was banned from releasing in India by the Censor Board, but gained a lot of attention abroad. The film revolves around the secret life of four women looking for freedom from this judgmental world. Kokana’s role was vibrant and managed to win the Best Actress Award for her portrayal of a mother of three.
Yay! @konkonas wins best actress at @nyindianff for @lipstickmovie💃💃💃#lipstickundermyburkha
— Alankrita (@alankrita601) 8 May 2017
Kokana decided to branch out and try being on the other end of the screen. She debuted as a director in the drama thriller A death in Gunj, starring Kalki Koechilin, Tanuja and Jim Sarab. The movie is also one of the last films of veteran actor, Om Puri. Kokana proved she’s not only a brilliant actor but an even better director. This movie gave her the Best Director title at the New York Indian Film Festival.
The government’s initial ban on Lipstick under my Burkha might get removed and released for the Indian crowd. The Censor Board has asked for a number of cuts but the director feels she can adhere to their requirements and still keep the essence of the film.
