Most Versatile Indian Actresses. Ever.
Following actresses of Indian cinematic universe stand out for their artistic panache, elegance and captivating on-screen presence.
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Other Important Lists on Indian Film Universe:
>> New Sizzling Actresses in Bollywood
>> Most Beautiful Indian Actresses of All Time
>> Most Versatile Indian Actors. Ever.
Other Gorgeous Lists:
>> Most Beautiful Hollywood Actresses
>> 30 Actresses One Cannot Miss
>> Actresses Best Known For Comedy
>> Best Comedy Movies of All-Times
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Kangana was born on 23 March 1987 in Bhambla, near Manali, which is in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. Her dad Amardeep is a businessman and her mom Asha is a schoolteacher. She has two sisters and a younger brother. Her grandfather was an IAS Office. She spent her childhood in Dehra Dunand studied in DAV's High School, where she participated in many debates and elocutions and also played basketball.
After completing her schooling, she attended Science College in Simla. She was enrolled in the Elite School of Modeling and also tried theater acting in Delhi and was a member of the Smita Theater Group under Arvind Gaur. She is also a trained Kathak dancer.
She decided to relocate to Bombay and lived in a flat in Yari Road, Versova. In September 2005 she was spotted drinking coffee in a cafe by filmmaker Anurag Basu, who approached her and eventually signed her for a lead role in Gangster (2006).
Since then, Kangana Ranaut has won 4 National Awards for her performance in _Fashion (2008)_qv, _Queen (2014)_qv, and _Tanu Weds Manu Returns (2015)_qv. Manikarnika(2019) Panga (2019).- Actress
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Smita Patil, born in Pune, Maharashtra, India, was a highly acclaimed Indian actress known for her exceptional performances in Hindi and Marathi cinema. Regarded as one of the finest actresses in Indian cinema, Smita Patil's career was marked by her ability to portray a wide range of characters with authenticity and depth.
Smita Patil began her acting career in Marathi theater before making her film debut with the Marathi film "Shyamchi Aai" (1974). She gained attention for her breakthrough performance in Shyam Benegal's "Manthan" (1976), which marked the beginning of her collaboration with the renowned filmmaker. Smita Patil went on to work in several of Benegal's films, including "Bhumika" (1977), for which she received the National Film Award for Best Actress.
Her impactful performances in films such as "Aakrosh" (1980), "Chakra" (1981), and "Umbartha" (1982) solidified her position as one of the leading actresses in Indian cinema. Smita Patil was known for choosing roles that challenged societal norms and highlighted social issues. Her ability to infuse realism into her characters and convey emotions with authenticity set her apart.
Smita Patil also made significant contributions to parallel cinema, working with directors like Govind Nihalani ("Ardh Satya," 1983), Shyam Benegal ("Mandi," 1983), and G. Aravindan ("Chidambaram," 1985). Her collaboration with commercial filmmakers, including Ramesh Sippy in "Shakti" (1982) and Prakash Mehra in "Namak Halaal" (1982), showcased her versatility across genres.
Beyond her acting career, Smita Patil was actively involved in social and political causes. She was known for her advocacy of women's rights and her commitment to addressing issues affecting marginalized communities.
Tragically, Smita Patil's life was cut short when she passed away on December 13, 1986, at the age of 31, shortly after giving birth to her son Prateik Babbar. Despite her short-lived career, Smita Patil's impact on Indian cinema remains enduring, and she is remembered as a trailblazer who elevated the art of acting with her remarkable talent and meaningful contributions.- Actress
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Konkona Sen Sharma is an awarding winning actress and the daughter of the celebrated actress and director Aparna Sen. Konkona is regarded as one of the most respected actresses in Bollywood with her memorable performances right from Mr. and Mrs. Iyer (2002) to Page 3 (2005), from Omkara (2006) to Life in a Metro (2007). Her singularly exquisite portrayal of a struggling actress in the undisputed hit Luck by Chance (2009) opposite Farhan Akhtar has also established her commercial success. Praising her performance in the film, noted film Critic Nikhat Kazmi of Times of India wrote, "The highpoint of the film are its performances, Konkona is a complete natural before the camera".- Actress
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One of the leading lights of the 1965-1990's Indian New Wave, Shabana Azmi (alongside the late Smita Patil) was one of the main female actors who dominated the films of the so-called "Parallel Cinema" in India in the 1970s and 1980s. Born to noted Urdu progressive poet and lyricist Kaifi Azmi and theatre actress Shaukat Azmi, Shabana has acted in films by virtually all of India's most famous art-house directors including Shyam Benegal, Satyajit Ray, Mrinal Sen, Aparna Sen and others, as well as in commercial and middle-of-the-road Hindi films, where she has essayed several strong female characters (e.g., in The Death Sentence: Mrityu Dand (1997) and Godmother (1999)). Shabana Azmi was paired opposite Rajesh Khanna in 7 successful films.She is noted for her naturalness and intensity on-screen, matched by her fierce advocacy of the rights of women, minorities and slum-dwellers off-screen, both through activism and in her role as a Member of Parliament, where her consistent stand in defense of liberal values and the freedom of expression is noteworthy. She has also acted on stage to considerable acclaim, most notably in Tumhari Amrita with Farookh Sheikh. She is married to noted scriptwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar.- Actress
Suchitra Sen was born on 6 April 1931 in Pabna, Bengal Presidency, British India [now in Pabna, Bangladesh]. She was an actress, known for Aandhi (1975), Saptapadi (1961) and Devdas (1955). She was married to Dibanath Sen. She died on 17 January 2014 in Kolkata, West Bengal, India.- Actress
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Madhavi Mukherjee was born on 10 February 1942 in Calcutta, Bengal Presidency, British India. She is an actress and director, known for Diba Ratrir Kabya (1970), The Coward (1965) and Charulata (1964). She is married to Nirmal Kumar Chakraborty. They have two children.- Actress
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Vidya was born in Palghat, Kerala, India. Her family consists of her dad, P.R. Balan, who is the Vice-President of ETC Channel; mom - a home-maker, and an elder sister, Priya, who is married to Kedar. She also has an aunt by the name of Raji Raju.
The Balan family re-located to live at Road No. 11, near Ambedkar Garden, Chembur, Bombay, when Vidya was very young. She studied in St. Anthony's Convent School, and thereafter in St. Xavier's College from where she obtained a degree in Sociology. She then went on to obtain a Masters degree in Sociology from Bombay University.
She also studied and performed in Prithvi Theaters' workshops. Due to tradition of most Tamil-Iyer families, Vidya and her Priya learned Carnatic dance form during their early childhood days, but Vidya opted out as the dance classes took place early on Sunday mornings and as she is not an early riser.
Considerably overweight, rather tomboyish, during her school-days, and an ardent fan of Shahrukh Khan, she decided to shed those extra pounds when she elected to opt for modeling and movies.
