Always a woman to me..
I need to start with apologies to Billy Joel, from whose eternal song I have taken the title of this blog. This would be a tribute to all those beautiful faces of Indian Cinema which have left their impressions on my heart. The pictures that you would see here one my favourites and I hope I have done justice to them. I have tried to choose those pictures which do justice to the beauty of these leading ladies. You would notice that most of the pictures are in B&W , thats because I feel they look more beautiful in them. Also I have listed them in the alphabetical order so I can avoid being prejudiced.
I need to also apologize to the many lyricists from whom I have shamelssly copied the lines here but I feel I have put them to good use as my limited capablities would fail me if I were to try to pen my own.
So join me in this trip down memory lane, sit back and admire them ....
Aishwarya Rai
Husn pariyon ka aur roop chand ka churaya hoga..
khoobsurat pholon se hoton ko sajaya hoga..
zulf bhikre ho to gayero ko pasina aaya hoga..
badi fursat se tujhe rab ne banya hoga.
We all know that a lot of criticism has come in way of Ash for her acting(?) abilities, but as far as beauty goes she is indeed incomparable. The fact remains that she would be among the most photographed Indians in the world. Frequently making her one among the most beautiful women in the world. As for her bollywood career, the best of her movies have been the ones in which she worked with Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
My favourites include: Devadas, Hum dil de chuke Sanam, Raincoat, Choker Bali, Kandukondein Kandukodien(Tamil)
Dimple Kapadia
Aafat to hai woh naaz ki, andaz bhi lekin
marta hoon main jis par, woh ada kuch aur hi hain..
In ankhon mein jane kya raaz hain chupe,
jaane kaise kasie in mein andaz hain chupe,
sikhaya hain inhone muje khawab dekhna,
Jane kaise kaise in mein hain sharab chupe...
Who can ever forget the hysteria that Bobby caused which gave Bollywood the sensation called Dimple. She quite films soon and got married to Rajesh Khanna, the reigning superstar that time. The marriage fell apart soon and Dimple returned to the marqee. Her best works came in this phase of her life. She was the only actress other than Sharmila Tagore and Hema Malini who was successful even after marriage. The only tirade I have against her is that she never concentrated as much on her career as she should have done otherwise she could have attained far more acclaim than what she gets now.
My favourites inlcude: Sagar, Rudaali, Lekin, Aitbaar, Janbaaz
Hema Malini
Chand jaisa yeh chehra, raat jaise yeh zulfein,
hain jagaye sau armaan,
ek nasha sa aankhon mein dhere dhere chata hain...
The dream girl of Hindi film industry. When it comes to Hema Malini I feel its the sheer beauty and elegance that makes her stand out. As as actress I feel she was a little behind the others but her beauty and the way she carried herself more than made up for that. Hema Malini ruled the marquee for decades. She probably has more number of succesful films than any other in this list. She was one actress who was equally famous before and after marriage. A very proficient dancer and now a director, producer and politician, she has juggled all these roles with the same grace and elegance.
My favourites include: Meera, Ek Chadar Maili si, Sita aur Geeta, Kudrat, Abhinetri, Kinara
Kajol
Aankhen dekhi toh main dekhta reh gaya, jam do aur dono hi aatisha,
aankhen hain woh mehkade ki do baab hain,
aankhen unko kahoo ya kaho do khwab hain ?
Kajol is my reigning favourite. An actress par exellence. Some people would have a problem in Kajol being in this list and some who would feel she should be on the top of the list. But she remains a icon for the new generation of actresses. Kajol quit the film industry after her marraige to Ajay Devagan few years back and now is coming back. I think the charm in Kajol is due the fact that all her characters are believable which ordinary people can relate to. She has been the most successful among the actresses of the 90's and continues to be the epitome of spontaneity in performance.
Aankhen neechi huye toh haya ban gaye,
aankhen oonchi huye toh dua ban gaye,
aankhen utkar juki toh aada ban gaye,
ankhen jukkar uthi toh faza ban gaye,
aankhen jin mein hain qaid aasman aur zameen,
nargisi nargisi surmagi surmagi....
My favourite movies include: Dilwale Dulhaniya le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hain, Dushman, Pyaar toh hona hi Tha & Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham
Madhuri Dixit
Jhuki jhuki nigah mein bhi hain bala ki shaukhiya,
dabi dabi hasi mein bhi tadap rahi hain bijliyan,
shabab aapka nashe mein khud hi choor choor hain,
mera dil machal gaya toh mera kya kasoor hain...
