#Shobhana Samarth

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Shobhana Samarth  in  Bharat Milap (1942)

[doeroneforall]

Unforgettable Melodies, The Musical Odyssey of Rajkumari Dubey, India's Beloved Playback Singer

Rajkumari Dubey: A Melodious Maestro Whose Voice Transcended Time Step into the enchanting world of Rajkumari Dubey, an iconic playback singer whose mesmerizing vocals and extraordinary contributions continue to resonate in the hearts of music enthusiasts. 

Born in 1924 in British India, Rajkumari's musical journey defied all odds, captivating audiences with her natural talent and unmatched passion. From a tender age, Rajkumari displayed an innate gift for singing, despite never receiving formal training in the art. 

Encouraged by her supportive family, she fearlessly pursued her dreams, leaving an indelible mark on the Indian music industry. At the remarkable age of 10, Rajkumari recorded her first song for the esteemed music recording house HMV in 1934. 

This auspicious beginning propelled her into the spotlight as a stage artist, where her enthralling voice and emotive performances left audiences spellbound. The prodigious talent of Rajkumari soon caught the attention of Vijay Bhatt and Shankar Bhatt, influential figures from Prakash Pictures. 

Recognizing her immense potential, she was offered a dual role as an actress and singer in their production company. Her debut film, 'Sansar Leela Nayi Duniya,' marked the beginning of her cinematic journey, followed by noteworthy roles in movies such as "Aankh Ka Tara," "Turki Sher," "Bhakt Ke Bhagwan," and "Insaaf Ki Topi." 

Sharing the screen with the illustrious Zakaria Khan (Jayant), Rajkumari left an indelible impression with her performances. While initially working under the guidance of the esteemed music director Lallubhai, Rajkumari eventually decided to focus solely on her singing career. 

Parting ways with Prakash Pictures, she embarked on a successful voyage as a playback singer, lending her enchanting voice to actresses like Ratnamala and Shobhana Samarth. Notably, she holds the esteemed distinction of being the "First Female Playback Singer of Indian Cinema." Her versatility knew no bounds, as she effortlessly recorded numerous songs in Gujarati and Punjabi, showcasing her linguistic prowess. 

Despite her lack of formal training, Rajkumari possessed a rare ability to adapt to various musical styles. Her mastery of classical forms such as thumri and dadra showcased her impeccable skills as a classical singer. 

Alongside renowned contemporaries like Shamshad Begum, Zohrabai Ambalewali, Juthika Roy, and Zeenat Begum, Rajkumari mesmerized audiences with her captivating performances. A notable collaboration was her duet with the illustrious Noor Jehan in the film "Naukar" released in 1943, leaving an everlasting impression on music enthusiasts. 

Join us on a melodious journey as we unravel the timeless legacy of Rajkumari Dubey, a true maestro whose voice transcended time, bridging generations with its ethereal charm and soul-stirring melodies. Experience the magic of her music as it continues to resonate, reminding us of the extraordinary talent and undying passion of this legendary playback singer. Inspiring True Stories, inspirational women's stories, Inspiring Stories of Women, Inspiring Story Of A Woman, Inspirational Women in Business, Inspirational moral stories for Adults, real life inspiring stories, heart touched inspiring stories, Inspiring Women Leaders, Inspiring Stories About Women, stories inspirational success, story about inspirational person, inspiring stories of Indian women, Some Inspirational Women, Inspirational Short Stories, Most Inspirational Short Stories, real life inspirational stories, Inspiring True Stories, Read Inspiring Stories, Best Motivational Short Stories, Motivational Short Stories, Short Motivational Stories, The Power of Story, real life stories, Leading Ladies india, Leading Ladies, Stories of real life people, Good Motivational Stories, Women entrepreneurs of india, women's empowerment, Women's Empowerment in India, powerful stories from women, Stories Of Impact, True stories told by women, Women Centered Stories, Short motivational story for students, Motivational story of a woman, short moral stories for adults, Best Inspirational Short Stories, Amazing Short Inspirational Stories, Motivational and Inspiring Short Stories, real life struggle stories, inspiring true life stories, True motivational stories, true motivational stories indian, real life struggle stories, Read Success Stories, Successful People Stories, real life Motivational Stories, Real life stories of women, female entrepreneurs, Successful Women Entrepreneurs, women in business

