Nargis, a legendary Bollywood actress, remains an iconic figure in Indian cinema. Her contributions extended beyond acting, encompassing significant social work. This post explores her life, career, and lasting legacy.

Biography/Wiki

Born Fatima Rashid on June 1, 1929, in Kolkata, West Bengal, Nargis’s family later moved to Allahabad. Her mother, a classical singer, introduced her to the film world. While initially aspiring to be a doctor, Nargis heeded her mother’s guidance and embarked on a remarkable film career.

Her exceptional talent and striking beauty propelled her movies to unprecedented success, etching her name in cinematic history. Her performances resonated deeply with audiences, cementing her status as a true icon.

Nargis

Nargis’s romantic involvement with actor Raj Kapoor was well-documented. Their long-term relationship ended when Kapoor declined to pursue the relationship further. This heartbreak spurred Nargis to refocus on her acting career with renewed determination.

Nargis With Raj Kapoor

A pivotal moment occurred during the filming of “Mother India.” A fire erupted on set, and actor Sunil Dutt bravely rescued Nargis. This event ignited a connection between them, leading to their marriage on March 11, 1958.

Nargis With Sunil Dutt

Together, Nargis and Sunil Dutt established “Ajanta Arts Cultural Troupe,” providing entertainment to Indian soldiers stationed at remote border posts. Nargis’s dedication to helping others led her to become a patron of the “Spastics Society of India,” advocating for children with spastic conditions.

Nargis With Sunil Dutt- Ajanta Arts

Nargis was also nominated to the Rajya Sabha (upper house of the Indian Parliament) from 1980 to 1981. Sadly, her tenure was cut short by pancreatic cancer. Despite treatment at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, she passed away on May 3, 1981, at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai after a period in a coma.

Her death was a profound loss to Indian cinema and beyond. The street where she was buried was renamed “Nargis Dutt Road” in her memory. Her son Sanjay Dutt’s debut film, “Rocky,” was released just four days after her passing, a bittersweet event.

Nargis With Her Son Sanjay Dutt

Family, Caste & Husband

Nargis’s father, Mohanchand Uttamchand Tyagi, was a wealthy Hindu Brahmin from Rawalpindi, Punjab (now in Pakistan), who converted to Islam, adopting the name Abdul Rashid. Her mother, Jaddanbai, was a renowned Indian classical singer.

Her relationship with Raj Kapoor, spanning the filming of “Awara” and “Shree 420,” ended when he refused to divorce his wife. Many believe her marriage to Sunil Dutt stemmed from a deep love ignited by his heroic rescue during the “Mother India” fire. After marriage, she converted to Hinduism and adopted the name Nirmala Dutt. The couple had three children: Sanjay Dutt, Priya Dutt, and Namrata Dutt.

Career

Nargis began her career as a child artist at age six, appearing in “Talashe Haq” (1935) and “Madam Fashion.” At 14, she worked under Mehboob Khan in “Taqdeer” (1943), launching a career filled with numerous hits including “Barsaat,” “Andaz,” “Awaara,” “Deedar,” “Shree 420,” and “Chori Chori.”

Her performance in “Mother India” (1957) earned her a Filmfare Best Actress Award and international recognition. She was the first Indian actress to win the Padma Shri Award (1958). After marriage, she reduced her acting commitments, making “Raat Aur Din” (1967) her final film, winning both the Filmfare Best Actress and the National Film Award, becoming the first female recipient.

Her accolades continued posthumously. She received the Best Artists of Millennium award (2001) and Rediff.com named her the greatest actress of all time.

Facts

Several interesting facts about Nargis’ life have emerged over the years.