PHD - Pyaar Hai Drama

Nishigandha Wad (pronounced [n̪iʃiɡən̪d̪ʱaː ʋaːɖ]; born 11 October 1969) is an Indian actress and author known for her work in Marathi cinema, television, and theatre, while also appearing in Hindi films and television. With a career spanning more than three decades, she became a prominent presence in Marathi cinema during the 1990s, particularly known for portraying strong and independent female characters, and later established a parallel career in Hindi television. Wad began performing as a child in Marathi stage productions before making her television debut in the serial Aavhan, which brought her early recognition. She entered Hindi films with Salim Langde Pe Mat Ro (1989) and made her Marathi film debut opposite Ashok Saraf in Sachin Pilgaonkar's Eka Peksha Ek, going on to appear in films such as Shejari Shejari (1990), Bandhan (1991), Bala Jo Jo Re (1993), and Sada Haldi Kunkwacha (1997) as well as more than twenty-five television serials, including Kulvadhu (2008–2010). From the 2000s, she broadened her work in Hindi film and television, with roles in Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge (2002), the long-running serial Sasural Simar Ka (2011–2018), Wazir (2016), and Race 3 (2018), and later played Jijabai in the historical serial Jai Bhavani Jai Shivaji (2021) and the film Har Har Mahadev (2022). She has since continued to work in Hindi television, including Suman Indori (2024–2025) and O Humnava Tum Dena Saath Mera (2026). Alongside her acting career, Wad has pursued academic research extensively, completing a PhD from the University of Mumbai in 2003 on the changing role of women in Marathi and British theatre, and a second PhD in 2013 on women's empowerment; she is currently pursuing a third doctorate on the poetry of Shanta Shelke. In addition, she has authored several Marathi-language books, three of which have received Maharashtra state literary awards.