[marwahstudios]

Seminar on Women and Cinema at 15th Global Film Festival Noida

Noida: “Looking at the roots of film history in India, it surfaces that the first feature film was made in the year 1912-13. Those were the days when women avoided participation in films. So, male artists had to play the female roles as well. Then a change occurred in1930 and women form rich families joined the movie industry and changed its face. Devika Rani, Zubeidaa, Mehtab, Shobhana Samarth were the popular heroines of this time,” initiated by Sandeep Marwah President of Marwah Studios at the seminar Women & Cinema during 15th Global Film Festival Noida 2022.

“In Indian film industry women have played very significant role in bringing success to individual films. Their roles however have changed over a period of time, from total dependency on their male counterparts to independently carry the storyline forward,” said Jaswinder Gardner renowned actress.

“Period 1950s to late 1970s can be considered as the golden era of Bollywood films. In this time films focused on our rich culture, rural sector, family and friendly relationships, customs, norms and ethics. The issues of poverty were also highlighted. The women discharged important role in the films. They held a lot of responsibility on their shoulders to sell the films in the market. Women were given an equally dominant role in the films along with the male actors. Some prominent films of this era viz., Kaagaz Ke Phool, Mother India, Pakeezah, Half Ticket, and Padosan can be cited as example,” said Dr. Amol Kolhe renowned actor & Member Parliament

“Action era in Bollywood films began in 1980s. It brought big changes. The Bollywood heroines lost their strength and space to the hero. She was reduced to a glamorous component of the films. She danced around trees, kidnapped, raped or killed,” added Surendra Jagtap renowned producer of Hindi & Marathi Films

Neelam Sharma renowned Model & VJ, Kanchan Bhor renowned Actress, Priya Dhingra Social Media Influencer, Shubh Malhotra popular Film Stylist, Katianna Ley Actress from Slovenia, Tatiana Bhardwaj Secretary General of Russia House Federation, Dr. P K Rajput of Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd. And Dr. Mariann Erdo Cultural Counsellor Embassy of Hungary also participated in the seminar.

Later Sandeep Marwah honoured all the dignities with festival memento. Dr. Amol Kohle was presented with prestigious Hindi Cinema Samman. The event was organised by International Film and Television Club and supported by International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry& Asian Unity Alliance. Ashok Tyagi Festival Director proposed vote of thanks.

[bollywoodirect]

Nargis, Nimmi, Nirupa Roy, Begum Para and Shobhana Samarth at New Woodlands Hotel in Madras, during the thanksgiving dinner after a benefit cricket match (1952). 

[harpianews]

When Tanuja felt it was 'weird' to play Kajol's mother in Bekhudi: 'If I had a choice, I wouldn't have done it'

When Tanuja felt it was ‘weird’ to play Kajol’s mother in Bekhudi: ‘If I had a choice, I wouldn’t have done it’

Veteran actor Tanuja comes from an illustrious family of actors. Shobhana Samarth’s daughter, Nutan’s sister, Tanuja was known for her roles in films jewel thief, Many others including Yarana and Anubhav. When Tanuja’s daughter Kajol was making her debut in films, Tanuja was asked to step into the role of Kajol’s on-screen mother and the actor said that she was very ‘reluctant’ to do that…

[indiejones]

INDIES TOP 50 ACTRESSES OF 1940’s BOLLYWOOD !

