Delve into the enigmatic world of supermassive black holes in this captivating lecture by renowned astrophysicist Priyamvada Natarajan. Explore the fascinating history of black hole theory, from mathematical concepts to observationally-detected objects. Discover the peculiar properties of these cosmic giants and their crucial role in shaping the universe. Learn about recent advancements in understanding the formation, growth, and impact of supermassive black holes. Gain insights into current research methodologies and contemplate open questions in the field. Conclude with a discussion on future prospects for unraveling the nature of these mysterious celestial entities. Benefit from the expertise of Professor Natarajan, a distinguished astrophysicist from Yale University, known for her groundbreaking contributions to black hole and dark matter research.