The last of the superstars that Bollywood has seen. Madhuri has been the enduring image of beauty and grace. A proficient dancer and a wonderful actress. As an actress her performances mostly got overshadowed by her songs & dances. Think Madhuri and the image that comes to mind are of her dances but she was also an exellent actress. Sridevi and Madhuri reigned at the box office for decades and that was atestimont to thier alluring charm. Madhuri probably has the distinction of having the maximum number of hit songs in her career. Even today she inpsires a new generation of performers.
Khobsurati jo tune paye, lut gayi khuda ki bas khudaai,
Meer ki ghazal kahun tuje mein, ya kahoon khayyam ki rubayee,
mein jo poochu shayaron se aisa dil na seen sher hain kahi,
shayar kahen shayari ki kasam..nahi nahi nahi.
My favourites include : Sajan, Devdas, Beta, Hum Apke hain Kaun? , Dil toh Pagal Hain, Parinda
Madhubala
Roshan tumhi se duniya raunak tumhi jahan ki,
pholon mein pal wali rani ho gulsitan ki,
nazuk ho naaz se bhi, tum pyar se bhi pyaari,
tum husn se haseen ho, khya baat hai tumhari,
aankhon mein hai do jahan hain, malik ho do jahan ki...
This is one person whom I am sure I dont have to introduce. The epitome of beauty as far as bollywood is concerned. Madhubala died a early death but her work and beauty have endured forever(The candle burnt out long before, the legend never did). The infectious laughter, the radiance of her face has charmed generations. I simply fail to have words to continue further. I am sure the pictures that I have posted here are more than enough to vouch for that.
Meine yeh hijab tera donda, har jagah shabab tera donda,
kaliyon se misal teri pochi, pholon, mein jawab tera donda,
meine poocha baagh se ki falaq ho ya zameen aisa phool hain kahin ?
baagh ne kaha har kali ki kasam nahi ...nahi .. nahi...
Uth na jaye naqab rukhsar se tere ,
hum bhi dekhe yeh bekrari kya hoti hain,
a beete waqt ho raat kuch aur baqi Asiir ,
hum bhi dekhe sanso ki hararat kya hoti hain...
My favourites include: Mughal-e-Azam, Mahal, Half-Ticket, Barsaat ki ek raat, Kala Pani
Meena Kumari
Apki mehki huye zulf ko kehte hain ghata,
apki ki madh bhari aankhon ko kawal kehte hain,
Ek hum hi nahi sabh dekhne wale tumko,
sang-e-marmar pe likhe shok ghazal kehte hain.
The classical muslim beauty. Orignally christened Mehjabeen, Meena Kumari was more known as the tragedy queen of bollywood. Always palying the matyr or pining away for the hero, yet she never failed to move us each time. The regning queen at her time she was also a proficient writer. Some of my all time favourite songs have been picturized on her. Most of her roles in retrospect would appear to be repititive but in the context of the movies I feel she etched each character differently. Legends of bollywood have it that she courted pain, if that be true, she revelled in tragedy, no one has moved me as much as her in movies.
My favourites include : Pakeezah, Sahib Biwi aur Ghulam, Dil Ppna Preet Parayee, Chitralekha, Kajal, Gomti ke kinare
Mumtaz
Yeh reshmi zulfien yeh sharbatein aankhen, inhe dekhar ji rahe hain sabhi, saare inki shiqayat karte hain phir bhi inse mohhhabat karte hain, yeh kya jadu hai jane, phir jag gere kya deewane inhe dekhkar si rahe hain sabhi...
Nutan was a quintessential bollywood actress. Deeply performance oriented and commited to her craft. Each of her performances are embellished with fine nuances that she alone could protray. She worked with the best of the directors at her time and each of her performances come across as genuine. She did not do the usual run of the mill kind of movies, in all her movies her character had prominence or was the pivot of the movie. She is one person known more for her protrayal than looks.
Teri aakhon ke siva is duniya mein rakha kya ?
yeh uthe toh subah chale, yeh jhuke shaam dhale.
My favourites include: Saraswathichandra, Anari, Bandini, Sujatha, Sajan Bina Suhagan
Rekha
In ankhon ke masti ke mastane hazaron hain,
in aankhon se wabaz ka, afsane hazaroon hain,
ek tum hi nahi tanha, ulfat mein meri ruswa,
iss sheher mein tum jaise deewane hazaron hain...