This list acquires great interest for today's masses, being the first film decade since inception, that they have videographically been aware of, even if only partially, for long! Ruled by the heartthrob of 1940's Bollywood, Kamini Kaushal, with her splendid coquettish charm & smart smooth pure aura! Followed by arguably the most entertaining modern romantic heroine of 1940's Bolly, Hansa Wadkar, who ironically enough & to her huge credit, made most of her name in history via her pure pious & super-inspiring devotional lead roles! And then, one half of inarguably the No. 1 lead pair of 1940's, Khursheed, most famous for her near 100% blockbuster hit pairing with K.L. Saigal! Thereafter followed by, the actress the entire world knows of, yet that appeared in this decade for 80% or 7/8 yrs duration as child star alone, only blossoming into mature lead roles towards its very fag end - Meena Kumari!

1.       .Kamini Kaushal

2.       .Hansa Wadkar

3.       .Khursheed

4.       .Meena Kumari

5.       .Manju

6.       .Maya Banerji

7.       .Nargis

8.       .Leela Chitnis

9.       .Madhubala

10.   .Shahzadi

11.   .Noor Jehan

12.   .Sulochana / Ruby Mayer

13.   .Sardar Akhtar

14.   .Sarita Devi

15.   .Rose

16.   .Miss Iqbal

17.   .Pratima Devi

18.   .Sabita Devi

19.   .Veena

20.   .Ramola

21.   .Mehtab

22.   .Shobhana Samarth

23.   .Suraiya

24.   .Snehprabha Pradhan

25.   .Madhuri

26.   .Padma Devi

27.   .Panna Rani

28.   .Lakshmi

29.   .Nirmala Devi

30.   .Leelavati

31.   .Zebunissa

32.   .Putlibai

33.   .Sultana

34.   .Umasashi

35.   .Sunalini Devi

36.   .Durga Khote

37.   .Mira

38.   .Charubala

39.   .Sitara Devi

40.   .Monica Desai

41.   .Nalini Jaywant

42.   .Lalita Pawar

43.   .Leela Mishra

44.   .Kaushalya

45.   .Sumitra Devi

46.   .Shakuntala Paranjpye

47.   .Jehanara Kajjan

48.   .Jyoti

49.   .Sharifa

50.   .Brijmala

[liveindiatimes]

On Nutan’s 84th birth anniversary, why she remains a luminous star like none other - bollywood

https://liveindiatimes.com/on-nutans-84th-birth-anniversary-why-she-remains-a-luminous-star-like-none-other-bollywood/

In the annals of Hindi films, few actors could blend stardom with acting prowess. Actor Nutan, aunt of Kajol and mother of actor Mohnish Bahl, was one such a star. In her personality, she could present a paradox – playing a deeply orthodox Indian woman in films like Saraswatichandra and yet be disarmingly modern (she sported a swimsuit in Dilli Ka Thug in the 50s). On her birthday today, here’s unraveling this enigma.

Nutan was born to actor and filmmaker couple, Shobhana and Kumarsen Samarth on June 4, 1936. She was the eldest of four siblings including actor Tanuja. Nutan was introduced on the silver screen at the tender age of 14 as an adult in Hamari Beti, produced by her mother. Nutan was a classical Indian beauty – her perfect oval face and slender and tall frame were immediately arresting.

Nutan in Bandini.

Through her career, she appeared in many unconventional roles. The first in this list was Seema (1955), where she was paired with actor Balraj Sahni. The role was a central one; as the story was told from the perspective of her character, Gauri. She played a young orphaned girl, who runs away from her uncle’s home to avoid an ill-treating aunt. Accused of theft, landing in an orphanage and falling in love with a compassionate caretaker, played by Balraj, Nutan was in stellar form. The song Tu Pyar Ka Sagar Hai is still fondly remembered to this day. The role also fetched Nutan her first Filmfare award in Best Actress category.

(Left) Nutan in Dilli ka Thug and in Saraswatichandra.