Facing disappointment after being rejected by a Tamil producer, she nevertheless persisted until she got her first break with a Malyalam movie 'Chakram' opposite Mohanlal, however, the project was shelved, and she had to wait until 1998 to debut in a Surf Excel commercial. She then went on to appear in several commercials directed by Pradeep Sarkar. She completed nearly 90 such ads.
She appeared in three music videos for Pankaj Udhas, Euphoria, and Shubha Mudgal in supporting roles. She then also appeared in two TV serials Ekta Kapoor's 'Hum Paanch', and Ashok Pandit's 'Hanste Khelte'.
During 2003 she was signed-up to play a role in a Bengali movie 'Bhaalo Theko' opposite Joy Sengupta. This project was completed during the year 2006, and was a considerable hit.
Then during 2006 Vidya was approached by Vidhu Vinod Chopra during a pop-concert in Mumbai to play a lead role in 'Parineeta'. She then had to undergo 17 make-up shoots and 40 screen tests before being chosen for this role. All this hard work did result in success as 'Parineeta' was very well received so much so that the Tamil producer, who had previously rejected her, invited her to appear in a 'Dasavatharam' opposite Kamal Hassan, and now it was Vidya's turn to reject this offer which eventually went to 'Asin'.
Apart from acting, Vidya occupies herself for supporting education for young Indians by promoting children's' books; is associated with Americans for Aids Research; with Hale House - that provides support and housing for children born with HIV and drug abuse; as well as hosting forums and attending events for Harvard Aids Institute.
When she was single, she was never involved in any scandal and claimed to get along well with both female and male friends. In 2012, she married producer Siddharth Roy Kapur
An ardent devotee of Bhagwan Shri Sai Baba, she makes it a point to attend Mandirs every Thursday. She is proficient in Tamil, Malyalam, Hindi, English, Bengali, and can also read Urdu.- Actress
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Radhika Apte is a well-known Indian theatre and film actress born in Vellore and brought up in Pune. Before endeavoring into films, she began with theatre. Radhika Apte is a perfect example of beauty with brains. Apte is an Economics and Mathematics graduate from Fergusson College, Pune. Apte during her growing up days in Pune, she learned Kathak from the exponent Rohini Bhate for eight years. During this time Radhika Apte involved in theatre avidly and later on decided to go to Mumbai to try luck on the silver screen. Radhika made her big-screen debut when she was in college with Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi! (2005) in 2005 where she played a small role. Apte worked in different language films starting from Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Tamil, Marathi, and Malayalam. Radhika Apte got her first leading role with a Bengali social drama film named Antaheen(2009) In 2009, Radhika Apte made her Marathi movie debut with 'Go mala asala hawa' which was a Marathi Konkani film. In 2010, Radhika Apte appeared in Ram Gopal Verma's Rakhta Charitra and its sequel for which she was nominated for Screen Award Best Female Debutant. But it was only in 2011 where Radhika Apte's career got prominence. She has appeared in two films under Ekta Kapoor 's Balaji banner; I AM and Shor in the City. She is considered as the best indie actress of Bollywood. Radhika Apte was nominated for the SIIMA Award for Best Actress in a supporting role for maiden Tamil venture 'Dhoni'. Radhika Apte appeared in various Marathi plays like 'Tu', 'Purnavira,' 'Matra Ratra', 'Kanyadaan' to name a few. In 2015, Apte's career got wider recognition. In the first eight months, she has appeared in six feature films. In 2015, Radhika Apte's performance in Sriram Raghvan's Badlapur (2015) was critically acclaimed for which she was nominated for the best supporting actress. In the same year, Apte appeared in a Hindi biographical film named Manjhi: The Mountain Man (2015) staring opposite Nawazuddin Siddiqui which was a commercially successful movie and Apte was nominated for the Stardust Award for the Performance of the Year(Editor's Choice).
Apart from acting in movies and theater, Radhika Apte has also acted for OOT platforms like Netflix where she is a part of the original series like Sacred Games (2018), Ghoul (2018), Lust Stories (2018). Radhika Apte's immense dedication and acting performances in the movies, theater and web series make her among the top and best Bollywood actress in recent times.
In 2018, Apte starred opposite Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor in R.Balki's Pad Man (2018). The film was inspired by the life of Arunachalam Muruganantham from Tamil Nadu, who campaigned for menstrual hygiene in rural India. Padman's box office collection was average, but her role was critically acclaimed. Radhika Apte's projects in 2019 are Bombairiya (2019), Chithiram Pesuthadi 2, The Wedding Guest (2018) and The Ashram- Indrani Haldar was born on 6 January 1971 in Calcutta, West Bengal, India. She is an actress, known for Dahan (1998), Jara Brishtite Bhijechhilo (2007) and Saanjhbatir Roopkathara (2002).
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Aquarian Amrita was born on February 9, 1958. Her parentage is Sikh-Muslim. Her dad's name is Shivinder Singh, and her mom's maiden name was Rukshana Sultana. She is the great-grand daughter of Shobha Singh, who knighted and had his prefixed by 'Sir'. She is the niece of writer/author Khushwant Singh, who was also known for his column in leading Indian newspapers.
She is of the most attractive actresses of her time, and perhaps the only one who had a lead role with both Dharmendra and his son, Sunny Deol, and has proved to an actress who is not afraid of doing negative roles.
Amrita Singh has been a dedicated Bollywood actress for years. Amrita Singh left her career as an actress when she married Bollywood actor, Saif Ali Khan, in 1991, even though he was years younger than her.
Saif Ali Khan is the son of Bollywood actress, Sharmila Tagore, and Indian cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan. Amrita and Saif have two children, a daughter, Sara Ali Khan, and a son, Ibrahim Ali Khan.
In 2004 Amrita and Saif Ali Khan have decided to separate, and eventually divorced. The children, Sara and Ibrahim, are now with their mother in India, while Saif is courting an Italian girlfriend.
Amrita Singh has made it known now that she intends to make a come-back in Bollywood, as well as considering doing TV pro grammes.- Actress
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Meera Jasmine, born in Kuttappuzha, Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, is a renowned Indian film actress with a notable career spanning various regional Indian movies. The daughter of Joseph and Aleyamma, she attended Mar Thomas Residential School in Thiruvalla during her schooling years.
Meera entered the film industry with her debut in the Malayalam film "Soothradharan" (2001), directed by Lohithadas and starring alongside Dileep. Despite the film's initial setback, her talent did not go unnoticed, and she quickly garnered offers from other language industries. Kamal's film, her second venture, alongside Navya Nair and Dileep, contributed to her rising fame in the South.
Her foray into Tamil cinema, marked by successful films like "Run" and "Bala" in 2002, earned her the prestigious Filmfare Best Female Debut Actress award for "Run." Subsequently, Meera worked with renowned directors such as Mani Ratnam in "Aayudha Ezhuthu" and SS Stanley in "Mercury Pookkal," solidifying her position in the Tamil film industry with over ten films to her credit.
