Who Is Mia Maelzer? Rising Star Of Indian Cinema

Meet Mia Maelzer, India’s award-winning actress who shines in Stolen and The Field. Read about her inspiring journey and 2025 updates!

Mia Maelzer

Hey, movie lovers!

You are in for a treat if you have not heard of Mia Maelzer yet.

This Indian actress is lighting up screens worldwide with her raw, heartfelt performances in films like Stolen and The Field.

From her roots in a small West Bengal town to international film festivals, Mia’s journey is one of grit, talent, and passion.

As THOUSIF Inc. – INDIA, we are here to tell her incredible story, packed with fresh updates and insights into her life and career in 2025; let us dive into the world of this rising star!

From Panihati To The World Stage: Mia’s Roots

Mia Maelzer, also known as Aditi Roy Maelzer, was born and raised in Panihati, West Bengal, a town now bursting with pride for its global star.

With parents from Bangladesh and Nepal, Mia grew up in a vibrant, multicultural home that shaped her worldview and artistry.

Her fluency in Hindi, English, and Bengali allows her to effortlessly transition between diverse roles, bringing authenticity to every character she plays.

Before being a celebrated actress, Mia was a junior national athlete, showcasing her discipline and drive early on.

She later channeled that energy into acting, graduating from the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD) in 2016.

This foundation in theatre and her multicultural upbringing make her performances resonate deeply, whether she is on a Mumbai set or an international festival stage.

A Global Education In Acting: Mia’s Training

Mia’s craft is a beautiful blend of global and Indian influences.

At NSD, she mastered the nuances of Indian theatre, but her ambition took her far beyond.

She trained under some of the world’s best: David Lee Strasberg in New York for American acting, Ariane Mnouchkine in Paris for European techniques, G. Venugopalan in India for Koodiyattam (an ancient Indian performing art), and Rita Ganguly for Classical Indian Acting.

This diverse training gives her a unique edge, allowing her to tackle complex roles easily.

UNESCO has recognized Mia for her contributions to World Cinema, which is a testament to her ability to bridge cultures through her performances.

Whether a gritty drama or a poetic short film, Mia brings a universal depth that captivates audiences everywhere.

Mia’s Filmography: A Tapestry Of Powerful Roles

Mia’s career showcases versatility, with roles that tackle social issues, human struggles, and raw emotion.

From her early days in Bengali cinema to her recent global hits, she has proven she is a force to be reckoned with.

Here is a detailed look at her filmography:

The Field (2018), directed by Sandhya Suri, was a game-changer for Mia.

Playing Laila, a woman navigating love and duty in a rural setting, she delivered a powerful performance that won Best International Short Film at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2018.

The film also earned nominations at BAFTA 2019 and the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles, where it won the Grand Jury Award.

Its inclusion in The Criterion Collection is a rare honor, cementing Mia’s place in cinematic history.

In Stolen (2023), Mia’s portrayal of Jhumpa, a mother from a marginalized community fighting to reclaim her stolen child, was heartbreaking.

The film, directed by Karan Tejpal, premiered at the Venice Film Festival 2023 and was the only Indian entry that year.

Mia’s performance earned her the Tiantan Award for Best Actress at the 14th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) in 2024.

As of May 2025, Stolen is streaming on Prime Video, bringing her raw talent to a global audience. 

The Braid (2023), where she played Smita, also stands out for its universal story of resilience, earning a 7.2/10 rating and praise for its emotional depth.

Awards And Accolades: Mia’s Trophy Cabinet

Mia’s talent has not gone unnoticed.

She has a shelf full of awards and nominations proving her prowess.

Here is a breakdown of her significant achievements:

Her Tiantan Award win in 2024 was a career-defining moment, especially since Stolen also bagged Best Director and Best Cinematography at BJIFF.

Mia’s early national scholarship before films like Target Kolkata hinted at her potential, and her recent accolades show she is living up to it.