Her career-defining role would come with Bimal Ray’s Bandini (1963), where she was cast opposite Ashok Kumar and young actor Dharmendra. Playing yet another conflicted character, she essayed the role of complex Kalyani, a woman serving a jail sentence for murder. Kalyani must choose between her compassionate prison doctor Devendra (Dharmendra) and Bikash (Ashok Kumar), a revolutionary from her past. Watch her in the iconic song, Mere Saajan Hai Uss Paar, sung evocatively by Sachin Dev Burman, to understand the myriad emotions that flash across her face.

Bandini is loosely based on a Bengali novel, Tamasi by Jarasandha (Charu Chandra Chakrabarti), a former jail superintendent who fictionalised many of his own experiences in his works.

Nutan in the song Dil Ka Bhawar Kare Pukar from Tere Ghar Ke Samne.

Nutan gave another stellar performance in Bimal Ray’s Sujata (1959), as a lower caste woman who is adopted by a higher caste family. Caught between discrimination and gratitude, she lives with a family that is accepting and loving but makes her acutely aware of their fundamental difference. When love comes, that too throws Sujata into a conundrum. The film was heavily influenced by Dr BR Ambedkar’s fight against untouchability and Rabindranath Tagore’s retelling of the story of Chandalika.

But Nutan was more than intense roles. Through the ’50s and ’60s, she formed a hit pair with Dev Anand, giving us hits like Paying Guest (1957) and Tere Ghar Ke Samne (1963) and films like Manzil (1960) and Baarish (1957). Tune in to retro section on any FM channel and songs like Mana Janab Ne Pukara Nahin and Chhod Do Aanchal Zamana Kya Kahega (both Paying Guest) and Tere Ghar Ke Samne, Dekho Rootha Na Karo, Dil Ka Bhanwar Kare Pukar (Tere Ghar Ke Samne) will still charm you.

Nutan would form a winning combination with actor Sunil Dutt as well – Gauri (1968), Mehrbaan (1967), Milan (1967), Sujata (1959) and Khandan (1965) – will serve as examples. Think of songs like Sawan Ka Mahina (Milan) and Jalte Hain Jiske Liye Teri Aakhon Ke Diye (Sujata) and you will get an idea.

Also read: On Nargis’ 91st birth anniversary, a look at a star who symbolised passion onscreen

The oft-heard statement of how female actors cannot continue their careers post marriage was turned on its head by actors like Nutan, who gave some of her most powerful performances after marriage. At the height of her career in 1959, she married naval officer Rajneesh Bahl, aged only 23.

Films like Bandini, Tere Ghar Ke Samne, Milan, Saraswatichandra and Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki – all happened after she had married and was a mother of a child. Nothing about Nutan was conventional anyways – when still in her teens, her mother Shobana had sent her off to a finishing school in Switzerland, La Chatelaine, in 1953. Nutan hailed from an affluent Marathi-speaking family with a passion for cinema.

Nutan won the Filmfare award for best actress no less that five times in her career. Nutan died in February 1991, after battling breast cancer for years.

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[forbesbyte-blog]