The Telugu film industry also witnessed her success, especially with the dubbed version of "Run." Meera made her mark in Telugu cinema with films like "Ammayi Bagundi" and "Gudumba Shankar" in 2004. She expanded her reach into Kannada cinema, starring alongside Puneet Rajkumar in "Maurya," followed by another hit in "Arasu."
Despite facing challenges with films like "Parattai Engira Azhagu Sundaram" and "Nepali," Meera's career soared with notable Telugu hits like "Bhadra" with Ravi Teja in the lead. Her repertoire of Telugu films also includes "Raraju," "Maharadhi," "Yamagola Malli Modalaindi," "Gorintaku," and the upcoming "Maa Aayana Chantipilladu," where she was paired for the second time with Sivaji. Meera Jasmine's versatility and acting prowess have firmly established her as a respected figure in the Indian film industry.- Actress
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Anushka Sharma was born on 1 May 1988 in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. Her father, Colonel Ajay Kumar Sharma, is an army officer, and her mother, Ashima Sharma, is a homemaker. Her father is a native of Uttar Pradesh, while her mother is a Garhwali. Her elder brother is film producer Karnesh Sharma, who earlier served in the Merchant Navy. Prior to joining the navy, Karnesh played for the under-19 Bangalore Ranji cricket team. Sharma has stated that being a military brat played an important role in shaping her as a person and contributing to her life. In an interview with The Times of India in 2012, she said, "I take pride in saying that I am an army officer's daughter even more than being an actor. She studied in Army School and graduated with specialization in arts from Mount Carmel College, Bangalore. She then moved to Mumbai to further her modeling career. Sharma says she originally wished to make it big in the modeling world but had no strong aspirations for films. She began her modeling career at the Lakme Fashion Week as a model for Wendell Rodricks's Les Vamps Show and was picked to be Rodricks's finale model at the Spring Summer '07 Collection. Since then she has done campaigns for Silk & Shine, Whisper, Nathella Jewelry and Fiat Palio.
Her first acting role was in Aditya Chopra's Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008) opposite Shahrukh Khan. The film was a huge success and her performance was appreciated. Film critic Taran Adarsh said, "Anushka looks the character and surprises you with a confident performance. It's no small achievement to share screen space with an actor of the caliber of SRK and Anushka manages it very well from start to end." Her second film, Badmaash Company, also under Yash Raj Films, was released on May 7, 2010. She was praised for breaking out of the shell of the conservative and homely Taani to play the feisty and independent Bulbul, and her performance was applauded.
She has two other projects on hand. She began shooting for her first venture outside of Yash Raj with Nikhil Advani and Akshay Kumar in Patiala House in December 2009. Patiala House is scheduled to be released on February 11, 2011. She has also started filming for her third Yash Raj Film, Band Baaja Baaraat, directed by Maneesh Sharma and co-starring debutant Ranveer Singh.- Actress
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Priyanka Chopra Jonas (née Chopra) was born on July 18, 1982 in Jamshedpur, India, to the family of Capt. Dr. Ashok Chopra and Dr. Madhu Chopra, both Indian Army physicians. She had a very varied upbringing. She started her education at La Martinière Girls College in Lucknow as a resident student; a short stay at Maria Goretti College in Bareilly prepared her for further studies in the U.S. Having completed tenth grade in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., she decided to become a software engineer or a criminal psychologist. She enjoys Indian music and dance; flair for writing poetry and short stories; reading, especially biographies; and has worked for a lot of social welfare programs.- Actress
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Rituparna Sengupta was born on 7 November 1970 in Calcutta, West Bengal, India. She is an actress and producer, known for Rajkahini (2015), Ahaa Re (2019) and Parcel (2020). She has been married to Sanjay Chakrabarty since 13 December 1999. They have two children.- Actress
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Tabu is an Indian actress. She has mainly acted in Hindi films, though she has also starred in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Marathi and Bengali-language films, as well as one American film. She has won the National Film Award for Best Actress twice, and holds the record for the most wins of Filmfare's Critics Award for Best Female Performer, with four. With few exceptions, she is best known for acting in artistic, low-budget films that go on to garner more critical appreciation than substantial box-office figures. Her appearances in commercially successful films were few, and her parts in these films were small, such as Border (1997), Saajan Chale Sasural (1996), Biwi No. 1 (1999) and Hum Saath-Saath Hain (1999). Her most notable performances include Maachis (1996), Virasat (1997), Hu Tu Tu (1999), Astitva (2000), Chandni Bar (2001), Maqbool (2003) and Cheeni Kum (2007). Her leading role in Mira Nair's American film The Namesake (2006) also drew major praise.
Regarded as one of the most talented Indian actresses of her generation, Tabu is known to be selective about her film roles. She was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award, in 2011 by the Government of India for her contributions towards the arts.- Actress
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Nutan Samarth was born on June 4 1936 to poet Kumarsen Samarth and his actress wife 'Shobhana' as the eldest of their four children (a younger sister is the actress Tanuja Samarth). Her parents separated when she was a small child. 13-year-old Nutan made her debut in K. Asif's "Hamari Beti". She was a beauty queen as well, being crowned Miss Mussorie in 1952. Success at so young an age was trying, and Nutan temporarily quit films in the 50s to move to Switzerland. She returned, married Commander Rajnish Bahl, and began the most innovative and successful faze of her career. She made her mark as a versatile actress able to portray comedy, drama, and romance with equal skill. Nutan was awarded a record-breaking 5 Filmfare awards for Best Actress and one for Outstanding Performance. Her career declined during the 70s and 80s and she spent much of her time collecting rare artefacts and spending time with her family. Nutan died of cancer in February 1991.- Mamata Shankar hails from one of the most illustrious families of West Bengal, India. She is the daughter of Uday and Amala Shankar, sister of Ananda Shankar and niece of the famous sitar-player and classical Indian music scholar Ravi Shankar. She is an accomplished singer, dancer, choreographer, and actress. She made her acting debut in leftist filmmaker Mrinal Sen's "Mrigayaa" (The Royal Hunt) in 1977.
- Karthika Menon, better known by her stage name Bhavana, is a versatile Indian actress acclaimed for her contributions to the Malayalam, Kannada, and Tamil film industries. Born in Thissur, Kerala, Bhavana is the daughter of assistant cinematographer G. Balchandran and Pushpa. Her journey began at Holy Family Convent Girls High School, Thrissur, where she laid the foundation for her future in the world of cinema.
In 2002, at the tender age of 16, Bhavana marked her cinematic debut with the Malayalam film "Nammal." Her remarkable performance earned her a Kerala State Special Jury Award, setting the stage for a prolific career. Over the years, she has received numerous accolades, including the Kerala State Film Award, Asianet Film Award, Jersey Foundation Award, and Kalakeralam Award, testifying to her exceptional talent and dedication.
