Born in 1948 in Dharwar, Karnataka, Chitra Palekar has been an exponent of Indian avant-garde theatre, she had originally wanted a career in sports but after being diagnosed with a heart condition at age 19, switched to drama.She has been an actress and writer besides being a director.After her daughter Shalmalee came out as a lesbian, Chitra has been actively engaged in work for the LGBTQ community.
Mother of actress and world renown doctor Shalmalee Palekar.
Now divorced from Amol Palekar (2013).
Youngest daughter name is Samiha. She is in the final year of studying law (2014). She wants to specialize in sports law. She has played rugby at a national level for India.