Ishita Deshmukh is an Indian actress and trained Odissi dancer who plays Suman in Gondhal, the Marathi psychological thriller selected as India’s official entry for the Oscars 2027.
The film’s latest global trailer arrived on 27 October 2026. Meanwhile, its makers have announced a worldwide theatrical release in seven languages on 13 November 2026.
Although Gondhal has brought Ishita wider attention, her acting journey began much earlier. She studied acting at Whistling Woods International and worked in theatre, television, short films and commercials.
Here is the updated Ishita Deshmukh biography, covering her age, education, film roles, artistic training and latest Oscar-related news.
Who Is Ishita Deshmukh?
Ishita Deshmukh is an Indian actress who works in Marathi and Hindi entertainment. She was born and raised in Madhya Pradesh before moving to Mumbai to pursue acting.
She has experience in classical dance, theatre and film production. In addition, she has worked on both sides of the camera.
Her screen credits include Shakuntala Devi, 36 Farmhouse and the DD National television show Jaanaki.
However, her leading role in Gondhal introduced her to a wider film audience after the movie became India’s official Oscar submission.
Ishita Deshmukh Biography: Quick Facts
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ishita Deshmukh |
| Profession | Actress, Theatre Performer |
| Age | 27, reported in September 2026 |
| Hometown | Madhya Pradesh, India |
| Acting Education | Whistling Woods International |
| Classical Dance | Odissi |
| Latest Major Film | Gondhal |
| Gondhal Character | Suman |
| Notable Films | Shakuntala Devi, 36 Farmhouse |
| Television | Jaanaki, DD National |
| Additional Skills | Kalaripayattu, Ukulele |
Ishita confirmed her age as 27 in a September 2026 interview with Hindustan Times. However, her exact date of birth is not clearly established through reliable public records.
Ishita Deshmukh’s Early Life and Odissi Training
Ishita developed an interest in dance while growing up in Madhya Pradesh.
According to her Whistling Woods International alumni profile, she trained in Odissi, one of India’s classical dance traditions.
Through dance, she discovered Abhinay, which uses facial expressions and body movements to communicate emotions.
Moreover, she performed at national competitions and international events during her early years.
These experiences helped her gain confidence before audiences. Later, she moved toward professional acting and filmmaking.
Education at Whistling Woods International
Ishita pursued a degree in acting at Whistling Woods International in Mumbai. Her alumni profile records 2020 as her year of attendance.
During her training, she appeared in more than 15 short films and participated in over 10 theatre productions.
In addition, she worked on different characters and storytelling styles through practical projects.
Her education also included experience behind the camera. As a result, she learned how filmmaking involves actors, directors, editors and production teams working together.
This practical background became an important part of her preparation for a professional acting career.
Gondhal: Ishita Deshmukh’s Oscar 2027 Film
Gondhal is a Marathi psychological thriller written and directed by Santosh Davakhar.
The film originally released on 14 November 2025. Later, on 18 September 2026, the Film Federation of India selected it as India’s official submission for the 99th Academy Awards.
The selection committee chose Gondhal from 33 submitted films.
However, being India’s official submission does not mean the Academy has nominated it for an Oscar. The film must still pass the Academy’s selection process.
What Is Gondhal About?
The story takes place in rural Maharashtra during a traditional Gondhal ritual.
Ishita plays Suman, a newly married woman who feels trapped in her relationship.
Meanwhile, her lover Sarjerao, played by Nishad Bhoir, becomes involved in her dangerous plan.
The story explores marriage, personal freedom, obsession and the consequences of hidden desires.
The film also stars Kishor Kadam, Yogesh Sohoni and Anuj Prabhu.
Director Santosh Davakhar uses traditional music, dance and religious storytelling to build suspense.
Gondhal’s Latest Trailer and November 2026 Release
The makers unveiled the film’s global trailer on 27 October 2026, bringing renewed attention to Ishita’s role.
According to the latest announcements, Gondhal will return to cinemas worldwide on 13 November 2026.
The new release will feature seven languages:
- Marathi
- Hindi
- Tamil
- Telugu
- Malayalam
- Kannada
- English
Earlier, the team also announced special preview screenings across six Indian cities, beginning on 9 October.
However, the new theatrical rollout is separate from the original November 2025 release.
This distinction matters because some reports incorrectly describe Gondhal as a completely new 2026 film.
Awards and Recognition for Gondhal
Before its Oscar selection, Gondhal had already received recognition at film festivals.
Santosh Davakhar won the Silver Peacock for Best Director at the 56th International Film Festival of India in 2025.
In addition, Gondhal received a FIPRESCI Award at the Bengaluru International Film Festival in 2026.
The film also won multiple honours at the Filmfare Awards Marathi 2026.
These awards belong to the film and its creative team. Therefore, they should not be incorrectly listed as individual acting awards won by Ishita.
Ishita Deshmukh Movies and Television Shows
Before Gondhal, Ishita appeared in several entertainment projects.
| Project | Format | Platform or Details |
|---|---|---|
| Shakuntala Devi | Hindi Film | Amazon Prime Video |
| 36 Farmhouse | Hindi Film | ZEE5 |
| Jaanaki | Television | DD National |
| Gondhal | Marathi Film | Theatrical release |
Her Whistling Woods alumni profile confirms these earlier screen credits.
Meanwhile, her television work includes the lead role in Jaanaki, which aired on DD National.
She has also appeared in advertisements for Flipkart, Meftal and Cello.
Although Gondhal marks an important leading-film opportunity, it was not her first screen appearance.
Theatre Experience and Work Behind the Camera
Ishita has also performed in theatre productions, including The Legends of Sri Ratna, a musical connected with ICCR and KCCI.
She also participated in Karn, a Team Sampoornam production selected for the 23rd Bharat Rang Mahotsav.
Beyond acting, her professional experience includes work as a casting assistant, production intern and continuity supervisor.
These roles involve preparing film shoots, supporting casting decisions and maintaining consistency between scenes.
In addition, her alumni profile lists Kalaripayattu training and basic ukulele skills.
Read Beyond the Headlines
Ishita Deshmukh’s career offers an interesting example of how theatre training can support a move into cinema.
She studied classical dance, performed in stage productions and gained technical experience before securing her leading role in Gondhal.
Now, the film’s Oscar submission and upcoming multilingual release have brought her work greater visibility.
However, India’s official Oscar entry is only the beginning of the international awards process. The next major development will be whether Gondhal progresses further in the Academy’s selection rounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ishita Deshmukh?
Ishita Deshmukh is an Indian actress and Odissi dancer known for playing Suman in Gondhal, India’s official submission for the Oscars 2027.
What is Ishita Deshmukh’s age in 2026?
Ishita was 27 years old in September 2026, according to her Hindustan Times interview. Her exact birth date remains unconfirmed.
Is Gondhal nominated for the Oscars 2027?
Not yet. The Film Federation of India selected Gondhal as India’s official submission for Best International Feature Film. An official submission is different from an Academy nomination.
Who directed Gondhal?
Santosh Davakhar wrote and directed Gondhal, which features music by Ilaiyaraaja.
Where did Ishita Deshmukh study acting?
She pursued acting at Whistling Woods International in Mumbai and also gained experience through short films and theatre.
When will Gondhal release in theatres?
The film originally released on 14 November 2025. Its makers have announced a seven-language worldwide theatrical re-release on 13 November 2026.