Here are 5 famous actresses from India were born in 1930:
Geeta Dutt (November 23, 1930 Faridpur District-July 20, 1972 Mumbai) also known as Dutt, Geeta, Gita Dutt, Geeta, Gita, Geeta Roy, Gita Roy, Geeta Ghosh Roy Chowdhury, Geetā Ghosh Roy Chowdhuri or Gita Datta was an Indian singer and actor. Her children are called Arun Dutt, Tarun Dutt and Nina Dutt.
Geeta Dutt was a prominent playback singer who sang mainly Hindi songs in Bollywood movies. She was known for her melodious voice and soulful renditions of songs like "Mera Naam Chin Chin Chu," "Jaata Kahaan Hai Deewane," and "Nanhi Kali Sone Chali." She began her singing career at a young age and was discovered by music director S.D. Burman, who gave her the opportunity to sing for his film, Do Bhai (1947). Geeta Dutt's career spanned over two decades, and she worked with some of the biggest names in the Indian film industry, including music directors Shankar-Jaikishan, R.D. Burman, and O.P. Nayyar. She also acted in a few films, including Baazi (1951) and Jaal (1952). However, her personal life was plagued with struggles, including an abusive marriage to director Guru Dutt, whom she divorced in 1964. Geeta Dutt's untimely death at the age of 42 was a tragic loss to the Indian music industry.
Geeta Dutt had a versatile voice and was known to experiment with different genres of music. She sang ghazals, bhajans, and even Bengali songs. Her collaboration with composer Salil Chowdhury resulted in several timeless songs, including "Aaj Dil Pe Koi Jor Chalta Nahin" and "Tujhse Naraaz Nahin Zindagi." In addition to her playback singing career, Geeta Dutt also performed on All India Radio and was a regular on the popular radio show Binaca Geetmala.
Geeta Dutt's personal life was marked by several struggles, including financial worries and health issues. Her dependence on alcohol and prescription drugs led to a decline in her career in the late 1960s, and she struggled to find work. She also suffered from loneliness and depression after her divorce from Guru Dutt, who died just a few years after their separation.
Despite her personal struggles, Geeta Dutt's contributions to Indian film music remain unparalleled. Her legacy as one of the most iconic singers of the golden era of Bollywood continues to inspire aspiring artists and music lovers alike.
Geeta Dutt was born as Geeta Ghosh Roy Chowdhury in Faridpur District, which is now part of Bangladesh. Her family later moved to Calcutta, where she was raised. Geeta Dutt's father, Deba Prosad Ghosh, was a renowned classical singer and music teacher, and her mother, Amiya Dasgupta, was a poet and writer. Geeta Dutt was exposed to music and literature from a very young age, and her parents encouraged her to pursue her passion for singing. She began singing on stage when she was just ten years old and quickly established herself as a talented vocalist.
Geeta Dutt's entry into the film industry was a turning point in her career. She sang for several popular films, including Baazi, CID, and Mr. & Mrs. 55, and became one of the most sought-after playback singers in the industry. Geeta Dutt's collaboration with composer S.D. Burman was particularly successful, and they worked together on several hit songs like "Waqt Ne Kiya Kya Haseen Sitam," "Babuji Dheere Chalna," and "Jaane Kahan Mera Jigar Gaya Ji."
Apart from Hindi film songs, Geeta Dutt also sang in Bengali, Marathi, Tamil, and Punjabi. She was a versatile singer who experimented with different genres of music and brought her unique style and expression to every song. Geeta Dutt's legacy has been recognized in several ways, including the Geeta Dutt Memorial Musical Award, which was introduced in her honor in 1973.
Geeta Dutt's life and career were cut short by her untimely death in 1972. However, her music continues to inspire and resonate with audiences to this day. Her contributions to Indian film music remain invaluable, and her legacy as one of the most iconic and influential singers of her time continues to live on.
Kamaladevi (February 4, 1930 Chittoor-) also known as Kamala Chandrababu is an Indian actor.
She primarily worked in the Tamil and Telugu film industries and is regarded as one of the finest character actors of her time. Kamaladevi began her acting career in 1946 with the Tamil film "Valmiki" and went on to act in over 250 films in a career spanning four decades.
Apart from acting, Kamaladevi was also actively involved in the Indian independence movement and was a member of the All India Congress Committee. She later served as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Indian Parliament) and was also appointed as the Chairperson of the National School of Drama in New Delhi.
