Sheena Chohan Shines in Hindi Debut as Avali Jija Bai in Sant Tukaram

Marking her Hindi debut with a role of emotional depth and cultural significance, actress Sheena Chohan steps into the shoes of Avalai Jija Bai, the steadfast wife of 17th-century saint and poet Sant Tukaram, in the upcoming biopic Sant Tukaram. The film, directed by Aditya Om and slated for theatrical release on July 18, explores the life, struggles, and spiritual revolution led by one of Maharashtra’s most revered saints.

 

In historical accounts and folklore, Avali is portrayed as a grounded, practical woman who struggles to balance her devotion to family with her husband’s growing detachment from worldly duties in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Sheena Chohan’s portrayal aims to humanize Avali — not just as a saint’s wife, but as a woman of strength, sacrifice, and unspoken grace.

 

“We aim to inspire today’s generation with the real story of what Saint Tukaram has done for the people,” Sheena shares. “This film carries the original message of Lord Vitthal — that if you believe with all your heart, anything is possible.”

 

To authentically bring Avali to life, Sheena immersed herself deeply in the historical and cultural context of the character. “To prepare, I worked with a Marathi translator and read original 15th-century texts and manuscripts about Avali Jija Bai,” she explains. “I also spent time in the same village where Sant Tukaram lived, interacting with the women there. Those conversations helped me understand the spirit, rhythm, and inner resilience of the women of that time.”

 

Acclaimed Marathi actor Subodh Bhave, who plays the titular role of Sant Tukaram, praised Sheena’s commitment: “Sheena completely understood the director’s vision. Whether it was an emotional scene or a quiet moment, she performed with full honesty and dedication. Her sincerity and desire to explore her character made working with her a true pleasure.”

 

The film features a power-packed ensemble cast including Sanjay Mishra, Arun Govil, Shishir Sharma, Hemant Pandey, Ganesh Yadav, Lalit Tiwari, Mukesh Bhatt, and Shiva Suryavanshi as the antagonistic Mambaji. Lending narrative gravitas, veteran actor Mukesh Khanna serves as the film’s voiceover narrator, guiding audiences through Tukaram’s spiritual journey with philosophical insight and emotional depth.

 

Musically, Sant Tukaram is anchored in the Abhanga tradition — devotional poetry written in praise of Lord Vitthal. The soundtrack, composed by Nikhil Kamath, Ravi Tripathi, and the duo Veeral & Laavan, bridges classical and folk influences to create a soul-stirring auditory landscape, echoing Tukaram’s internal evolution from pain to spiritual awakening.

 

Produced by B. Gautham under Curzon Films, in collaboration with Purushottam Studios, Sant Tukaram is envisioned as a pan-Indian cinematic experience. With its layered storytelling, powerful performances, and spiritual core, the film aspires to cross linguistic and cultural boundaries, connecting with audiences on a universal human level.

 

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