Plabita Borthakur is an Indian actress, singer and artist from Assam who rose to wider recognition after her role in Lipstick Under My Burkha
She has steadily built a diverse body of work across films, web series and music. Plabita Borthakur’s journey from the oil-township of Duliajan in Assam to mainstream Indian cinema and streaming platforms is the kind of story that blends talent, hard work and artistic curiosity.
Known for sensitive, layered portrayals, she came to broad public notice for the role of Rehana Abidi in Lipstick Under My Burkha, a film that attracted attention both for its content and its critical reception.
This article explores her early life, career path, notable roles, acting style, awards, and personal background plus a quick stats table, frequently asked questions and reliable sources.

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Table of Contents
Plabita Borthakur’s Biography
Early life and background
Plabita was born and raised in the Oil India township of Duliajan in Assam. Growing up in a family that valued music and culture, she and her sisters took to music early.
The Northeast of India has a rich musical and theatrical culture, and Plabita’s formative years included school-level cultural activities and an encouragement toward the arts.
This early exposure helped shape her dual interest in acting and music. 1
Like many artists from smaller towns, she later moved to larger cities to pursue opportunities in film, theatre and music.
Her family background and Assamese roots continue to inform her identity as an artist and frequently appear in interviews and public statements.
Love the concept of not having to waste time thinking what to watch. 😀 @ottplayapp https://t.co/5fqTvVaJsv
— Plabita Borthakur (@PlabitaB) August 8, 2022
Quick Stats
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Plabita Borthakur |
| Date of birth | 17 June 1991 / 1992Â |
| Place of birth | Duliajan, Dibrugarh district, Assam, India. |
| Occupation | Actress, singer, artist. |
| Years active | 2014–present (film/TV credits begin 2014). |
| Debut (film) | PK (small role; feature debut credited 2014). |
| Breakout role | Rehana Abidi in Lipstick Under My Burkha (2016). |
| Notable web series | Breathe: Into the Shadows (Amazon Prime), Bombay Begums (Netflix). |
| Official website | plabitaborthakur.com (listed on public profiles). |
Education and Formative Training
Public profiles note that Plabita was involved in school cultural programs and local music activities.
Specific formal training details are less widely published; like many working actors, she developed her craft through on-set experience, theatre and collaboration with directors and peers.
She is also known for her musical abilities, and that creative cross-training (music + acting) has informed her choices in projects that often value authentic, naturalistic performances.

Breakthrough: Lipstick Under My Burkha and early film work
Although Plabita had earlier film credits including a small appearance in PK (2014) her major breakthrough was Lipstick Under My Burkha (2016), written and directed by Alankrita Shrivastava and produced by Prakash Jha’s team. The film’s ensemble cast and bold, character-driven storytelling gave Plabita a role that was both visible and demanding.
Playing Rehana Abidi, she attracted critical attention for a nuanced, restrained performance that fit the film’s tone of subtle rebellion and human vulnerability. The movie itself became a talking point for audiences and critics, raising Plabita’s profile across the Indian film landscape.
Why that role mattered: Lipstick Under My Burkha reached a national audience and was discussed widely in press and film-festival circuits. For a young actor, being part of a widely-discussed ensemble provides both recognition and future casting opportunities.
The film’s critical conversation around women’s lives also meant that performers like Plabita were seen as part of a shifting cinematic landscape.

Expanding into Web Series and Streaming
After Lipstick Under My Burkha, Plabita began to appear increasingly in digital projects a move that matched the rise of streaming platforms in India.
Notable entries include:
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Breathe: Into the Shadows (Amazon Prime Video) — where she played Meghna Verma. The Breathe series franchise has been a prominent Indian production on Amazon’s platform, and a role here placed Plabita in a high-visibility series with mainstream audience reach.
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Bombay Begums (Netflix) — Plabita appeared as Ayesha Agarwal in this ensemble drama directed by Alankrita Shrivastava, which explored the ambitions and personal lives of women in Mumbai. The show’s presence on Netflix gave Plabita access to global audiences and reviewers.
She has also appeared in episodic web series and short-format projects, demonstrating an ease with shorter, character-centric storytelling as well as longer narrative arcs.
This balance between films and series is now common among modern actors and has allowed Plabita to broaden her craft and audience.