Kamaladevi was a pioneer in promoting traditional Indian arts and handicrafts and was instrumental in the establishment of many institutions towards this end. She was awarded the Padma Bhushan and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship for her distinguished contributions to the Indian arts and culture.
Kamaladevi was born in a family of freedom fighters and social reformers. Her mother, A.V. Subbamma, was actively involved in the Indian independence movement, and her father, A.V. Krishnaswamy, was a social activist who worked towards the upliftment of the Dalit community. This upbringing played a significant role in shaping Kamaladevi's worldview, and she remained committed to social causes throughout her life.
Apart from her work in the film industry, Kamaladevi was actively involved in promoting women's rights and was a key figure in the establishment of the All India Women's Conference. She worked tirelessly towards empowering women and ensuring their participation in all aspects of public life.
Kamaladevi's contribution to the Indian arts and culture was immense. She was a strong advocate of promoting traditional Indian art forms and handicrafts, and through her efforts, several institutions were established to support and train artisans. She was also instrumental in organizing several national and international exhibitions showcasing Indian culture and art.
Kamaladevi's legacy continues to inspire people across India, and she remains a symbol of courage, resilience, and commitment to social causes.
Kamaladevi was not just an actor and a social activist, but also a prolific writer. She authored several books, including "Inner Recesses Outer Spaces," "Indian Women's Battleground," and "Temple Craftsmen of India," among others. She was also a skilled orator and delivered several speeches on public platforms, advocating for women's rights, communal harmony, and the preservation of Indian culture.
Kamaladevi's efforts towards the promotion of Indian art and culture were recognized and honored by the Indian government. In addition to the Padma Bhushan and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship, she was also awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1987, one of India's highest civilian honors.
Kamaladevi passed away on October 29, 1988, but she continues to be remembered as a trailblazer who made significant contributions to Indian society and culture. Her life and legacy have inspired generations of Indians, and she remains a respected and revered figure in Indian history.
Lalitha (December 16, 1930 Thiruvananthapuram-November 5, 1982) was an Indian actor and film producer.
She started her career as a child artist and went on to become one of the leading actresses in the South Indian film industry during the 1950s and 60s. Lalitha's notable works include "Jeevitha Nouka," "Avakashikal" and "Moodupadam." Apart from acting, she also produced several films under the banner of "Neela Productions." Lalitha was known for her versatile acting skills and her ability to portray complex characters with ease. She was a recipient of the prestigious "Kerala State Film Award" for Best Actress in 1979. Despite facing several health issues, Lalitha continued to act in films until her untimely death in 1982. She remains a revered figure in South Indian cinema and is remembered for her contribution to the industry.
Lalitha was born as PK Renuka to a family of artists. Her father was a prominent playwright and her mother was a well-known actress. Lalitha's siblings, Padmini and Ragini, were also popular actors in the South Indian film industry. Lalitha's family background played a crucial role in shaping her career as an actor.
Lalitha made her acting debut as a child artist in the film "Nirmala" in 1938. She later rose to fame in the 1950s and 60s with her powerful performances. Lalitha was known for her ability to portray a range of emotions on screen, from vulnerability to strength. She was equally adept at performing in serious dramas and lighthearted comedies.
In addition to acting, Lalitha took an active interest in film production. She founded Neela Productions along with her husband and produced several successful films, including "Karutha Rathrikal" and "Neram Pularumbol." Lalitha was also the first woman film producer in Kerala.
Despite facing health issues such as diabetes and hypertension, Lalitha continued to act in films. She passed away on November 5, 1982, at the age of 51. Lalitha's legacy lives on through her films and her contribution to the South Indian film industry.
Lalitha was not only a talented actor and producer but also an accomplished classical dancer. She was trained in Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam, two popular Indian classical dance forms. Lalitha incorporated her dance skills into her performances, which gave her an edge over other actors of her time.
In addition to her work in the film industry, Lalitha was also actively involved in social causes. She was a member of the Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA) and raised funds for charities that supported cancer patients and underprivileged children.
Lalitha's contributions to the film industry were recognized with several awards and honors. In addition to the Kerala State Film Award, she also won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film "Rathinirvedam" in 1979. In 1981, she was awarded the prestigious "Padma Shri" by the Government of India for her contributions to the arts.
Lalitha's influence on South Indian cinema can still be felt today, over three decades after her death. Several contemporary actors and filmmakers have cited her as an inspiration and her body of work continues to be celebrated by audiences and critics alike.
