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Nargis
Nargis, whose real name was Fatima Rashid, was a legendary Indian film actress and one of the leading stars of the Hindi film industry during the 1940s and 1950s. She was born on June 1, 1929, in Calcutta (now Kolkata), British India. Nargis is regarded as one of the greatest actresses in the history of Indian cinema and is often referred to as the "First Lady of Indian Cinema."
Nargis began her acting career at a young age and made her film debut as a child artist in the film "Talash-E-Haq" (1935). She gained prominence as an actress with her performance in the film "Barsaat" (1949), which was a major success. This marked the beginning of her successful career, and she went on to deliver memorable performances in numerous films.
Some of Nargis's notable films include "Andaz" (1949), "Awara" (1951), "Shree 420" (1955), "Mother India" (1957), and "Raat Aur Din" (1967). Her portrayal of Radha in "Mother India" is considered one of her most iconic and acclaimed performances. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, and Nargis received critical acclaim for her powerful portrayal of a mother struggling to raise her children in rural India.
Throughout her career, Nargis displayed a remarkable range as an actress, seamlessly transitioning between romantic roles, social dramas, and intense emotional characters. She had a natural screen presence, impeccable acting skills, and a charm that captivated audiences.
In addition to her acting career, Nargis was also involved in social and political causes. She actively participated in the Indian National Congress and supported charitable organizations. After retiring from acting, she served as a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament.
Nargis was married to actor Sunil Dutt, and they had three children together, including actor Sanjay Dutt. She passed away on May 3, 1981, due to pancreatic cancer, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most respected and influential actresses in Indian cinema. Nargis's contributions to the film industry and her memorable performances continue to be celebrated and remembered to this day.
Personal Information
1. Stage Name: Nargis was born with the name Fatima Rashid but adopted the stage name "Nargis" for her acting career. The name "Nargis" means "daffodil" in Persian.
2. Acting Family: Nargis came from a family of actors. Her mother, Jaddanbai, was a renowned singer and actress, and her father, Uttamchand Mohanchand, was a film producer.
3. Childhood Debut: Nargis made her first film appearance at the age of six in the film "Talash-E-Haq" (1935). She played the younger version of her mother's character in the film.
4. Iconic Pairing: Nargis and Raj Kapoor were one of the most beloved on-screen pairs in the history of Indian cinema. They starred together in numerous successful films, including "Barsaat" (1949), "Awara" (1951), and "Shree 420" (1955).
5. International Recognition: Nargis's performance in the film "Mother India" (1957) received widespread acclaim and brought her international recognition. She won the Best Actress award at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in Czechoslovakia for her role in the film.
6. Social Activism: Nargis was actively involved in social causes and was known for her charitable work. She established the Spastics Society of India, which focused on helping children with physical and mental disabilities.
7. Film Production: Nargis ventured into film production and co-founded the film production company "Ajanta Arts" with her husband Sunil Dutt. The company produced films like "Yaadein" (1964) and "Rustam Sohrab" (1963).
8. Political Engagement: Nargis joined the Indian National Congress party and campaigned for various politicians. She actively campaigned for her husband, Sunil Dutt, during his political career.
9. Awards and Honors: Nargis received several awards and honors for her contributions to Indian cinema. She was honored with the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in India, in 1958.
10. Last Film: Nargis's final film appearance was in "Raat Aur Din" (1967), for which she won the National Film Award for Best Actress. The film showcased her versatility as an actress, portraying a woman with dissociative identity disorder.
Nargis's remarkable talent, timeless performances, and philanthropic endeavors continue to make her an iconic figure in Indian cinema. Her legacy as an actress and her contributions to society are celebrated to this day.