Bhavana's cinematic repertoire extends beyond Malayalam cinema, making a significant impact in Tamil, Kannada, and Telugu languages. Her Tamil debut in 2006 with "Chithiram Pesuthadi" showcased her versatility as she portrayed the character of Charumathi. Subsequently, she graced Tamil films like "Veyil," "Koodal Nagar," "Vaazhthugal," and "Aasal," leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
In 2008, Bhavana ventured into Telugu cinema with "Ontari," expanding her reach across South Indian cinema. Her Kannada debut in 2010 with "Jackie" marked another milestone in her career. Bhavana's notable Kannada films include "Vishnuvardhana," "Topiwala," "Mythri," "Mukunda Murari," "Bhajarangi 2," and "Govinda Govinda."
Beyond her illustrious filmography, Bhavana is known for her cameo role in "Thilakkam" and an item number in "Runaway" in 2004, showcasing her versatility in various roles. With each project, she has not only demonstrated her acting prowess but has also earned the admiration of audiences and critics alike. Bhavana continues to captivate the hearts of cinephiles across South India with her compelling performances and remains a prominent figure in the Indian film industry. - Actress
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Manorama is a veteran Tamil actress who has acted in more than 1500 films, 1000 stage performances, and a few television serials.She started her acting career as a drama artist, which was more popular those days. She slowly migrated from dramas to cinemas just as most actors did those days. During her initial days in the cine field, she concentrated more on comedy. She was given equally challenging roles alongside the well known comedian Nagesh. They made an excellent pair and received many praiseworthy comedies. Her role in Thillana Mohanambal was much appreciated and noticed even with the presence of great stalwarts like Sivaji Ganesan and Natiya Peroli (Danseuse) Padmini in the movie. Ever since, she was provided with more scope in varied roles in addition to comedy. She took each responsibility with such an ease which made the Tamil industry recognize her immense talent. She has the distinction of having acted with five chief ministers of South India. She was the female lead in the stage plays written, directed and acted by Mr C. N. Annadurai, former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. She has also acted in stage plays with another Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Dr M Karunanidhi. She has acted in films with Dr M G Ramachandran and Dr Jayalalitha Jayaram who both became Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu later. She has also acted in Telugu films with Dr N T Rama Rao, who became the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.- Actress
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Savitri, also known as Savitri Ganesan, was an Indian film actress, director, producer, singer and race car enthusiast who predominantly worked in Telugu and Tamil cinema. She also worked in Malayalam, Hindi, and Kannada movies. Starring in more than 250 films. "Mahanati" (i.e.,) Greatest of all actresses by the Telugu Cinema and famously referred to as the "Nadigaiyar Thilagam" (i.e.,) Doyenne of all actresses by the Tamil Cinema. Her performance in the 1957 Telugu Epic film "Mayabazar" skyrocketed her to stardom.
Savitri was born on 6 December 1934 in a Telugu family in Chirravuru, Guntur district of present-day Andhra Pradesh.Her father died when she was six months old, after which her mother took Savitri and an older sibling, Maruti to live with an aunt and uncle. Her uncle, Kommareddy Venkataramaiah enrolled her in classes when she began to show a talent for dance.
Savitri acted in dance dramas as a child, including some work with a theatre company run by Jaggayya. She made an unsuccessful speculative trip to find film work in Madras at the age of 14 when she was deemed to be too young to play heroine roles, but in 1950 was cast as the female lead in Samsaram. That role did not become actuality because she became too excited, necessitating numerous retakes and eventually her replacement in the part. She was given a minor speaking role in the film and in the next year had two more minor roles, in Roopavati and Patala Bhairavi, before getting her big break as the second heroine in Pelli Chesi Choodu. She, later on, was propelled to stardom with critically acclaimed roles in blockbusters such as Devadasu and Missamma.
Savitri won several awards for her performance. She also received the prestigious Rashtrapathi Award. In 2011, the Government of India issued a postage stamp in commemoration of Savitri.
While Savitri was married to Gemini Ganesan, the couple separated in the meantime. They had two children together. Savitri passed away in 1981 after slipping into a coma for 19 months; she was suffering from diabetes and hypertension.- Actress
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Richa began her career as a model and then she moved to theater. She has performed plays touring in India and Pakistan. Later, she also received her training under Barry John
Richa acted in the critically acclaimed movie Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! as the character of Dolly, both the movie and her role were well appreciated. She was cast by Anurag Kashyap for his movies Gangs of Wasseypur - Part 1 and Gangs of Wasseypur - Part 2 wherein she plays the pivotal character of Nagma Khatoon in the narrative. In the movie, she matured from 16 to 60 years of age. She got the name "Ms. Fire" for her spirited portrayal in the epic movie. This performance was well appreciated by the Critics. The movie was premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2012 and the entire cast was present at the event.- Actress
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Nandita Das, born in Mumbai, India, is a highly acclaimed Indian actress, director, and social activist known for her impactful performances in parallel and mainstream cinema. With a career spanning over two decades, Nandita Das has not only established herself as a versatile and talented actress but also as a filmmaker committed to socially relevant storytelling.
Nandita Das made her acting debut in Bollywood with the film "Parinati" (1989). However, it was her role in the critically acclaimed film "Fire" (1996), directed by Deepa Mehta, that brought her widespread recognition. The film, exploring the taboo subject of same-sex relationships, marked a turning point in her career and showcased her willingness to take on unconventional and socially relevant roles.
Over the years, Nandita Das has been associated with numerous impactful films, including "Earth" (1998) and "Bawandar" (2000). Her performances in these films earned her accolades for portraying strong and resilient characters, often dealing with complex social issues.
Nandita Das is known for her collaborations with filmmakers who focus on meaningful and thought-provoking storytelling. She worked with Mira Nair in "Firaaq" (2008), a film set against the backdrop of the 2002 Gujarat riots, and portrayed the legendary author Saadat Hasan Manto's wife in her directorial debut, "Manto" (2018).
In addition to her acting career, Nandita Das has made significant contributions as a director and producer. Her directorial venture "Firaaq" (2008) was widely praised for its sensitive portrayal of communal tensions. She has also been involved in various social and cultural initiatives, using her platform to advocate for human rights and equality.
Nandita Das has received several awards for her contributions to the world of cinema, including the National Film Award for Best Actress for her role in "Firaaq" (2008). Her work has been recognized internationally, and she continues to be a prominent voice in both the film industry and social activism.
Nandita Das remains an influential figure, contributing to cinema and societal conversations through her creative endeavors and advocacy work.- Actress
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The Empress of Indian Cinema!
A Sweetheart of 1950s, & The Undisputed Goddess of 1960s Bollywood, Meena Kumari bestrode the movies like few women in history have!
Combing enchanting grace, amazingly heart-melting expression, & consistently solid progressive content base, this Giant of Cinema will remain immortal as perhaps the greatest feminine incarnation of filmdom!
Born in 1933 into a poor Parsee theatre family of Ali Bux and actor-dancer Prabhavati Devi (converted to Iqbal Begum) (Prabhavati's mother's first husband till death, incidentally, being the cousin of Rabindranath Tagore, Prabhavati in turn borne of her second husband, a very famous Urdu poet of Meerut, from where she migrated to pursue a career in music) in Bombay, Maharashtra, India, she entered films to support her family in difficult times.