The actress who courted controversy at every stage of her career. She is as famous for her onscreen protrayals as much as her offscreen persona. A very fine actress who underwent a metamorphisis of sorts to reach the pinnacle of success. The mystique, charm and glamour is ever there, undiminished. Her career has seen her doing so many characters and roles that its difficult to pick her best. Yet for for the sheer beauty and power of portrayal I think there would be not other Rekha. No other actress has been able to play a courtesan with finnesse and beauty as Rekha. Even today Rekha remains an enduring legend.
Mein aur meri tanhayeen eksar yeh baatien karte hain,
tum hoti toh kaisa hota, tum hoti toh vaisa hota,
Tum iss baat par hairan hoti,tum uss baat pe kitna hasti
Tum hoti toh aisa hota, tum hoti toh vaisa hota......
Yeh raat hain ya tumhari zulfein khuli huye hain,
hain chandni ya tumhari nazron se meri ratein dhuli huye hain,
yeh chand hain ya tumhara kangan, sitaren hain ya tumhara aanchal...
My favourites include: Silsila, Umrao Jaan, Utsav, Ghar, Khubsurat, Khoon Bhari Maang
Sadhna
Apne rukh par nigaah karne do,
yeh khoobsurat gunah karne do
rukh parda hatao jane-haya,
aaj dil ko tabah karne do....
Sadhna was a style icon. But I like her more for the grace and delicacy that she brought to the screen. I think no other actress carried off the sari with as much grace as Sadhna. There is something in her face that instantly creates a connection with the viewer. Although admitedly her films were not very difficult characters but in each she shined. She was a favourite for muslim socials at her time. I have a special place for her because my favourite songs - Lag ja gale ke phir yeh haseen raat ho na ho is picturised on her and I cant think anybody else could have done a better on screen portrayal of that song. Any mention of Sadhna would be incomplete without a mention of the "Sadhna fringe" a hair style which is still popular.
Husn-o-jamal aapka sheeshe mein dekhkar,
madhosh ho chuka ho mein jalwon ki raah par,
gar ho sake to hosh mein la do mere huzur
rukh se naqab utha do mere huzur,
jalwa phir ek baar dikha do mere huzur...
My favourites include: Mera Saaya, Woh Kaun thi ?, Waqt, Mere Mehboob, Love in Simla, Inteqaam
Smita Patil
Apki madhosh nazaren kar rahi hain shayari,
yeh ghazal meri nahi, yeh ghazal hain aapki,
meine toh bas woh likha jo kuch likhaya aapne...
Smita Patil is the total opposite of many actresses in this page. Yet she is among one of my favourites. Smita along with Shabana Azmi were the two pillars of the parallel cinema in the 80s. Each exceptional when it comes to performances but not women whom you would say conventionally beautiful. But I feel its because of her screen prescence and that scorching intensity that she lives even today through ehr work. Its simply the case of character winning over the trappings of beauty. Each of her performances have been exceptional even the very commercial ones in which you can almost feel her discomfort.
My favourites include: Arth, Waaris, Mandi, Bhoomika, Mirch Masala, Aakhir Kyun?, Ghungroo
Sridevi
Jhuki jhuki nigah mein bhi hain bala ki shaukhiya,
dabi dabi hasi mein bhi tadap rahi hain bijliyan,
shabab aapka nashe mein khud hi choor choor hain,
mera dil machal gaya toh mera kya kasoor hain ?
Sridevi was one of the most successful actresses to have graced the silver screen. Her talent, beauty and hard work ensured that she stayed at the top for decades. The only flaw that I can think of in this otherwise perfect persona was her voice which at times gave her away. But discount that and then she has no equal. She was the last among the superstars. A true diva. As far as her acting abilities pick any movie of hers and you can watch it only to watch her. She has acted in many languages and been sucessful in all of them. I feel Sridevi was also one of the only actresses who tried so many looks and wardrobe and yet looked beautiful in anything that she wore.
Khuli laton ki chaon mein khila khila yeh roop hain,
ghata se jaise chann rahi subah subah ki dhoop hain,
jidhar nazr mudi udhar suroor hi suroor hain,
mera dil machal gaya toh mera kya kasoor hain ?