Filmography
Feature films
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PK (2014) — small role, one of her earliest screen appearances.
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Lipstick Under My Burkha (2016) — Rehana Abidi; breakout ensemble role.
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Waah Zindagi — Reena (supporting) (listed on public filmographies).
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Chhote Nawab — Fauziya (reported casting/role in various listings).
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Protishruti (Assamese film / regional projects) — listings note her involvement in Assamese-language cinema as well.
Web series and episodic work
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Breathe: Into the Shadows (Amazon Prime Video) — Meghna Verma.
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Bombay Begums (Netflix) — Ayesha Agarwal.
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Parchhayee (ZEE5 episodic) — part of an anthology/episodic series.
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What’s Your Status (digital/YouTube) — earlier web series work.
Music and Other Creative Pursuits
Beyond acting, Plabita is also a singer and artist. Her musical background from childhood and her continuing interest in music differentiate her professional profile from actors who focus exclusively on screen work.
She has participated in music projects and has been associated with creative collaborations that benefit from her vocal training and stage presence.
This combination of acting and music is a strong fit for an industry that increasingly blends multimedia formats.
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Regional Representation
Plabita belongs to the growing cohort of Indian performers from the Northeast who have achieved national recognition.
Representation of the Northeast in Indian media has historically been limited; artists like Plabita help broaden visibility for voices from the region.
In interviews and public writing, she has occasionally referenced her Assamese roots, and that cultural background remains a point of identification for many fans and journalists.
Awards, Nominations and Recognition
While Plabita has been recognized for her role in Lipstick Under My Burkha and nominated in newcomer categories in some award listings, she is best known for critical recognition and visibility rather than a long list of mainstream awards.
The film itself received festival attention and award nominations, and being part of that ensemble contributed to early-career momentum.
For the most current award and nomination details, industry directories and award pages should be checked.

Challenges and Industry Realities
Like many actors who start with critically-acclaimed but non-mainstream projects, Plabita faced the challenge of converting critical goodwill into a sustained mainstream career.
The changing landscape of Indian entertainment with streaming services, independent filmmaking and regional content has offered both opportunities and challenges.
For actors who prioritize character-led work, the digital era has been particularly welcoming. Plabita’s career reflects this shift: a mix of films and web series that prioritize story and character.
Recent Work and What’s Next
Publicly available profiles list Plabita’s continued activity in both films and series into the early 2020s.
Projects like Chhote Nawab and regional cinema credits show a willingness to work across languages and formats.
Given the pace of streaming commissions, actors with her profile often alternate between episodic work, independent films and occasional commercial projects. For the very latest projects and release dates, check her official site or streaming platform listings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: When and where was Plabita Borthakur born?
A1: Public records list her birthdate as 17 June (1991 or 1992 in different sources) and her birthplace as Duliajan, Dibrugarh district, Assam, India. Different databases sometimes show a one-year discrepancy in the birth year.
Q2: What was Plabita’s first film?
A2: Her earliest credited film appearance is a small role in PK (2014). She later had a major ensemble role in Lipstick Under My Burkha (2016), which significantly raised her profile.
Q3: Which role brought her widespread recognition?
A3: Her portrayal of Rehana Abidi in Lipstick Under My Burkha is widely regarded as her breakout role. The film’s critical and cultural conversation made the cast more visible.
Q4: Has Plabita worked in web series?
A4: Yes. Notable credits include Breathe: Into the Shadows (Amazon Prime Video) and Bombay Begums (Netflix), along with several episodic and digital projects.
Q5: Is she also a singer?
A5: Yes. Plabita has a musical background and is known to perform and collaborate on music projects in addition to acting.
Q6: Does she act in Assamese cinema?
A6: She has credits listed in regional projects, including Assamese-language work. Her roots and occasional regional projects connect her to Assamese cinema.
Q7: Where can I watch her work?
A7: Major streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Netflix have hosted series featuring Plabita. Films may be available on various streaming platforms, festival circuits, or regional distributors depending on rights. For current availability, check the platforms directly.
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