T. G. Kamala Devi (December 29, 1930 Karvetinagar-August 16, 2012 Chennai) also known as Govindamma, Thota Govindamma, T G Kamala Devi, Kamala Chandra Babu or Kamala Devi T.G. was an Indian actor. Her child is called Avula Jaychander.
Kamala Devi began her acting career in the year 1947 with the film "Jeevitham". She went on to act in over 400 films in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi languages. Kamala Devi was known for her versatile acting skills and portrayed various characters in her long career. Some of her notable works include "Paavai Vilakku", "Vettaikkaaran", "Muthu", "Suryakanthi" and "Madhurayai Meikkum Kuyil". Apart from acting, Kamala Devi was also a trained classical dancer and had performed extensively in various stages. She was awarded the prestigious Kalaimamani award by the Tamil Nadu Government in 1981 for her contributions to the film industry. Kamala Devi breathed her last on August 16, 2012, at the age of 81.
Kamala Devi was born in Karvetinagar, Andhra Pradesh, India. She was one of the eight siblings and her family was involved in agriculture. After her initial foray into acting with "Jeevitham", Kamala Devi went on to become a sought-after actress in the South Indian film industry. She was known for her roles in both lead and supporting capacities and was highly respected for her ability to portray a wide range of characters.
Apart from her work in films, Kamala Devi was also a social worker and was involved in various philanthropic activities. She was known for her selfless attitude towards those around her, and her commitment to social causes was highly appreciated by many.
Kamala Devi was married to T. Sadasiva Chandra Babu, a prominent director in the Telugu film industry. The couple had a son, Avula Jayachander, who is also a well-known producer in the South Indian film industry. Kamala Devi's legacy continues to be celebrated in the film industry, and she is remembered as a highly talented actress and dedicated social worker.
In addition to her acting career and philanthropic work, Kamala Devi was also a gifted writer and poet. She wrote articles and poems in various publications and was highly regarded for her literary skills. Kamala Devi was also a committed feminist and believed in empowering women. She was involved in various women's organizations and fought for women's rights and gender equality. Despite facing several challenges and obstacles in her life, Kamala Devi remained resilient and never gave up. Her contributions to the film industry, literature, and social work have left a lasting impact and continue to inspire many.
Rajyalakshmi (June 2, 1930 Cherpulassery-January 18, 1965) also known as Rajalakshmi, Rajlakshmi, Rajyalakshmi Devi or T. A. Rajalakshmi was an Indian actor, writer, poet and teacher.
Rajyalakshmi was born in Cherpulassery, Kerala in 1930. She completed her Bachelor's degree in Malayalam literature from Government Victoria College in Palakkad. She then began her career as a teacher and worked at various schools in Kerala.
In 1951, she made her acting debut in the Malayalam film "Jeevitha Nouka". She went on to act in over 30 films in Malayalam and Tamil, including "Himsa" (1952), "Thyagam" (1952), "Arangetram" (1956) and "Mayabazaar" (1957). She was known for her powerful performances and was considered one of the leading actors in the South Indian film industry during the 1950s.
Apart from acting, Rajyalakshmi was also a prolific writer and poet. She wrote several poems, short stories and plays in Malayalam. Her works were widely appreciated for their feminist themes and social commentary. She was also a member of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi and the Kendra Sahitya Akademi.
Tragically, Rajyalakshmi passed away at the young age of 34 due to complications arising from childbirth. Her legacy as an actor, writer and feminist icon continues to inspire many in India.
After Rajyalakshmi's death, a collection of her writings was published posthumously under the title "Rajalakshmikrishnan". In addition to her literary and acting pursuits, Rajyalakshmi was actively involved in social and political activism. She was a member of the Communist Party of India and participated in several agitations and movements. She was also a champion of women's rights and was involved in various initiatives to empower women in society. In recognition of her contributions to literature and the arts, Rajyalakshmi was posthumously awarded the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1966. In 2018, the Indian Postal Department released a commemorative stamp in her honor.
Rajyalakshmi's contributions to the arts and society have continued to be celebrated even years after her death. In 2013, a biographical film based on her life was released, titled "Celluloid". The film received critical acclaim and went on to win several awards at various film festivals. Rajyalakshmi's life and legacy have inspired several other works in literature, theatre, and cinema. Her commitment to social justice and women's rights continue to inspire activists across generations. Despite leaving behind a short but impactful career, Rajyalakshmi is remembered as a pioneer in the South Indian film industry and a trailblazer for women's rights and feminist literature.