Jahan jahan pade qadam wahan fiza badal gaye,
ki jaise sarba sarba bahar aap hi mein dhal gaye,
kisi mein yeh kashish kahan jo aap mein huzroor hain,
mera dil machal gaya toh mera kya kasoor hain ?
My favourites include: Lamhe, Chandni, Nagina, Khuda Gawah, Judaii, Chalbaaz, Mr India
Vyjayanthimala
Is rang badalti duniya mein, insaan ki niyat tikh nahi,
nikla karo tum saj dhaj kar, imaan ki niyat teekh nahi...
I became a fan of Vyjayanthimala after I watched Amrapali. The movie had flopped but I thought that it was a masterpiece and I dont think anyone could have done better than Vyjayanthimala. She was a exceptional dancer and the directors of her time gave her enough song sequences to exploit this natural ability. Somehow when I see her movies today I can almost feel a sense of pride in her protrayals almost bordering on arrogance. The grace with which she danced added to her charm.
Huzur is qadar bhi na itrake chaliye
khule aam aanchal na lehra ke chaliye,
koi manchal aagar pakad lega aanchal,
zara sochiye aap kya kijiye ga ?
laga de agar badke zulfon mein kaliya,
toh kya apni zulfein jatak dijiyega ?
My favourites include: Amrapali, Sangam, Devdas, Ganga Jamuna, Madhumati
Waheeda Rehman
Chaudvi ka chand ho, ya aaftab ho ?
jo bhi ho tum khuda ki kasam laajawab ho..
Hoton pe khelti hain tabassum ki bijiliyan,
sajde tumhare raah mein karti hain kehkasha,
duniya-e-husn o ishq ka tum hi shabab ho...
These lines were indeed written for Waheeda Rehman. You need to really see the picturization of this song to see how beautiful she could look. Waheeda Rehman was one of those actresses whom I think anyone could relate to, some one whom you could imagine to be human and not ethereal; unlike many of the other actresses in this page and that I think was her charm. With her you would not find the blinding beauty or oomph, just someone who is just like ordinary people. As an actress I think she was exellent especially in her dramatic films. Even in later stages of her career she took up character roles to which she lent dignity. When I pick my favourite among her films I feel there are just too many and this I did not face with other actresses because they have specific films with which they are associated but with Waheeda Rehman the choice is very difficult.
Chehra hain jaisa jheel mein hasta hua kamal,
ya zindagi ke saaz par chedi huye ghazal,
jane bahar tum kisi shayar ka khwab ho..
My favourites include: Kagaz Ke Phool, Guide, Khamoshi, Neel Kamal, Dil diya Dard Liya, Rehsma aur Shera, Pyaasa, Lamhe
Saira Bano
Kashmir ka kawal .. ya meer ki ghazal,kya tera naam hain ?
tujko salaam hain,Rakhonga umar bhar yaadein sambhalkar,
pal bhar ke saat ki, iss chand raat ki,
iss mahtaab ne muje shayar bana diya..
Tere hijaab ne muje shayar bana diya..
The credit of adding this wonderful actress must go to my very dear friend Ankit. She was and is one of his favourites. Think of Saira Bano and the first image that comes to my mind is that angelic face in the song - Ehsaan tera hoga mujpar; from the film Junglee and then you would agree she more than deserves her place in this list. Saira Bano's looks in her movies can be distincly divided into two categories: the first were she played a village bele/ demure Indian girl next door with elan and the other was the ultra chique western women with panache. She excelled in both. At the age of 22 she married Dilip Kumar and reduced her exposure to movies. Yet she has her innumerable fans who till this day remember her. A face that the sands of time cannot erase from the hearts of her fans.
Gustaq mein nahin lekin O mehjabinkaise mein chup rahon ?
ji chahe kuch kaho,yeh husn yeh aada...tauba mere khuda,
Chehra kitaab sa,mukda gulab sa,tu lajawaab hain jannat ka khwab hain,
jannat ke khwab ne muje shayar bana diya..
Tere hijaab ne muje shayar bana diya..
My favourites include: Junglee, Shagird, Purab Aur Paschim, Padosan, Aayee Milan ki Bela, Resham ki Dori
I need to also apologize to the many lyricists from whom I have shamelssly copied the lines here but I feel I have put them to good use as my limited capablities would fail me if I were to try to pen my own.
So join me in this trip down memory lane, sit back and admire them ....
