Celina Jaitly returns to big screen as Sister Nivedita:Actress says, 'The role feels like answering a calling'

Actor Celina Jaitly is set to make her big-screen comeback with a biopic on Sister Nivedita, the Irish-born disciple of Swami Vivekananda. Calling it one of the most meaningful projects of her career, Celina said portraying Sister Nivedita feels "less like a role and more like answering a calling." The film is being directed by Ram Kamal Mukherjee and marks Celina's return to a full-fledged acting role after years away from cinema. Speaking about the experience, Celina said working with director Ram Kamal Mukherjee has been unlike any of her previous films. According to her, a filmmaker of his calibre encourages actors to completely immerse themselves in the character rather than simply perform it. She believes the role has challenged her both emotionally and spiritually. The actress also revealed that her connection with Sister Nivedita began long before she was offered the film. During her childhood, while her father was posted in Binaguri, West Bengal, she often travelled with her parents to Darjeeling. One of the places they regularly visited was Roy Villa, where Sister Nivedita spent her final days. Celina recalled that the place always left a deep impression on her, even though she never imagined she would one day portray the social reformer on screen. What inspires Celina the most about Sister Nivedita, she said, is her unwavering dedication to India. Though born in Ireland as Margaret Noble, Sister Nivedita devoted her life to India's spiritual philosophy, women's education, scientific thinking, and social welfare after becoming Swami Vivekananda's disciple. Celina added that, as a woman, she deeply admires Nivedita's courage, especially while dealing with her own personal struggles in recent years. The film marks an important chapter in Celina Jaitly's career as she returns to acting with a role rooted in history, spirituality, and women's empowerment. The makers are expected to announce more details about the biopic in the coming months. Who is Sister Nivedita? Sister Nivedita was an Irish disciple of Swami Vivekananda, who dedicated her life to education, social service, and national awakening in India. Her contribution to women's education and the promotion of Indian culture is still considered a source of inspiration today.