Notebook Movie Review - Nothing to Write Home About

Notebook movie cast: Zaheer Iqbal, Pranutan Bahl  Notebook movie diector: Nitin Kakkar  Notebook movie rating: One and a half stars  Kabir is an ex-soldier who begins"educating" five pupils in the middle-of-nowhere public college. To be fair, it's more of a recreational lodging center, but the definition of schooling is rather loose in this country. He finds the previous instructor's (Pranutan Behl) diary -- that, to be honest, is more of a motivational speech publication interspersed with her own life experiences. Kabir goes from grumpy to the game, regardless of the actor's theatrical inertia indicating that it is very little between both of these states of existence. The movie is at its easiest when we see the two narratives unraveling concurrently -- a fantastic little play on timelines, mildly reminiscent of love across measurements in The Lake House (2006). Their heartbreaks and tribulations merge into one as when they had been occupying the school at the exact same time. Kabir's breakup is particularly funny; the manager's passion for theatre -- an older bewafa tune matches the rickety rickshaw that Kabir paths his cheating girlfriend -- shines through, a characteristic which has been more or less the heart of Filmistaan.  But then you begin to feel the burden of the atmosphere. The politics of the area is forced to the airy doodles of Notebook through Kabir's super-slow-mo military flashbacks, Firdaus' intolerant boyfriend and a child's violent father. Snakes, storms and floating dead bodies double-drive house the island within an allegory of Kashmir. You can sense precisely when Kakkar, that has an eye for atmosphere, heavily compromises to keep his producer's faith -- with the casting of their young debutants, the Being Humankind of kiddie anthems, and particularly when Zaheer Iqbal randomly breaks into Bumro-remix dance moves to demonstrate that his legs move greater than his facial muscles.  Unexpectedly, Kashmir appears to be Bollywood's du jour flavor for young romances. Or if we say, it's a return: Kashmir was the go-to spot for heroes to slide down snowy slopes and heroines to pretend to be nice and dandy in their thin chiffons, as they slid right alongside. For several decades, the beautiful valleys and slopes had vanished from our screens. Now they are back.  The Kashmir in Notebook, is, for the most part, as pristine and as magnificent as it's ever been. Militants and insurgency and the controversial presence of the armed forces are kept at a minimum, revealed in just scant, sanitized glimpses: the rest of it is focused on Kabir (Iqbal) and Firdaus (Bahl) and their connection, which flowers through a notebook, where Hindi is written in English.  There are other things that are inexplicable. A floating college in the middle of nowhere exists for no better reason than to receive two hearts aflutter: seven adorable kids come and go, learning numbers and alphabets from folks who seem as though they've never been teachers in their lifetime.  The narrative might have been a cutesy take on loneliness and digital companionship if the writer had bothered to concentrate on the psychology of their protagonists. At one stage, Kabir writes that whenever he overlooks Firdaus, he retains the rope of this schoolbell as if it were her hand. His eyes roll over. I am only happy we weren't made to find out what else that he felt like"holding" when the craving got worse. In addition, you keep wondering why Kabir just does not ask somebody -- the children or his boss -- at which Firdaus went, instead of waiting until the second half to notify us that she is not dead. Never mind he can't teach for nuts. But obviously, studies isn't Notebook's priority. The students (of the year) are.  Cute is right, up to a point, however, you can not do cutesy for a whole film. The insistence on a finger in a father who won't allow his kid go to school is never fully explained. It looks as though the situation exists only for a character to have the ability to state (with regard to kids who are kept from the education system by their own ill-advised elders):'training le kar galat raaste pe jaate dekha hai'. What a good idea. But maybe not in this airy-fairy, inefficient way that Notebook propounds: the performances by the novices, with Iqbal faring a trifle better than Bahl (with an enviable acting lineage from Shobhana Samarth to Nutan into Mohnish) is just two dimensional as the storyline.  Read the full article

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(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5GYRf1AGJY)

Pranutan Bahl Lifestyle,Height,Weight,Age,Boyfriend,Family,Biography,Net Worth,Salary,and,House 🔥

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Pranutan Bahl is one of the newcomer young celebrity of the Bollywood Film Industry, Actress Pranutan was born into a family which has strong relation with film industry since Bollywood’s initial starting. She is a granddaughter of famous late actress Nutan Samarth (Nutan Bahl) and a daughter of famous Bollywood actor Mohnish Bahl. Now, India’s famous actor and producer, Salman Khan is launching Pranutan Bahl into a romantic movie with co-starring Zaheer Iqbal under Salman Khan Films. Let’s know about actress Pranutan Bahl Wiki, Age, Height, Weight, Boyfriend, Family, Movie and much more. Pranutan Biography Pranutan was born into a famous Bollywood celebrity Late Nutan’s family. Her parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents were connected to the cinema industry with a strong bond. Pranutan’s grandmother Nutan was a notable actress in an earlier time of Bollywood, Nutan did very huge participation to make a Bollywood’s unique identity globally. So, we can say pranutan bahl has acting skills in her blood by birth. She did her schooling from Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. After that, she joined to Government Law College for graduation in LLB. She also did further education in Master of LLB from the University of Mumbai. Before she decided to enter in the acting industry, she was a professional lawyer. In 2019, she did her first acting debut through the movie Note Book which is produced by Salman Khan Films and directed by Nitin. Popular actor Salman Khan launched both newcomer Pranutan Bahl and Zaheer Iqbal through his movie production SKF. Before the movie Notebook, she has given lots of auditions and interviews for the acting career. Apart from acting, she is very good at painting and Sketching.