Aishwarya Rai
Husn pariyon ka aur roop chand ka churaya hoga..
khoobsurat pholon se hoton ko sajaya hoga..
zulf bhikre ho to gayero ko pasina aaya hoga..
badi fursat se tujhe rab ne banya hoga.
We all know that a lot of criticism has come in way of Ash for her acting(?) abilities, but as far as beauty goes she is indeed incomparable. The fact remains that she would be among the most photographed Indians in the world. Frequently making her one among the most beautiful women in the world. As for her bollywood career, the best of her movies have been the ones in which she worked with Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
My favourites include: Devadas, Hum dil de chuke Sanam, Raincoat, Choker Bali, Kandukondein Kandukodien(Tamil)
Dimple Kapadia
Aafat to hai woh naaz ki, andaz bhi lekin
marta hoon main jis par, woh ada kuch aur hi hain..
In ankhon mein jane kya raaz hain chupe,
jaane kaise kasie in mein andaz hain chupe,
sikhaya hain inhone muje khawab dekhna,
Jane kaise kaise in mein hain sharab chupe...
Who can ever forget the hysteria that Bobby caused which gave Bollywood the sensation called Dimple. She quite films soon and got married to Rajesh Khanna, the reigning superstar that time. The marriage fell apart soon and Dimple returned to the marqee. Her best works came in this phase of her life. She was the only actress other than Sharmila Tagore and Hema Malini who was successful even after marriage. The only tirade I have against her is that she never concentrated as much on her career as she should have done otherwise she could have attained far more acclaim than what she gets now.
My favourites inlcude: Sagar, Rudaali, Lekin, Aitbaar, Janbaaz
Hema Malini
Chand jaisa yeh chehra, raat jaise yeh zulfein,
hain jagaye sau armaan,
ek nasha sa aankhon mein dhere dhere chata hain...
The dream girl of Hindi film industry. When it comes to Hema Malini I feel its the sheer beauty and elegance that makes her stand out. As as actress I feel she was a little behind the others but her beauty and the way she carried herself more than made up for that. Hema Malini ruled the marquee for decades. She probably has more number of succesful films than any other in this list. She was one actress who was equally famous before and after marriage. A very proficient dancer and now a director, producer and politician, she has juggled all these roles with the same grace and elegance.
My favourites include: Meera, Ek Chadar Maili si, Sita aur Geeta, Kudrat, Abhinetri, Kinara
Kajol
Aankhen dekhi toh main dekhta reh gaya, jam do aur dono hi aatisha,
aankhen hain woh mehkade ki do baab hain,
aankhen unko kahoo ya kaho do khwab hain ?
Kajol is my reigning favourite. An actress par exellence. Some people would have a problem in Kajol being in this list and some who would feel she should be on the top of the list. But she remains a icon for the new generation of actresses. Kajol quit the film industry after her marraige to Ajay Devagan few years back and now is coming back. I think the charm in Kajol is due the fact that all her characters are believable which ordinary people can relate to. She has been the most successful among the actresses of the 90's and continues to be the epitome of spontaneity in performance.
Aankhen neechi huye toh haya ban gaye,
aankhen oonchi huye toh dua ban gaye,
aankhen utkar juki toh aada ban gaye,
ankhen jukkar uthi toh faza ban gaye,
aankhen jin mein hain qaid aasman aur zameen,
nargisi nargisi surmagi surmagi....
My favourite movies include: Dilwale Dulhaniya le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hain, Dushman, Pyaar toh hona hi Tha & Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham
Madhuri Dixit
Jhuki jhuki nigah mein bhi hain bala ki shaukhiya,
dabi dabi hasi mein bhi tadap rahi hain bijliyan,
shabab aapka nashe mein khud hi choor choor hain,
mera dil machal gaya toh mera kya kasoor hain...
The last of the superstars that Bollywood has seen. Madhuri has been the enduring image of beauty and grace. A proficient dancer and a wonderful actress. As an actress her performances mostly got overshadowed by her songs & dances. Think Madhuri and the image that comes to mind are of her dances but she was also an exellent actress. Sridevi and Madhuri reigned at the box office for decades and that was atestimont to thier alluring charm. Madhuri probably has the distinction of having the maximum number of hit songs in her career. Even today she inpsires a new generation of performers.
