Yesteryear Actresses: Then and Now
By Contributor: Uzma
When I started writing on this topic I drown in a deep contemplation of how Bollywood industry works. It was only yesterday when I was imitating Preity Zinta and drooling over Sonali Bendre and Manisha Koirala. But now they seem nowhere. Same goes for actresses of 50s, 60s and 70s era. They stole hearts with their beauty and acting skills but if you ask about them from someone of today’s gen you will get a priceless expression *grin*. As far as I’m concerned I’m an old soul stuck in this techno-freak world. I’m as much fan of Madhubala’s mischievous smile as I’m of Alia’s genuine laugh. So now, to make you familiar with my choice of cinema I’ll take you on a pictorial journey of stars starting right from 1940s.
Vyjayanthimala:
One of the finest dancers in Bollywood. She inspires many actresses including dancing diva Madhuri. In fact she played Chandramukhi in Devdas (1955). Watch her song “mujhe Budhha mil gaya” (HERE
) and you’ll realize why she was an avant garde.
Waheeda Rehman:
some of my most favourite songs are picturised on her. She was epitome of grace then and she still captivates our imagination. Her classics include Guide, Chaundhavi ka chand and she has played mother in movies like Delhi 6 and Rang De Basanti.
Mala Sinha:
Her beauty was a little different from her contemporaries because of her Nepali origin. Her movies like Anpadh and Pyaasa are cult classics.
Sadhana Shivdasani:
I’m fond of her beauty. Nothing exceptional but still charming. Her hairstyle, clothing everything had a personal touch which I love. She is my favourite along with Madhubala. And yes! She resembles Audrey Hepburn!
Saira Banu:
Whenever I see Alia on screen I get reminded of Saira Banu. Alia has the same childish innocence which Saira had. I envy her whenever I see Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu together. Such a lovely couple.
Asha Parekh:
She is hounered with Padam shree award by Government of India. She was the glamour girl of her time and had a very tom-boyish image. Her voluptuous figure could put even Sonakshi at shame but man! The way she carried her self.. Mindblowing!
Sharmila Tagore:
Sensational star of her era, whether it was her bold choice in movies or in real life. She posed for Filmfare magazine in bikni which must be very controversial in 60s decade.
Hema Malini:
She needs no introduction. She’s an actor, dancer, politician and wife of Dharmendra. She’s a trained Bharatan atyam dancer. Even after getting married she has been involved with bollywood quite actively.
Jaya Bachchan:
I still watch and sing aloud “Hum ko mann ki shakti dena” for two reasons. First is sheer nostalgia associated with this prayer and second is Jaya’s face. Charming! Need I say more?
Zeenat Aman:
She won Miss Asia Pacific in 1970 International title. She is the first south Asian woman to win the title. Throughout her career she has been referred as a sex symbol. Remember the hippie wearing oversized sunglasses in Hare Rama Hare Krishna? Her look in ‘Chura liya hai tumne’ was a huge hit.
Shabana Azmi:
Daughter of a poet and wife of a poet. Her whole family defines intellect even her distant relatives seem to be brainboxes (I can’t digest it!) Shabana did some phenomenal cinema and has been a very active social worker.
Neetu Singh:
Another successful actress of 70s who left her career at its peak (popularly known as Ranbeer ki mummy). She was only 21 years old when she got married and bid adieu to her occupation. She has made a come back in movies like Love Aaj Kal and Jab Tak Hai Jaan.
Rekha:
She’s one of those actresses who are never forgotten. Her enigmatic personality makes her even more popular. Her style, smile, voice everything is crave worthy. Khubsoorat and Ghar are my favourite movies of hers.
Tina Munim:
Now proudly known as Tina Ambani. She was crowned as Femina teen princess in 1975 and she ruled many hearts in 1980s era. She acted with many superstars of that era including Dev Anand and Rajesh Khanna.
