Searching For Sheela

 is a biographical documentary film produced, written and directed by Shakun Batra. It was released on Netflix in April 2021.

This film documents Ma Anand Sheela, who was a spokeswoman of the Rajneesh movement (aka Osho movement). She was also the main perpetrator of the 1984 Rajneesh bioterror attack in Oregon, US. She later fled to Europe as a fugitive accused of arson, wiretapping, attempted murder, and mass poisonings. She pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison and paroled after 39 months.

Searching for Sheela explores her journey in India after 34 years and shows her new life after serving time for her alleged crimes.

Summary
"Journalists and fans await Ma Anand Sheela as the infamous former Rajneesh commune’s spokesperson returns to India after decades for an interview tour."

- Official Netflix synopsis

"Osho’s controversial and sassy ex-secretary, Ma Anand Sheela returns to India after 34 years of exile and people just can’t get enough of her. Searching for Sheela is an intimate look into her journey across India, observing the rebranding of her as a pop-culture icon, with audiences unable to decide if they deem her a “criminal” or remain in awe of her badass secretary days. Sheela, now frail and 70, in the twilight of her life, appears to be seeking redemption, but is she? And if she is, does a world consumed by spectacle allow her the space to?"

- Official Netflix synopsis

Cast

 * Ma Anand Sheela