Unraveling the Timeless Charm of Mala Sinha – India’s Evergreen Diva
As you dive deep into the maze of Bollywood, there are certain actors who may have faded away with time but leave an indelible impact on the minds of people. One such actor is Mala Sinha, lovingly known as the ‘Nutan of Indian Cinema.’ Born on 11th November 1936 in Kolkata, Mala Sinha made her debut in Bengali films in 1951 and soon became a sensation in Hindi cinema.
Just like Nutan, Mala Sinha wasn’t just a pretty face. She was a versatile actor who gave Bollywood some of its best films ever, ranging from drama to romance to thriller. She depicted characters with depth and sensitivity, making them relatable to the audience. Let’s unravel the enigma and delve deep into the timeless charm of Mala Sinha.
Section 1: The Early Years
Mala Sinha was born to parents who were both film buffs. Her father was an avid cine-goer who took her along to watch movies. Her mother, on the other hand, had a passion for music and dance. It was her love for dance that got Mala Sinha interested in performing arts.
Her first brush with acting was in a Bengali film ‘Roshanara’ as a child artist when she was just 11 years old. She then acted in several Bengali films before her big break in Hindi cinema with the film ‘Rangeen Raatein.’ The film was a hit at the box office, and Mala Sinha became a household name in Hindi cinema.
Section 2: Versatility and Acting Prowess
One of the most remarkable traits of Mala Sinha was her versatility. She could pull off any character with ease, be it a romantic heroine, a village belle, or a modern independent woman. Her acting prowess was evident in the way she made her characters come alive on screen.
Some of her best films that showcased her acting skills include ‘Aankhen,’ ‘Hariyali Aur Raasta,’ ‘Gumrah,’ ‘Dhool Ka Phool,’ and ‘Neel Kamal.’ She played a double role in the film ‘Bahurani,’ making her the first-ever female actor to do so in Hindi cinema.
Section 3: The Evergreen Romance with Raj Kapoor
Mala Sinha’s on-screen chemistry with Raj Kapoor was undoubtedly one of the most captivating of all time. They worked together in films like ‘Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai,’ ‘Parvarish,’ and ‘Chhalia.’ Their pairing was loved by the audience, and their songs together are still hummed by people of all ages.
In an interview, Mala Sinha revealed that she was in awe of Raj Kapoor’s talent and charisma. She considered Raj Kapoor to be a great mentor and a dear friend.
Section 4: Beauty with Brains
Mala Sinha was not just a pretty face, but a woman with immense intellect. She was fluent in six languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, English, German, and Russian. She was passionate about reading, gardening, and cooking.
In an interview, she once said, “I love to read, I have a well-stocked library at home. I read books on medicine, poetry, philosophy, history, and even books on geology and space.” Mala Sinha was indeed a multi-faceted personality.
Section 5: The Awards and Honours
Mala Sinha’s contribution to Indian cinema was recognized with several awards and honours. She was conferred the Padma Shri in 1992 for her dedication and excellence in the field of cinema.
She also received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013, and in 2018, the Bengal Film Journalists’ Association awarded her the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award.’
Section 6: Impactful Characters and Memorable Songs
Mala Sinha’s portrayal of impactful characters left an indelible mark on the audience. Who can forget her performance in ‘Aankhen’ as the blind girl who regains her eyesight and recognizes her true love? Or her role in ‘Gumrah’ as the woman who sacrifices her love for the sake of her friend?
Not only her acting, but her songs also remain etched in the memory of people. From the soulful ‘Main Nigahein Tere Chehre Se Hataoon Kaise’ to the romantic ‘Jaane Kahan Gaye Woh Din,’ Mala Sinha’s songs still evoke nostalgia.
Section 7: Mala Sinha’s Legacy
Mala Sinha may have bid adieu to the silver screen, but her legacy continues to live on. She has inspired generations of actors and filmmakers, who look up to her as an icon of Indian cinema.
In an interview, her contemporary actor Sharmila Tagore said, “Mala Sinha had a unique personality. There was an aura around her, which made her stand out from the rest. She was truly a timeless diva.”
Section 8: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What are some of Mala Sinha’s most iconic films?
A1. Some of Mala Sinha’s most iconic films include ‘Aankhen,’ ‘Hariyali Aur Raasta,’ ‘Gumrah,’ and ‘Neel Kamal.’
Q2. Who was Mala Sinha’s most popular on-screen pairing?
A2. Mala Sinha’s most popular on-screen pairing was with Raj Kapoor.
Q3. What awards did Mala Sinha receive for her contribution to Indian cinema?
A3. Mala Sinha was conferred the Padma Shri in 1992 for her dedication and excellence in the field of cinema. She also received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013.
Q4. Was Mala Sinha fluent in any languages other than Hindi and Bengali?
A4. Yes, Mala Sinha was fluent in six languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, English, German, and Russian.
Q5. Was Mala Sinha the first female actor to portray a double role in a Hindi film?
A5. Yes, Mala Sinha was the first female actor to portray a double role in a Hindi film. She did so in the 1963 film ‘Bahurani.’
Q6. What hobbies did Mala Sinha pursue?
A6. Mala Sinha loved reading, gardening, and cooking.
Q7. What was Mala Sinha’s last film?
A7. Mala Sinha’s last film as an actor was ‘Zid’ in 1994.
In conclusion, Mala Sinha was truly an evergreen diva who left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Her versatility, acting prowess, and beauty with brains made her a unique personality in the world of Hindi cinema. Her contribution to Indian cinema will always be remembered and cherished. If you have not watched any of her films yet, do yourself a favor and watch them soon. You won’t be disappointed!