After receiving a Bachelor's degree in English Literature in Mumbai, Tanuja Chandra completed further studies towards a Master of Fine Arts degree in Film Direction and Writing in the USA. She returned to India and directed the television shows, Mirch Masala and Zameen Aasmaan. After this, she co-wrote the screenplay and dialogue for Mahesh Bhatt’s films, Zakhm and Tamanna, both of which won National awards, and co-wrote Yash Chopra’s Dil To Pagal Hai.

She began independent film direction in 1998 with Dushman and directed Sangharsh, Sur - A Melody of Life, Zindaggi Rocks, and the English language film, Hope and A Little Sugar in 2008, amongst others.

Several of her films received awards in different categories and her English film received recognition in international film festivals. In 2017, her most recent film, Qarib Qarib Singlle released, and a collection of short stories by her, called Bijnis Woman was published by Penguin Random House.