Khobsurati jo tune paye, lut gayi khuda ki bas khudaai,
Meer ki ghazal kahun tuje mein, ya kahoon khayyam ki rubayee,
mein jo poochu shayaron se aisa dil na seen sher hain kahi,
shayar kahen shayari ki kasam..nahi nahi nahi.
My favourites include : Sajan, Devdas, Beta, Hum Apke hain Kaun? , Dil toh Pagal Hain, Parinda
Madhubala
Roshan tumhi se duniya raunak tumhi jahan ki,
pholon mein pal wali rani ho gulsitan ki,
nazuk ho naaz se bhi, tum pyar se bhi pyaari,
tum husn se haseen ho, khya baat hai tumhari,
aankhon mein hai do jahan hain, malik ho do jahan ki...
This is one person whom I am sure I dont have to introduce. The epitome of beauty as far as bollywood is concerned. Madhubala died a early death but her work and beauty have endured forever(The candle burnt out long before, the legend never did). The infectious laughter, the radiance of her face has charmed generations. I simply fail to have words to continue further. I am sure the pictures that I have posted here are more than enough to vouch for that.
Meine yeh hijab tera donda, har jagah shabab tera donda,
kaliyon se misal teri pochi, pholon, mein jawab tera donda,
meine poocha baagh se ki falaq ho ya zameen aisa phool hain kahin ?
baagh ne kaha har kali ki kasam nahi ...nahi .. nahi...
Uth na jaye naqab rukhsar se tere ,
hum bhi dekhe yeh bekrari kya hoti hain,
a beete waqt ho raat kuch aur baqi Asiir ,
hum bhi dekhe sanso ki hararat kya hoti hain...
My favourites include: Mughal-e-Azam, Mahal, Half-Ticket, Barsaat ki ek raat, Kala Pani
Meena Kumari
Apki mehki huye zulf ko kehte hain ghata,
apki ki madh bhari aankhon ko kawal kehte hain,
Ek hum hi nahi sabh dekhne wale tumko,
sang-e-marmar pe likhe shok ghazal kehte hain.
The classical muslim beauty. Orignally christened Mehjabeen, Meena Kumari was more known as the tragedy queen of bollywood. Always palying the matyr or pining away for the hero, yet she never failed to move us each time. The regning queen at her time she was also a proficient writer. Some of my all time favourite songs have been picturized on her. Most of her roles in retrospect would appear to be repititive but in the context of the movies I feel she etched each character differently. Legends of bollywood have it that she courted pain, if that be true, she revelled in tragedy, no one has moved me as much as her in movies.
My favourites include : Pakeezah, Sahib Biwi aur Ghulam, Dil Ppna Preet Parayee, Chitralekha, Kajal, Gomti ke kinare
Mumtaz
Yeh reshmi zulfien yeh sharbatein aankhen, inhe dekhar ji rahe hain sabhi, saare inki shiqayat karte hain phir bhi inse mohhhabat karte hain, yeh kya jadu hai jane, phir jag gere kya deewane inhe dekhkar si rahe hain sabhi...
Vivacious Mumtaz rose from being a stand up artist to the seconadary lead and finally to become the top heroine in Bollywood before she quit the film industry at the peak of her career. Mumtaz is not someone whom I would say was a great actress but she certainly had oomph and glamour. Something in the way she carried herself made her special. A very good dancer and she really enjoyed dancing, if you watch her dances you can almost feel her joy. A lot of her songs now have been remixed and yet they pale so much in comparison to the original.
My favourites include: Khilona, Aap ki Kasam, Mela, Do Raaste, Jheelke us Paar, Loafer, Mere Sanam
Nutan Chandan sa badan, chanchal chitvan dhire se tera yeh muskana, muje dosh na dena jag walo ho jayege gar dildewana, yeh kam kamaan bhave teri, plakon ke kinare kajrare, mathe par sindoori suraj, hoton par dehekte angare.
Nutan was a quintessential bollywood actress. Deeply performance oriented and commited to her craft. Each of her performances are embellished with fine nuances that she alone could protray. She worked with the best of the directors at her time and each of her performances come across as genuine. She did not do the usual run of the mill kind of movies, in all her movies her character had prominence or was the pivot of the movie. She is one person known more for her protrayal than looks.
Teri aakhon ke siva is duniya mein rakha kya ?
yeh uthe toh subah chale, yeh jhuke shaam dhale.