Pranutan Family, Boyfriend, Cast & Religion Pranutan Bahl was born on 10 March 1992 into a Hindu Khatri family of Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Her father Manish Bahl is a popular actor in Bollywood by profession. Her mother Arti Bahl aka Aarti Sohini is also a well-known actress. Actress Pranutan’s grandparents were also connected with the cinema industry. Pranutan’s grandmother Nutan was a legendary actress of her time and grandfather was Naval Lieutenant by profession. Also, Pranutan bahl’s great-grandparents Kumarsen Samarth and Shobhana Samarth were also from Film Industry

[asksabhaniblog]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO VETERAN ACTRESS...INDRANI MUKHERJEE( birth- 1 March )

Indrani Mukherjee is an Indian film actress, who worked in Hindi cinema in the 1960s-1970s, and is known for films like Usne Kaha Tha (1960), Aakhri Khat (1966), Parvarish (1977), Dharam Veer (1977), and Des Pardes (1978). Apart from Hindi films Indrani has also acted in Marathi films like Apradh.She was born and brought up in Allahabad. She started taking part in Hindi radio plays at All India Radio, Allahabad.Indrani is the aunt of famous American writer Kunal Mukherjee.

Her elder sister Maya was already an actress in Bengali cinema, when she happened to enter a beauty competition, wherein actress Nutan and Shobhana Samarth were judges.Thereafter she was screen tested by Bimal Roy,which led to her debut with Usne Kaha Tha (1960) directed by Moni Bhattacharjee and produced by Roy, with Sunil Dutt and Nanda as the leads.Her next film was Dharmputra (1961) opposite Shashi Kapoor and directed by Yash Chopra, and which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.Her next big film was war film, Haqeeqat (1964) directed by Chetan Anand, who subsequently cast her as the lead, opposite debutante Rajesh Khanna in Aakhri Khat (1966), the film received critical acclaim, and was India's entry to the Academy Awards.

For next decade she became a regular feature in Hindi films, as a character actor, in notable films like, Mere Laal (the famous song payal ki jhankar raste raste was picturised on her), Grahasthi, Heer Raanjha (1970), Parvarish (1977) and Dharam Veer (1977), the Dharmendra starrer, in which played the pivotal role of Rajmata (Queen Mother). She also acted in a few Marathi and Bhojpuri films, including Apradh, Laagi Nahi Chhute Ram (1963).

[bollymusings]

[bollywoodirect]

Remembering legendary star Shobhana Samarth on her 19th death anniversary today.

Shobhana Samarth, the Indian screen goddess who was showered with coins and flowers like a true divinity from Hindu heaven. She turned to be one of the well-famed actresses in Indian movies mainly Hindi and Marathi. She was an earlier heroine acted in lead roles up to the '50s and later in supporting roles.

Her first Hindi film, 'Nigahen Nafrat' was released in 1935. Shobhana is best known for her portrayal of Sita in 'Ram Rajya', produced in 1943. ( 'Ram Rajya' was the only film Mahatma Gandhi saw ever in his lifetime.) So evocative was this performance that she became the eternal Sita in the audience's minds. The first film in which she acted as Sita was 'Bharat Milap' (1942).

Notable films of her included Vilasi Ishwar, Nal Damayanthi, Sri Krishna Arjun Yudh, Ram Baan,Taramati, Insaniyat, Chhalia, Chitralekha, Nai Umar Ki Nai Fasal, Love In Simla and Ek Baar Muskura Do.