She was six when hired for Leatherface (1939) in 1939 by Vijay Bhatt and named Baby Meena. Later she became Meena Kumari when cast for Bhatt's Baiju Bawra (1952).
She did mythological films with Homi Wadia and then comedies like Miss Mary (1957). She became personified as the archetypal good Hindu wife through many roles, long suffering and always true to the man. She excelled at tragedy and was often shown in a white sari carrying the film with her emotive acting. She was also thought to be the only actress who could sell a film on the strength of her name alone. Her major films are Daaera (1953), Baiju Bawra (1952), 0046164, and of course her most well known film, Pakeezah (1972). She was married to Kamal Amrohi with whom she started making "Pakeezah". They separated in 1964.
She was also an accomplished Urdu writer and had several poems published by Gulzar after her death. She battled alcoholism and loneliness and finally died, alone, in 1972.- Actress
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Ratna Pathak Shah, born in Mumbai, India, is a highly esteemed Indian actress known for her versatile performances in Indian cinema, television, and theater. With a career spanning several decades, Ratna Pathak Shah has become a respected figure for her nuanced portrayals of characters, blending humor, depth, and authenticity.
Ratna Pathak Shah comes from a family with a rich theatrical and cinematic legacy. She is the daughter of veteran actress Dina Pathak and the sister of acclaimed actress Supriya Pathak.
Ratna Pathak Shah made her acting debut in the critically acclaimed film "Mandi" (1983), directed by Shyam Benegal. Her early performances showcased her ability to embody a range of characters with ease. However, it was her portrayal of the strong-willed and independent Maya Sarabhai in the popular television series "Sarabhai vs Sarabhai" (2004-2006) that brought her widespread recognition and made her a household name.
In addition to her successful television career, Ratna Pathak Shah has been an integral part of Indian theater. Her association with the theater group Motley, founded by Naseeruddin Shah, has led to numerous acclaimed productions, further establishing her as a theater artist of great merit.
Ratna Pathak Shah has been part of several noteworthy films, including "Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na" (2008), "Khoobsurat" (2014), and "Lipstick Under My Burkha" (2016). Her performances have often been praised for their authenticity, whether in comedic roles or more serious and dramatic characters.
Awards and accolades have followed Ratna Pathak Shah throughout her career. Her contributions to Indian cinema and the performing arts have been recognized with honors such as the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Mandi" (1983).
Known for her intellectual approach to characters and her commitment to quality storytelling, Ratna Pathak Shah remains an influential and revered figure in the Indian entertainment industry. she continues to contribute to the world of acting with her diverse and compelling roles.- Actress
- Producer
- Director
Hema was born in the Tamil-speaking Chakravarthy household on October 16, 1948 in Ammankudi, Tamil Nadu. Her dad's name is V.S.R. Chakravarthy and her mom, Jaya, was a film producer. She was enrolled in the Chennai-based Andhra Mahila Sabha.
After performing as a dancer in a 1961 regional movie, she was rejected by Tamil Director, C.V.Sridhar, during 1964 when she first attempted to act, on the grounds that she was too thin to be heroine in Venniradai and the role went to Venniradai Nirmala. Later Hema performed in the song Singara Therukku Selai sung by Seergazhi Govindrajan and L.R.Eshwari as a supporting actor from the 1963 Tamil film Idhu Sathiyam starring S.A.Asokan as the hero. But Hema persisted, debuted opposite Raj Kapoor in 'Sapnon Ka Saudagar' just 4 years after her rejection but the movie was a flop.
Thereafter there has no been looking back for this attractive Libran, who went to star in close to 155 movies; who also produced and directed two movies, and also directed a TV serial 'Noopur'.
After turning down marriage proposals from Sanjeev Kumar and Jeetendra, she met with hot fellow actor, Dharmendra, both were attracted to each other and wanted to get married. Dharmendra, who was already married to Prakash Kaur, and had two sons, Sunny and Bobby, could not marry Hema as Prakash refused to divorce him. According to the Hindu Marriage Act, a Hindu cannot marry a second time while the first wife is still alive. Dharmendra belongs to a Arya Samaj Hindu Punjabi Jatt family.
She had a hit on-screen pairing with Dharmendra, Shashi Kapoor and Dev Anand in the 70's and, post-marriage, she had 8 hits opposite Rajesh Khanna in 1980-87. Dharmendra Hema Malini were paired in lead roles romantically in 31 films but have worked in 35 films. Of them 20 were hits and 15 were flops. Interestingly Rajesh Khanna-Hema Malini pair had 2 hits in early 70's and then 3 unfortunate flops in late 70's after which pair was written off but in eighties they gave 8 blockbusters as a pair. In all Hema has 10 hits with Rajesh Khanna.
On August 21, 1979, both Hema and Dharmendra converted to Islam, changed their names to Aisha Bi R. Chakravarty and Dilawar Khan Kewal Krishn respectively, and got married in accordance with Islamic rites. Three years after their marriage, Hema subsequently gave birth to Esha and then later to Ahana. Esha is an actress in her own rights. The trio, well proficient in the arts of Bharatnatyam dance form, have performed together at a number of dance events and concerts.
Hema is a member of the right-winged Bharatiya Janata Party, and became a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament.
She was amongst the first actresses to wear bell-bottom and shirts in Hindi movies, and is also amongst the few who have kept their word of not wearing any revealing outfits in public. Hema, who is also called 'Dream Girl' continues to act in movies as of 2013.- Actress
- Soundtrack
Kajol Devgn is a well-known Bollywood actress known for her exceptional performances on screen. She attended St. Joseph's Convent School in Panchgani and was actively involved in extra-curricular activities such as dancing. In her early teens, Kajol was supposed to make her debut as an actress in a movie directed by her mother, Tanuja, but the project was cancelled. She eventually made her acting debut at the age of sixteen with the film Bekhudi (1992), while still in school. Later, she quit school to pursue a full-time career in the film industry.
She made her debut with Rahul Rawail's Bekhudi (1992) in 1992. Her film career flourished with commercial successes like Baazigar (1993), Yeh Dillagi (1994), Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), which established her as a leading star in the 1990s. She was appreciated critically for her role in Gupt: The Hidden Truth (1997) and as an avenger in Dushman (1998). Another blockbuster Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... (2001) won her multiple awards, after which she took a break. She returned to the industry after a brief period with the romantic thriller Fanaa (2006).
She was cast in My Name Is Khan (2010) in 2010 opposite Shah Rukh Khan - it was widely appreciated by critics worldwide. Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan became the first Indian actors to be invited by NASDAQ to open the NYSE American to promote My Name Is Khan (2010). She was also appreciated for her performance in Dilwale (2015) - it also featured other renowned stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Varun Dhawan, and Kriti Sanon. She was also cast in the period film Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (2020) in 2020.
She also appeared in the social drama Tribhanga (2021), her first collaboration with Netflix.