My favourites include: Saraswathichandra, Anari, Bandini, Sujatha, Sajan Bina Suhagan
Rekha
In ankhon ke masti ke mastane hazaron hain,
in aankhon se wabaz ka, afsane hazaroon hain,
ek tum hi nahi tanha, ulfat mein meri ruswa,
iss sheher mein tum jaise deewane hazaron hain...
The actress who courted controversy at every stage of her career. She is as famous for her onscreen protrayals as much as her offscreen persona. A very fine actress who underwent a metamorphisis of sorts to reach the pinnacle of success. The mystique, charm and glamour is ever there, undiminished. Her career has seen her doing so many characters and roles that its difficult to pick her best. Yet for for the sheer beauty and power of portrayal I think there would be not other Rekha. No other actress has been able to play a courtesan with finnesse and beauty as Rekha. Even today Rekha remains an enduring legend.
Mein aur meri tanhayeen eksar yeh baatien karte hain,
tum hoti toh kaisa hota, tum hoti toh vaisa hota,
Tum iss baat par hairan hoti,tum uss baat pe kitna hasti
Tum hoti toh aisa hota, tum hoti toh vaisa hota......
Yeh raat hain ya tumhari zulfein khuli huye hain,
hain chandni ya tumhari nazron se meri ratein dhuli huye hain,
yeh chand hain ya tumhara kangan, sitaren hain ya tumhara aanchal...
My favourites include: Silsila, Umrao Jaan, Utsav, Ghar, Khubsurat, Khoon Bhari Maang
Sadhna
Apne rukh par nigaah karne do,
yeh khoobsurat gunah karne do
rukh parda hatao jane-haya,
aaj dil ko tabah karne do....
Sadhna was a style icon. But I like her more for the grace and delicacy that she brought to the screen. I think no other actress carried off the sari with as much grace as Sadhna. There is something in her face that instantly creates a connection with the viewer. Although admitedly her films were not very difficult characters but in each she shined. She was a favourite for muslim socials at her time. I have a special place for her because my favourite songs - Lag ja gale ke phir yeh haseen raat ho na ho is picturised on her and I cant think anybody else could have done a better on screen portrayal of that song. Any mention of Sadhna would be incomplete without a mention of the "Sadhna fringe" a hair style which is still popular.
Husn-o-jamal aapka sheeshe mein dekhkar,
madhosh ho chuka ho mein jalwon ki raah par,
gar ho sake to hosh mein la do mere huzur
rukh se naqab utha do mere huzur,
jalwa phir ek baar dikha do mere huzur...
My favourites include: Mera Saaya, Woh Kaun thi ?, Waqt, Mere Mehboob, Love in Simla, Inteqaam
Smita Patil
Apki madhosh nazaren kar rahi hain shayari,
yeh ghazal meri nahi, yeh ghazal hain aapki,
meine toh bas woh likha jo kuch likhaya aapne...
Smita Patil is the total opposite of many actresses in this page. Yet she is among one of my favourites. Smita along with Shabana Azmi were the two pillars of the parallel cinema in the 80s. Each exceptional when it comes to performances but not women whom you would say conventionally beautiful. But I feel its because of her screen prescence and that scorching intensity that she lives even today through ehr work. Its simply the case of character winning over the trappings of beauty. Each of her performances have been exceptional even the very commercial ones in which you can almost feel her discomfort.
My favourites include: Arth, Waaris, Mandi, Bhoomika, Mirch Masala, Aakhir Kyun?, Ghungroo
Sridevi
Jhuki jhuki nigah mein bhi hain bala ki shaukhiya,
dabi dabi hasi mein bhi tadap rahi hain bijliyan,
shabab aapka nashe mein khud hi choor choor hain,
mera dil machal gaya toh mera kya kasoor hain ?
Sridevi was one of the most successful actresses to have graced the silver screen. Her talent, beauty and hard work ensured that she stayed at the top for decades. The only flaw that I can think of in this otherwise perfect persona was her voice which at times gave her away. But discount that and then she has no equal. She was the last among the superstars. A true diva. As far as her acting abilities pick any movie of hers and you can watch it only to watch her. She has acted in many languages and been sucessful in all of them. I feel Sridevi was also one of the only actresses who tried so many looks and wardrobe and yet looked beautiful in anything that she wore.