She had also produced a film 'Hamari Beti' in 1950 in which she launched her daughter Nutan. In 1960 she produced 'Chhabili' to launch her second daughter Tanuja.

Shobhana Samarth passed away on 9 February 2000.

[vintageindianclothing]

Sexifying the Saree can be done in many ways - the diaphanous, slipping pallu will however always be No. 1.

[bollywoodirect]

Remembering legendary star Shobhna Samarth on her 20th death anniversary today.

Shobhana Samarth (17 November 1916 – 9 February 2000) was a film actress, director, and producer of Marathi ethnicity, who began her career in the early days of talkie movies in the Hindi film industry and continued in lead roles into the 1950s. She started in Marathi cinema. Her first Hindi film, Nigahen Nafrat, was released in 1935. She is best remembered for her portrayal of Sita in Ram Rajya (1943). In 1997, she was honored with the Filmfare Special Award for her contribution to arts.

Samarth later produced and directed a pair of movies that launched the careers of her daughters, Nutan and Tanuja.

Shobana's first film was "Orphans Of Society" (1935) also called Nigahe Nafrat or Vilasi Ishwar for Kolhapur Cinetone, directed by Vinayak and starred Vinayak and Baburao Pendharkar. The film was not a success but Shobna was critically acclaimed for her role. The film was a bilingual made in Urdu and Marathi. Shobhna claims in an interview that she did not know any Urdu at that time of filming, speaking the dialogues by rote and it was only later that she picked up the language. She was with Kolhapur Cinetone for thirteen months but acted in one film.

She left Kolhapur Cinetone and joined Sagar Movietone (Sagar Film Company), she acted in one film called Kokila (1937) directed by Sarvottam Badami, starring Motilal, Sabita Devi and Sitara Devi. The other film for Sagar was Do Diwane (1936), directed by C. M. Luhar and co-starring Motilal, Yakub and Aruna Devi.

By the end of 1937, Shobhana left Sagar and joined General Films, acting in Industrial India (Nirala Hindustan) directed by Mohan Sinha with Prem Adib and Wasti. The second film for them was Pati Patni (1939) directed by V. M. Gunjal with co-stars Yakub, Sitara Devi and Wasti.

By 1939 she had joined Hindustan Cinetone making four films with them, which included Kaun Kisi ka (1939) and Saubhagya (1940) by C. M. Luhar, Apni Nagariya (1940) by V. M. Gunjal. She then worked for a film directed by her husband, Kumar Sen Samarth called Ghar Javai (1941) where she was cast with Damuanna Malvankar.

In 1942 came her career-defining film Bharat Milap, directed by Vijay Bhatt and starring Durga Khote as Kaikeyi, Shobhana as Seeta and Prem Adib as Ram. Following this was Ram Rajya in 1943, and Shobhana became identified as Seeta, leading to several other films where they recreated the roles. Shobhana as Sita and Prem Adib as Rama became extremely popular and were accepted by the audiences and had them featuring as Rama and Sita on calendars.

[bollywoodirect]

Remembering legendary star Shobhna Samarth on her 104th birth anniversary Shobhana Samarth (17 November 1916 – 9 February 2000) was a film actress, director, and producer of Marathi ethnicity, who began her career in the early days of talkie movies in the Hindi film industry and continued in lead roles into the 1950s. She started in Marathi cinema. Her first Hindi film, Nigahen Nafrat, was released in 1935. She is best remembered for her portrayal of Sita in Ram Rajya (1943). In 1997, she was honored with the Filmfare Special Award for her contribution to arts.

