Nargis entered the Indian film industry at the age of five with a role in the 1934 production Naachwali. Her professional career expanded over several decades, during which she transitioned from a child actor to a dominant figure in Hindi cinema, eventually serving as a member of the Rajya Sabha from 1980 until her death in 1981.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Born in Kolkata in 1929, Nargis was raised in a creative environment influenced by her mother, Jaddanbai, a singer and pioneer in the film field. After her initial screen appearances as a child, she received her first leading role in the 1943 film Taqdeer. Her performances in the late 1940s began to garner broader attention, leading to her critical and commercial breakthrough in 1949 with the films Andaz and Barsaat.
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Throughout the 1950s, Nargis played diverse roles that moved beyond conventional portrayals. In the 1951 film Awaara, she portrayed a lawyer who challenged contemporary societal views regarding women and domesticity. She continued her career with significant roles in films such as Babul, Shree 420, and the Oscar-nominated epic Mother India. Her work in Mother India earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Actress in 1958.
Later Work and Public Service
In 1968, she received the National Film Award for Best Actress for her performance in Raat Aur Din, which was her final feature film. Beyond acting, Nargis engaged in various social initiatives and political service. In 1980, she was appointed to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Parliament of India, where she served until she died in Mumbai in 1981.
Fast facts
- Born: 1929, Kolkata
- Died: 1981, Mumbai
- Education: Queen Mary School, Mumbai
- Political Position: Member of Rajya Sabha (1980-1981)
- Filmfare Award for Best Actress: 1958
- Padma Shri in Arts: 1958
- National Film Award for Best Actress: 1968
- Religion: Islam
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of the film Mother India for Nargis?
Nargis starred in this 1957 epic, which became a commercial success and earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Actress.
What political office did Nargis hold?
She served as a member of the Rajya Sabha from 1980 until her death in 1981.