She holds a managerial position at Devgn Entertainment and Software Ltd., And as the supervisor, she launched the filmmaking-related portal Cineexplore in 2000. Devgn established another company, Ajay Devgn Films, in 2009.
She appeared with Ajay Devgn, and her mother Tanuja as the supervisor in Zee TV's 2008 reality show Rock-N-Roll Family. She was named a part-time public broadcaster Prasar Bharati member in 2016.
The Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis honored her with the Swabhimani Mumbaikar Awards. She was also included on Forbes India's "Celebrity 100", a list based on the income and popularity of India's celebrities, in 2012, 2013, and 2017.
She has won 23 awards, including 6 Filmfare Awards, 5 Screen Awards, 4 Zee Cine Awards, 1 Stardust Award and 1 Bengal Film Journalists' Association Award, and one Bollywood Movie Award till the year 2021. She was also honored with the Rajiv Gandhi Award for her contribution to Indian cinema in 2002. Kajol was listed in the Box Office India's "Top Actresses" for five consecutive years (1995-1999), topping the list in 1998.
In 2001 and 2006, she was featured in Rediff annual "Top Bollywood Actresses" listing. And in 2007, she received Karamveer Puraskar, presented by the Mumbai Pradesh Young Congress, for her social work in helping educate unprivileged children.
During the shooting of Gundaraj in 1994, Kajol and Ajay Devgn started dating. They eventually tied the knot on 24th February 1999 in a traditional Maharashtrian wedding ceremony held at Devgn's residence.- Actress
- Producer
- Soundtrack
Born into a traditional south Indian family, Aishwarya started modeling at a young age. This green-blue-eyed beauty appeared in advertisements for many prestigious firms; the ones that brought her into the limelight were the garden sari and the Pepsi ad. Crowned Miss India 1994 runner-up, she was a hot favorite in the run for miss world title, which she won, her beauty and charm made her India's darling. Ash stormed into the Indian movie industry, where she has proven herself a brilliant & genuine actress. Her performance in Iruvar (1997) was critically acclaimed, and she won the Screen best female debutant award for her role in ...Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya (1997). She was adored in movies like Taal (1999), Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999), Devdas (2002), her item number in 'Bunty & Bubbly' had sent waves of rhythm across the nation. With her successful Bollywood movies and prestigious Hollywood projects lined up for release it is impossible to ignore this Indian diva in international scenes.- Actress
- Producer
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Deepika Padukone, born 5 January 1986 in Copenhagen, Denmark, is an Indian model and actress. She is the daughter of former badminton champion Prakash Padukone. Her mother tongue is Konkani. Deepika has a younger sister named Anisha.
She has been modeling appearances in print and television advertising campaigns for Liril, Close-Up toothpaste and Limca, receiving many prestigious modeling offers, including brand ambassadorship of the Jewels of India, an annual jewelry exhibition. She hit the international scene when Maybelline made her their new international cover-girl face.
At the fifth annual Kingfisher Fashion Awards, for Indian models and designers, she was awarded the title of Model of the Year. Shortly after wards, she was chosen as one of the models for the Kingfisher Swimsuit Calendar for 2006, thus cementing her reputation as a supermodel. She also bagged two trophies at the Idea Zee F Awards in 2006 - female Model of the year (Commercial Assignments) and Fresh Face of the year.- Nafisa Ali, born on in Kolkata, India, is a versatile Indian actress, social activist, and beauty queen known for her contributions to Bollywood films. With a career spanning several decades, Nafisa Ali has been admired for her on-screen performances as well as her active involvement in social causes.
Nafisa Ali started her journey in the world of entertainment by winning the Miss India title in 1976. This marked the beginning of her association with the world of glamour and paved the way for her entry into Bollywood.
She made her acting debut with Shashi Kapoor's film "Junoon" (1978), directed by Shyam Benegal. The film, set against the backdrop of the Indian Rebellion of 1857, showcased Nafisa's ability to take on substantial and meaningful roles from the start of her career.
Nafisa Ali continued to establish herself as a versatile actress with films like "Major Saab" (1998), "Life in a... Metro" (2007), and "Yamla Pagla Deewana" (2011). She brought depth to her characters, portraying a range of roles that showcased her acting skills.
Apart from her film career, Nafisa Ali has been actively involved in social work and activism. She has been associated with various causes, including women's rights, child health, and environmental issues. Her dedication to social causes has earned her respect beyond the realm of entertainment.
In addition to her work in films, Nafisa Ali has also been involved in politics. She joined the Samajwadi Party and contested the Lok Sabha elections in 2004. Although she did not win, her foray into politics showcased her commitment to making a positive impact on society.
Nafisa Ali's life story is one of resilience and courage. In 2018, she shared her battle with cancer and became an inspiration for many who admired her strength and positivity in the face of adversity.
Nafisa Ali continues to be involved in social work and remains an inspirational figure in the Indian entertainment industry. - Actress
- Soundtrack
Farida Jalal was discovered by Filmfare's United Producers' Talent Hunt in the 1960s. She starred in her first movie as a teenager, in the Rajshri Productions' "TAQDEER' in 1967. Thereafter she has starred in more than 200 movies as a character actress mainly, but also as lead actor in some. She is known as Bollywood's all time Favourite Mother.
She took a break for several years in the early 80s, and made a comeback and starred in roles of an elder sister, mother, grandmother, elderly neighbor, & widow.
She is best remembered for her role as Rajesh Khanna's betrothed in the 1969 hit Aradhana and for her song 'Bhagon Mein Bahar Hai, Kaliyon Pe Nikhar Hai...'. She also played the betrothed of Rishi Kapoor in another hit Bobby in 1973.
To date, She has won Five Filmfare awards for her performances in Paras, Majboor, Henna, Mammo, and Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge.
Farida got married to Tabrez Barmavar, and shortly thereafter gave birth to a son, Yaseen Barmavar. Tragedy visited her when Tabrez passed away in 2003.
She is one of very few actresses that has had an important role in every major Bollywood hit.- Actress
- Director
- Writer
Seema Pahwa was born on 10 February 1962 in New Delhi, India. She is an actress and director, known for Ramprasad Ki Tehrvi (2019), Shubh Mangal Savdhan (2017) and Seeking True Love (2017).- Actress
- Music Department
Mala Sinha, born in Calcutta (now Kolkata), India, is a legendary Indian actress who has left an indelible mark on the Hindi film industry. Known for her grace, versatility, and powerful performances, Mala Sinha became one of the leading actresses during the golden era of Bollywood.
Mala Sinha's journey in the world of cinema began when she won a beauty contest, leading her to a debut in the Bengali film "Roshanara" (1952). She made her mark in Hindi cinema with her first film, "Badshah" (1954). However, it was her performance in "Anpadh" (1962) that brought her widespread recognition and acclaim. Mala Sinha's portrayal of an illiterate woman seeking education showcased her acting prowess and set the stage for a successful career.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Mala Sinha delivered stellar performances in a wide range of films, displaying her versatility as an actress. Her notable works include films like "Hariyali Aur Rasta" (1962), "Dhool Ka Phool" (1959), "Gumrah" (1963), and "Himalay Ki God Mein" (1965). She often played characters with depth and emotional complexity, earning her accolades from both audiences and critics.