Samarth later produced and directed a pair of movies that launched the careers of her daughters, Nutan and Tanuja. Shobana's first film was "Orphans Of Society" (1935) also called Nigahe Nafrat or Vilasi Ishwar for Kolhapur Cinetone, directed by Vinayak and starred Vinayak and Baburao Pendharkar. The film was not a success but Shobna was critically acclaimed for her role. The film was a bilingual made in Urdu and Marathi. Shobhna claims in an interview that she did not know any Urdu at that time of filming, speaking the dialogues by rote and it was only later that she picked up the language. She was with Kolhapur Cinetone for thirteen months but acted in one film. She left Kolhapur Cinetone and joined Sagar Movietone (Sagar Film Company), she acted in one film called Kokila (1937) directed by Sarvottam Badami, starring Motilal, Sabita Devi and Sitara Devi. The other film for Sagar was Do Diwane (1936), directed by C. M. Luhar and co-starring Motilal, Yakub and Aruna Devi. By the end of 1937, Shobhana left Sagar and joined General Films, acting in Industrial India (Nirala Hindustan) directed by Mohan Sinha with Prem Adib and Wasti. The second film for them was Pati Patni (1939) directed by V. M. Gunjal with co-stars Yakub, Sitara Devi and Wasti. By 1939 she had joined Hindustan Cinetone making four films with them, which included Kaun Kisi ka (1939) and Saubhagya (1940) by C. M. Luhar, Apni Nagariya (1940) by V. M. Gunjal. She then worked for a film directed by her husband, Kumar Sen Samarth called Ghar Javai (1941) where she was cast with Damuanna Malvankar. In 1942 came her career-defining film Bharat Milap, directed by Vijay Bhatt and starring Durga Khote as Kaikeyi, Shobhana as Seeta and Prem Adib as Ram. Following this was Ram Rajya in 1943, and Shobhana became identified as Seeta, leading to several other films where they recreated the roles. Shobhana as Sita and Prem Adib as Rama became extremely popular and were accepted by the audiences and had them featuring as Rama and Sita on calendars.

[bollywoodirect]

Remembering Nutan, one of the finest female actors in the history of Hindi cinema, on her 28th death anniversary today. Nutan was a legendary actress who gave several blockbusters in a career of over four decades. She is regarded as one of the finest female actors in the history of Hindi cinema who has given some unforgettable performances. A multiple Filmfare Award-winner, Nutan's charm, and grace won hearts. She shone like a bright star among her contemporary actresses like Madhubala, Waheeda Rehman and Meena Kumari. Nutan was born to actress Shobhana Samarth and poet and director Kumarsen Samarth in 1936. Filmmakers like Chandulal Shah and K. Asif noticed her beauty even as she turned a teenager and offered her roles. But her mother chose her daughter a debut in 'Hamari Beti' (1950). Nutan won the Miss India pageant in 1951. Her first powerhouse performance came in a women-oriented role in 'Seema' (1955), with another great actor Balraj Sahni. Nutan won her first Filmfare Award for this film. Next, Nutan starred in a romantic comedy 'Paying Guest' (1957), opposite then heartthrob Dev Anand. This showed that her talent was not limited to serious roles. The year 1959 was another landmark for her with 'Anari', 'Kanhaiya' and 'Sujata'. Nutan won a Filmfare Award for 'Sujata'. A revolutionary subject of that time, 'Sujata' dealt with a girl of a lower caste falling in love with a boy from upper caste (Sunil Dutt). As usual Nutan gave such a power-packed performance that it left most of the audiences teary eyed. Dev Anand and Nutan also acted in 'Tere Ghar Ke Saamne' in 1963. But it was Bimal Roy's 'Bandini' which released the same year that catapulted her to greater heights of fame and glory. Nutan's portrayal of a tormented woman who gives up everything for love, is still considered one of the best performances. Of course, she garnered a Filmfare Award. Nutan went on to be a part of many more memorable films ('Sarawsati Chandra', 'Milan', 'Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki'). Even in her older age, her roles as a mother in films like 'Meri Jung' and 'Karma' are still remembered. An actress known for the versatility of her roles, Nutan has contributed significantly to the industry. She appeared in more than 70 Hindi films in a career span of over four decades. Nutan passed away on February 21, 1991 at the age of 54.