Behind The Scenes: Mia’s Multifaceted Talents

Mia is a star in front of the camera and a creative force behind it.

She was an acting coach and casting assistant for Beyond the Clouds (2017), directed by Majid Majidi, helping shape the film’s performances.

In Ek Betuke Aadmi Ki Afrah Raatein, she not only played the lead alongside Adil Hussain but also took on the role of art director, showcasing her eye for visual storytelling.

Her work as a producer on the Rajasthani film Sambhar Project (2020), which was selected at IFFSA Toronto, highlights her commitment to regional cinema.

Mia also runs PlayLab SouthAsia, a theatre lab that tours India, where she acts, produces, and directs.

This initiative reflects her passion for live performance and nurturing new talent.

With her ability to juggle acting, directing, and producing shows, she is a true artist, unafraid to explore every facet of her craft.

Overcoming Challenges: Mia’s Resilience

Mia’s journey has not been without hurdles.

In a 2017 interview, she shared how veteran actress and singer Ila Arun mentored her and protected her from the casting couch, a pervasive issue in the film industry.

From before Mia’s NSD days, Ila’s guidance helped her navigate tough career decisions and maintain her integrity.

Mia credits Ila for teaching her to balance discipline and instinct, a philosophy she calls “method in the madness.”

This approach has kept her grounded in an industry known for its challenges.

For Stolen, Mia spent three years researching her role as Jhumpa, studying actresses like Sreela Majumdar and Seema Biswas to capture the essence of a marginalized mother.

She even gained weight to break her “ballet figure” for authenticity, a testament to her dedication.

Meeting women from similar backgrounds helped her find Jhumpa’s dialect and backstory, making her performance deeply authentic.

A Glimpse Into Mia’s Process

Mia’s preparation for roles is intense and thoughtful.

For The Braid, she read the source novel by Laetitia Colombani to grasp its universal story.

She described the shoot, directed by a female filmmaker, as the “best experience of her life,” praising the team’s professionalism and serenity.

This collaborative spirit allowed her to give her all, deepening her empathy for the characters she portrays.

Mia In 2025: What Is Next?

As of May 2025, Mia’s star is shining brighter than ever. 

Stolen is now streaming on Prime Video, and its recent screenings at the BFI London Film Festival and the 28th International Film Festival of Kerala have kept it in the spotlight.

The film’s success and Mia’s Tiantan Award have made her a household name among cinephiles.

She is also teasing new projects, expressing interest in films tackling climate change and migration, and a potential sci-fi venture—a bold new direction for her.

Mia’s Instagram, with 90,000 followers, paints her as a “Global actor,” blending local roots with global appeal.

Based in Mumbai, she is open to projects across India and beyond, making her a versatile pick for filmmakers.

Her recent posts hint at upcoming collaborations, though she is keeping details under wraps for now.

Why Mia Maelzer Matters

Mia Maelzer is more than an actress.

She is a cultural bridge, a storyteller, and a champion for meaningful narratives.

Her ability to authentically portray complex, often marginalized characters makes her a vital voice in cinema.

From NSD training to global accolades, she is redefining what it means to be an Indian actress in 2025.

Her work in theatre, film, and social issues shows she is not just chasing fame but building a legacy.

Conclusion: Join The Mia Maelzer Fan Club!

Mia Maelzer’s journey from Panihati to international red carpets is inspiring.

She is a star we cannot stop watching, with awards, influential roles, and a passion for storytelling.

At THOUSIF Inc. – INDIA, we are rooting for her next big move, whether it is a sci-fi epic or another heart-wrenching drama.

We loved learning about Mia.

Our website features more stories about India’s brightest talents.

Could you help us keep the movie magic alive?

Trivia Time: Did You Know?

Here is a fascinating tidbit: Mia’s role in The Field was so impactful that the film was preserved in The Criterion Collection, a rare honor for a short film. Mia’s athletic background as a junior national athlete gives her a unique physicality that shines in her dynamic performances!

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THOUSIF Inc. - INDIA

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