Khuli laton ki chaon mein khila khila yeh roop hain,
ghata se jaise chann rahi subah subah ki dhoop hain,
jidhar nazr mudi udhar suroor hi suroor hain,
mera dil machal gaya toh mera kya kasoor hain ?
Jahan jahan pade qadam wahan fiza badal gaye,
ki jaise sarba sarba bahar aap hi mein dhal gaye,
kisi mein yeh kashish kahan jo aap mein huzroor hain,
mera dil machal gaya toh mera kya kasoor hain ?
My favourites include: Lamhe, Chandni, Nagina, Khuda Gawah, Judaii, Chalbaaz, Mr India
Vyjayanthimala
Is rang badalti duniya mein, insaan ki niyat tikh nahi,
nikla karo tum saj dhaj kar, imaan ki niyat teekh nahi...
I became a fan of Vyjayanthimala after I watched Amrapali. The movie had flopped but I thought that it was a masterpiece and I dont think anyone could have done better than Vyjayanthimala. She was a exceptional dancer and the directors of her time gave her enough song sequences to exploit this natural ability. Somehow when I see her movies today I can almost feel a sense of pride in her protrayals almost bordering on arrogance. The grace with which she danced added to her charm.
Huzur is qadar bhi na itrake chaliye
khule aam aanchal na lehra ke chaliye,
koi manchal aagar pakad lega aanchal,
zara sochiye aap kya kijiye ga ?
laga de agar badke zulfon mein kaliya,
toh kya apni zulfein jatak dijiyega ?
My favourites include: Amrapali, Sangam, Devdas, Ganga Jamuna, Madhumati
Waheeda Rehman
Chaudvi ka chand ho, ya aaftab ho ?
jo bhi ho tum khuda ki kasam laajawab ho..
Hoton pe khelti hain tabassum ki bijiliyan,
sajde tumhare raah mein karti hain kehkasha,
duniya-e-husn o ishq ka tum hi shabab ho...
These lines were indeed written for Waheeda Rehman. You need to really see the picturization of this song to see how beautiful she could look. Waheeda Rehman was one of those actresses whom I think anyone could relate to, some one whom you could imagine to be human and not ethereal; unlike many of the other actresses in this page and that I think was her charm. With her you would not find the blinding beauty or oomph, just someone who is just like ordinary people. As an actress I think she was exellent especially in her dramatic films. Even in later stages of her career she took up character roles to which she lent dignity. When I pick my favourite among her films I feel there are just too many and this I did not face with other actresses because they have specific films with which they are associated but with Waheeda Rehman the choice is very difficult.
Chehra hain jaisa jheel mein hasta hua kamal,
ya zindagi ke saaz par chedi huye ghazal,
jane bahar tum kisi shayar ka khwab ho..
My favourites include: Kagaz Ke Phool, Guide, Khamoshi, Neel Kamal, Dil diya Dard Liya, Rehsma aur Shera, Pyaasa, Lamhe
Saira Bano
Kashmir ka kawal .. ya meer ki ghazal,kya tera naam hain ?
tujko salaam hain,Rakhonga umar bhar yaadein sambhalkar,
pal bhar ke saat ki, iss chand raat ki,
iss mahtaab ne muje shayar bana diya..
Tere hijaab ne muje shayar bana diya..
The credit of adding this wonderful actress must go to my very dear friend Ankit. She was and is one of his favourites. Think of Saira Bano and the first image that comes to my mind is that angelic face in the song - Ehsaan tera hoga mujpar; from the film Junglee and then you would agree she more than deserves her place in this list. Saira Bano's looks in her movies can be distincly divided into two categories: the first were she played a village bele/ demure Indian girl next door with elan and the other was the ultra chique western women with panache. She excelled in both. At the age of 22 she married Dilip Kumar and reduced her exposure to movies. Yet she has her innumerable fans who till this day remember her. A face that the sands of time cannot erase from the hearts of her fans.
Gustaq mein nahin lekin O mehjabinkaise mein chup rahon ?
ji chahe kuch kaho,yeh husn yeh aada...tauba mere khuda,
Chehra kitaab sa,mukda gulab sa,tu lajawaab hain jannat ka khwab hain,
jannat ke khwab ne muje shayar bana diya..
Tere hijaab ne muje shayar bana diya..
My favourites include: Junglee, Shagird, Purab Aur Paschim, Padosan, Aayee Milan ki Bela, Resham ki Dori
posted by Anurup K.T at 6:24 AM
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