Nargis Dutt ~ Bollywood yesteryear actress
Charismatic Nargis. Enigmatic is the word I will use to begin this article. No Indian movie actor or actress deserves this title more than her. She is undoubtedly the greatest actress of all time in Indian cinema. She was probably the most gorgeous actress to have graced the Indian cinema screens. Greta Garbo of Indian cinema ?
She looked mysterious from every angle. That's probably the main attraction of her face. Had sharp features, sleepy eyes, alluring lips.Nargis ~ the name of a flower. She was born on June 1, 1929 in Kolkata(West Bengal). Her real name was Fatima Rashid. Name of her parents ~ Jaddanbai and Uttamchand Mohanchand.
Her acting had a touch of reality, never looked artificial. Her roles often had a tragic ending. She was at her acting best in films "Mother India", "Andaaz", "Barsaat" and "Raat Aur Din". I have personally watched Raat Aur Din more than 20 times on my VCD player. It is still one of my favourite Bollywood movies.Recognition & achievements:
* Best Actress of the Millenium award by the Hero Honda in 2001 along with Amitabh Bachchan.
* Indian Govt. honoured her with Padma Shree award (first time this award was given to a film actor)
* She was nominated to Rajjya Sabha ( Upper House of Indian Parliament) in 1980 in recognition of her charity work for spastics.
She got married to Sunil Dutt ( who saved her life from an accidental fire on the sets of Mother India) on March 11, 1958. Nargis suffered from pancreatic cancer and passed away on May 3, 1981 at the age of 52. Condoling her premature death, former Indian Prime Minster Mrs. Indira Gandhi had said, "Her friendly, vivacious face will long continue to cheer up people". She left behind three children ~ Sanjay, Anju and Priya.
Interesting and unknown fact:
Nargis had acted in a Greek film "Tora Oneira Stous Dromous" in 1968.
Indian cinema will always remember her. Such beautiful, talented actress does not come easily. She is my favourite Indian actress.
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