Mala Sinha's on-screen chemistry with leading actors of her time, including Rajendra Kumar, Sunil Dutt, and Manoj Kumar, contributed to the success of many films. Her ability to portray various shades of characters, from the romantic heroine to the tragic figure, showcased her range as an actress.
Apart from her acting career, Mala Sinha has been associated with social causes and charity work. Her contribution to Indian cinema was recognized with several awards, including the Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards and the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award.
Mala Sinha's impact on the film industry continued into the 1980s, and even after her gradual withdrawal from the spotlight, she remains a respected figure in the history of Bollywood. Her timeless performances and the legacy she left behind continue to inspire new generations of actors in Indian cinema.- Actress
Usha has worked in feature films, short films, television since her debut in 2007.
She is best known for her role in the 2012 film, Dhag, for which she won the Best Actress Award at the 60th National Film Awards for her courageous and challenging portrayal of a poor rural woman who demands better opportunities for her son, instead of working at the village's cremation ground like her husband.
Usha recently featured in Ram Gopal Verma's Veerappan. Where she plays Muthulakshmi wife of Veerappan. Where she got praises from all critics and audiences for her natural portrayal. She has also featured in various independent films including the India/Australian co-production Salt Bridge in 2015 and Lucknow Times in 2015.
She has also appeared in many commercial ad campaigns since her rise to prominence in 2012.- Actress
- Costume and Wardrobe Department
- Costume Designer
Rakhee was born in a Bengali-speaking family in West Bengal, on India's Independence Day - 15th August, 1947. She has no connections with anyone in the film industry in India.
She achieved phenomenal success at her very first movie in Bengali 'Bandhu Baran' during the year 1967. She was then noticed by noted Bollywood actor, Sunil Dutt, who recommended her for a lead role in 'Reshma Aur Shera'. But before the release of this movie, Rakhee had already appeared in 'Jeevan Mritya' and 'Sharmeelee' opposite Dharmendra and Shashi Kapoor respectively.The on-screen pair of Rakhee Gulzar-Shashi Kapoor was very popular with audience and they did 9 films together. Four were critically acclaimed but box office flops and five were box office super-hits.
She has acted in a total of approximately 91 movies, in a career that spanned from 1967 through to 2003. A total of four awards have been bestowed for her performances in 'Daag', 'Tapasya', 'Ram Lakhan', and 'Shubhu Muhurat'. She is perhaps the only actress who has acted both as a lead heroine and mother with Bollywood actor, Amitabh Bachchan.
During her teen years, Rakhee was married to Ajoy Biswas, but the marriage was short-lived, and the couple divorced.
Rakhee then got married to Music Director/Lyricist/Film Director, Sampoorna Singh Gulzar. They have a daughter named Megha alias Bosky. Rakhee quit acting in movies during the year 2003, and her last appearance was in 'Shubhu Muhurat'.- Actress
Amrita was born in the Rao family on June 7, 1986 in Mumbai, She speaks Konkani. She comes from a well to do Hindu family. Her dad owns an Advertising Agency.
Amrita did not want to purse any career with Bollywood as she wanted to graduate in psychology, which she eventually did.
No stranger to cameras and bright lights, she has modeled for approximately 35 advertisements. Her first assignment was for Fairever Face Cream. Amongst other assignments that got her noticed were Hindustan Lever's 'Close-up' Cadbury's Perk, & Nestle Bru Coffee. Ken Ghosh approached Amrita for his debut movie Ishq Vishq after seeing her in the perk commercial, where she plays a hungry bride eagerly awaiting the arrival of her husband on the religious occasion of 'Karva Chauth'. Ishq Vishq was a world-wide hit and made her famous virtually overnight. Amrita Rao is also a Brand Ambassador for D'Damas Gold Jewellery, Parachute Hair Oil, and Miss Players Apparels.
Her other hit movies Masti (2004), Main Hoon Na (2004) and Vivah (2006) added to her popularity and stardom. While 'Pyare Mohan', 'Vaah! Life Ho To Aisi', 'Shikhar' 'Deewar' were average at the box office. So far she has won 6 awards, mostly related to her performances in 'Ishq Vishk' and 'Vivah'.
Barely 12 movies' old, she is already quite well-known for her skilled performances and her dancing talent. Madhuri Dixit went gaga over her performance at the Filmfare Awards 2007. Renowned artist M.F Hussain chose her as his Muse and theme of paintings after Madhuri Dixit.
She also has a Telegu movie to her credit which turned out a huge box office hit. She is fluent in English, Hindi, Marathi. She is passionate about reading short stories. Allergic to spicy Indian food, she prefers bland continental, and loves dessert such as Gulab Jamun
She has co-starred with Shahid Kapur, Zayed Khan, Shahrukh Khan, Vivek Oberoi, Akshay Khanna, and Mahesh Babu.
A winner of the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke Academy Award at the young age of 25, Amrita Rao is all set for her successful innings at Bollywood.- Actress
- Producer
A Bengali actress who achieved success young, Sharmila appeared in numerous Bengali classics before making the jump to Hindi cinema, which first made her a romantic actress and later a legendary actress thanks to her intense films opposite Superstar Rajesh Khanna. A distant relative of poet Rabindranath Tagore, she is also the wife of His Highness Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, Nawab of Pataudi, with whom she has three children, actor Saif Ali Khan born 16 August 1970, Saba and Soha Ali Khan, born 4 October 1978. Her pairing with Shammi Kapoor made her famous in the sixties but as an actress she evolved and became popular due to different films, each belonging to different genre, she did opposite the Superstar Rajesh Khanna.The pair gave 6 box office blockbusters and 3 unfortunate box office flops which were critically acclaimed films. Sharmila's pairing opposite male actors Rajesh Khanna, Dharmendra and Shashi Kapoor was loved by the audiences, though Khanna-Sharmila pair remained the most popular with both critics and audience.- Actress
- Producer
- Director
Aruna Irani made her debut in the movie Gunga Jumna (1961) at nine years old playing Azra's character. After doing several small roles in films like Jahanara (1964), Farz (1967), Upkar (1967) and Aaya Sawan Jhoomke (1969). She was paired with comedian Mehmood Ali in films like Aulad (1968), Jawab, Humjoli (1970), Manmandir and Naya Zamana (1971).In 1971, she starred in Caravan. She later starred in Mehmood Ali's Bombay To Goa (1972), Garam Masala (1972), and Do Phool (1973). Her best character roles came in Rajesh Khanna films like Dhanwan, Redrose, Amrit, Kudrat, Nasihat, Masterji, Aan Milo Sajna. Her films have included Farz (1967), Bobby (1973), Prem Nagar, Paap Aur Punya, Mahachor, Fakira (1976), Bhala Manus, Kali Ghata,Sargam (1979), Love Story (1981), and Rocky (1981). She won her first Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award for Pet Pyaar Aur Paap (1984). In the late 1980s and 1990s Irani switched to playing motherly roles, notably in Beta (1992) for which she won her second Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award. She acted in the Kannada remake of the same film and the same role. Some of her Marathi films are Changu Mangu, Lapwa Chapvi, Ek Gadi Baki Anadi and Bol Baby Bol. In her later career, Irani also switched to television performing character roles in various serials. She also took up to direction and production of tele-serials like Mehndi Tere Naam Ki, Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand, Vaidehi and more. On Sunday 19 February 2012, she was awarded the 'Lifetime Achievement Award' at the annual Filmfare awards function in Mumbai.- Himani Shivpuri was born on 24 October 1960 in Dehra Dun, Uttar Pradesh, India. She is an actress, known for Happu Ki Ultan Paltan (2019), Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... (2001) and Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995). She was previously married to Gyan Shivpuri.
