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Nargis was an eminent actress in the Indian film industry, acclaimed for her natural acting skills and charismatic screen presence. Born as Fatima Rashid on June 1, 1929, in Calcutta, British India, she became one of Bollywood’s most influential figures, starring in numerous blockbuster films.
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Fatima Rashid |
| Screen Name | Nargis |
| Date of Birth | June 1, 1929 |
| Place of Birth | Calcutta, British India |
| Date of Death | May 3, 1981 |
| Place of Death | Bombay, Maharashtra, India |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years Active | 1935–1967 |
| Spouse(s) | Sunil Dutt (1958–1981; her death) |
| Children | Sanjay Dutt, Priya Dutt, Namrata Dutt |
| Net Worth at Death | Estimated $2 million |
Early Life and Career
Nargis was born to singer Jaddanbai and Uttamchand Mohanchand, a wealthy Mohyal Brahmin businessman. She made her screen debut in the film “Talaash-E-Haq” at the age of six but her acting career officially began with “Tamanna” in 1942. With her remarkable talent, she quickly rose to prominence and became a leading actress in the Indian film industry.
The Golden Era and Her Legacy
Nargis’s most memorable role came with “Mother India” (1957), where she played the iconic character of Radha. Her performance not only won her critical acclaim but also a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. She formed a legendary on-screen pair with actor Raj Kapoor, starring in numerous hit films like “Barsaat,” “Awara,” and “Shree 420.”
Her contributions to Indian cinema go beyond her acting career. She was also known for her philanthropy and was the first actress in Bollywood to be awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India.
Personal Life and Relationships
Nargis had a tumultuous personal life, marked by her long-term relationship with actor Raj Kapoor, who was married at the time. She later found love with actor Sunil Dutt, who saved her life during a fire accident on the sets of “Mother India.” The couple got married in 1958 and had three children together.
Later Years and Death
After her marriage, Nargis retired from acting and dedicated her life to her family and social work. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and succumbed to the illness on May 3, 1981, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire actors and filmmakers.
FAQs about Nargis
1. What was Nargis’s real name? Nargis’s real name was Fatima Rashid.
2. When and where was Nargis born? She was born on June 1, 1929, in Calcutta, British India.
3. When did Nargis pass away? Nargis passed away on May 3, 1981.
4. Who was Nargis married to? She was married to Bollywood actor Sunil Dutt.
5. What are some of Nargis’s most famous films? Some of her most famous films include “Mother India,” “Awara,” and “Barsaat.”
6. Did Nargis receive any awards for her acting? Yes, she received several awards, including the Padma Shri, and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
7. What was Nargis’s last film? Her last film was “Raat Aur Din” in 1967.
8. How did Nargis contribute to society off-screen? She was involved in various charitable and social causes, particularly in the area of healthcare.
9. Did Nargis have any children? Yes, she had three children: Sanjay Dutt, Priya Dutt, and Namrata Dutt.
10. How did Nargis and Sunil Dutt meet? They met on the sets of “Mother India,” where Sunil Dutt played her son.
11. What is Nargis’s legacy in Indian cinema? Nargis is remembered as one of the greatest actresses in the history of Indian cinema, known for her natural acting skills and charismatic presence.
12. Did Nargis continue acting after her marriage? No, she retired from acting after her marriage to Sunil Dutt.
13. What was the cause of Nargis’s death? She died due to pancreatic cancer.
14. Which film did Nargis and Raj Kapoor first appear together? They first appeared together in “Aag” (1948).
15. How is Nargis remembered today? She is remembered as a timeless icon of Indian cinema and a trailblazer for women in the film industry.
