Lillete Dubey was born on September 7, 1953, in Pune, India. She is currently a widow, having been married to Ravi Dubey from 1978 until his death in 2015. The couple had two daughters, Neha Dubey and Ira Dubey, both of whom have pursued careers in the arts. Lillete is the eldest of three siblings; her sister Lushin Dubey is also a noted stage actress, and her brother Patanjali Dubey is the founder of the Lemon Tree hotel group.

Lillete Dubey is an accomplished Indian actress and theatre director known for her extensive work in both Indian and international theatre, as well as in films and television. She began her career in theatre with Barry John in Delhi and co-founded the Theatre Action Group in 1973. In 1991, she established The Primetime Theatre Company to promote original Indian writing. Her film career took off with her notable roles in acclaimed movies such as "Zubeidaa," "Monsoon Wedding," and "Kal Ho Naa Ho." She gained international recognition for her performances in "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" and its sequel. Over her career, Lillete has received numerous accolades, including awards for Best Actress at various international film festivals. With a passion for both acting and directing, she has directed over thirty productions and played lead roles in more than sixty plays, showcasing her versatility across genres ranging from Shakespeare to contemporary Indian drama.