- Actress
- Producer
Daughter of Bombay film industry (Bollywood) director Ravi Tandon. Raveena dropped out of Bombay's Meethibai College to pursue a career as a model with middling success. She made her movie debut with the flop _Pathar Ke Phool (1991)_. Her next few films were also failures and it was only with Andaz Apna Apna (1994) that she tasted success. Mohra (1994) made her a superstar all set to become Bollywood's reigning actress. However she then began a tangled affair with co-star Akshay Kumar. All her films flopped and her arch-rival Karisma Kapoor had her fired from some top films. By the end of 1995 her career was in tatters and she was reduced to the level of a starlet doing bit roles. Her career revived with a huge hit Ziddi (1997) and she now is again a top rung star.- Producer
- Actress
- Writer
In April 1948 Jabalpur-based, Bengali-speaking Indira and Tarun Kumar Bhaduri were blessed with a child they named Jaya, and enrolled in the St. Joseph's Convent School in Bhopal.
Her acting career started when she was 15 in a Bengali film Mahanagar. She became an actress in her own right in Bollywood after the release of Guddi. She went on to star in many Hindi language films, including blockbusters like Jawani Diwani, Uphaar, Anamika, Abhimaan, Sholay, Bawarchi, Chupke Chupke Zanjeer just to name a few. Her acting spanned from 1963 to 1981. She also wrote the script of Shahenshah.
She married Amitabh Srivastav alias Bachchan, and subsequently gave birth to Shweta and Abhishek. Amitabh is the son of Sikh-Hindu parents, namely Teji and Harivansh Rai Srivastav alias Bachchan.
Jaya quit acting after 1981. Then her married life faced considerable upheavals especially with the much-publicized affair of her husband with Bollywood actress, Rekha. Then their lives were disrupted when Amitabh was seriously injured by a blow from actor, Puneet Issar, while filming 'Coolie', which almost took his life.
The family suffered another setback in 2005 when her asthmatic husband was admitted in Lilavati Hospital after complains of severe pains in his abdomen.
Her husband did recover, and both husband, wife, Abhishek, and his new bride, continue to dominate Bollywood with their screen presence. Jaya has also received a number of awards recognizing her talents in Bollywood.- Actress
- Music Department
- Producer
Padmini Kolhapure was born on 1 November 1965 in Maharashtra, India. She is an actress and producer, known for Prem Rog (1982), Ahista Ahista (1981) and Vidhaata (1982). She has been married to Tutu Sharma since 1993.- Actress
- Music Department
- Additional Crew
Bhanurekha was born in the Tamil-speaking Ganesan household on October 10, 1954. Her dad was the popular Tamil actor, Gemini, while her mom was a popular Telugu actress, Pushpavalli. She has seven sisters and one brother. One of her sisters is Dr. Kamala Selvaraj, while another one, Radha, lives in San Francisco with a son named Naveed, who is being readied to act in Bollywood movies.
No stranger to the tinsel screen, Bhanurekha acted in a Telugu movie 'Rangula Ratnam' as Baby Bhanurekha along with her mom during 1966, which was subsequently re-made and released in Hindi during 1976 as Rangila Ratan (1976). She acted in one more Telugu as well as one Kannada movie (Amma Kosam and Goadalli CID 999 respectively) before re-locating to Bombay.
Due to her background, she ended up being very gloomy and pessimistic during her early years. She get a chance to debut in Bollywood movies during 1970 with Sawan Bhadon (1970) opposite Navin Nischol with a screen name of Rekha. Inability to speak Hindi, a dusky complexion as well as her weight did not exactly add to her assets in a predominantly fair-skinned, Hindi-speaking North-Indian film industry.
She decided to take matters seriously, took Yoga, shed those extra pounds, learned Hindi and dancing, and thus was born a new and much improved Rekha - who went on to deliver one box office hit after another for example Nagin (1976), Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978), Mr. Natwarlal (1979), Khubsoorat (1980), Umrao Jaan (1981), Khoon Bhari Maang (1988) amongst others. In her later years she has taken up character roles and appeared as a mother, even a grandmother in Krrish (2006).
Her slim, slender looks got her many admirers, including well established Bollywood actors such as Kiran Kumar , Jeetendra, Vinod Mehra, and Amitabh Bachchan'. In 2004, in a television interview with Simi Garewal, she rejected a long-standing rumor that she was once married to Vinod Mehra. She referred to him as a well-wisher and stated that her only marriage was to a businessman, Mukesh Aggarwal. This marriage ended when Mukesh killing himself shortly thereafter, leaving her a widow. She has never remarried.
She likes to surf the Internet, has written biographies of actresses like Zeenat Aman, and Salma Agha on IMDb, likes to collect old photographs and postcards, mimic people, watch movies, and practices Yoga regularly, read comics like Archie and Dennie the Menace, and is a vegetarian. She now lives with her Secretary, Farzana, and pets in a self-owned bungalow in Bandra (West)in Mumbai.- Actress
- Producer
Huma Qureshi born and raised in Delhi. Her father is a famous restaurant owner called Saleem's a chain of some 10 restaurants in Delhi. Her brother, Saqib Saleem is an actor and acted in Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge. In year 2011 an announcement was made that Huma would make her Bollywood debut in a movie too called Billa 2 but got delayed due to some unknown reason. However, a few months later, a new announcement came as she wasn't part of the project and she has gotten her Bollywood debut, Anurag Kashyap's Gangs of Wasseypur. Huma has a nice role in 2 parts of Gangs of Wasseypur.- Actress
- Music Department
Kajal made her acting debut in the 2004 Hindi film, Kyun! Ho Gaya Na... (2004), as a minor supporting role as the friend of lead actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Telugu film Chandamama (2007) became her first major successful film. In "Magadheera (2009)" which was the biggest blockbuster of all time in Telugu cinema, she played the role of Yuvarani Mitravinda Devi and Indira (Indu), by which she became one of the most sought-after actresses in the Telugu film industry.