Indian movie stars born in 1941
Here are 5 famous actresses from India were born in 1941:
Sadhana Shivdasani
Sadhana Shivdasani (September 2, 1941 Karachi-) a.k.a. Sadhana Nayyar, Mystery Girl, Shivdasani or Sadhana is an Indian actor.
Sadhana Shivdasani was one of the leading ladies of Bollywood during the 1960s and 70s known for her grace and beauty. She was born in Karachi, which is now in Pakistan, and migrated with her family to Mumbai after the Partition in 1947. Sadhana made her acting debut with the film Love in Simla (1960) which was a huge success and catapulted her to stardom. Her iconic hairstyle, called the "Sadhana cut," became a trendsetter and was widely copied by women across India.
She gave many successful films such as Mere Mehboob (1963), Woh Kaun Thi? (1964), Rajkumar (1964), Waqt (1965), Arzoo (1965), and Mera Saaya (1966). Her onscreen pairing with actor Shammi Kapoor was hugely popular, and they delivered several hit films together. Sadhana was also known for her association with the legendary filmmaker, Yash Chopra, and starred in his directorial debut, Dhool Ka Phool (1959), as well as his classics like Waqt (1965) and Yash Chopra's first color film, Joshila (1973).
Sadhana Shivdasani was recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002, for her contribution to the Indian cinema. She was also appointed as the Sheriff of Mumbai in 2002, becoming the first and only woman so far to hold the prestigious post. Despite her immense success in films, Sadhana retired from acting after her marriage to filmmaker R.K. Nayyar in 1966, but remained an icon in the industry and continues to inspire many young actors even today.
Apart from her acting career, Sadhana Shivdasani also made headlines for her personal life. She was known for her relationship with the legendary actor, Dilip Kumar, whom she considered her mentor. The two had a brief romance before Sadhana got married. She also faced health challenges later in life and was diagnosed with a tumor in her mouth in 2012, which was successfully operated on. However, she suffered from long-term health complications and passed away on December 25, 2015, at the age of 74. Sadhana Shivdasani's contribution to Indian cinema is remembered as one of the most iconic and influential, especially for her roles in romantic films and her signature hairstyle that remains a popular trend even today.
In addition to her successful acting career, Sadhana Shivdasani was also a trained classical singer and dancer. She often incorporated her dancing skills into her films and was known for her exceptional grace and poise onscreen. Sadhana was also a style icon and was known for her impeccable sense of fashion. She was often seen wearing elegant sarees and modern outfits that were ahead of their time.
Sadhana Shivdasani was also involved in philanthropy and worked for the betterment of women and children. She supported various charities and was affiliated with organizations like the Indian Cancer Society and the Indian Leprosy Association.
Sadhana's legacy continues to live on in the Indian film industry, and she remains an inspiration for many young actors and actresses. Her films and performances continue to be cherished by audiences, and her iconic hairstyle has become a part of Bollywood folklore.
Sadhana Shivdasani's popularity extended beyond India, and she was known as an international celebrity with a fan base in the United States, Europe and the Middle East. She was invited to represent India at the International Film Festival in Moscow in 1963 and was a guest at the White House during the Kennedy administration. Additionally, Sadhana was also noted for her creative talent and improvisational skills as an actor. She often worked with directors and writers to develop her characters and enhance their performances, which made her a respected artist in the Indian film industry. Sadhana's dedication to her craft and her ability to inspire others has made her an unforgettable figure in the history of Indian cinema. While she may no longer be with us, her legacy is sure to endure in the hearts of millions of fans around the world.
Sarita Joshi
Sarita Joshi (October 17, 1941 Pune-) also known as Sarita Bhosle is an Indian actor. She has two children, Purbi Joshi and Ketki Dave.
Joshi started her acting career in the 1960s with Marathi theatre performances. She later moved to Mumbai and began acting in Hindi television shows and films. Some of her notable works include the television show "Buniyaad" and films like "Ghatak" and "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam".
Joshi is also known for her work in Gujarati theatre and has received several accolades for it. She has won the Maharashtra State Government's award for Best Actor twice and was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian honors, in 2018 for her contributions to the performing arts.
Joshi is a well-respected veteran actor and has been a part of the Indian entertainment industry for over five decades.
Joshi comes from a family of theatre artists, with her father being a well-known Marathi stage actor. She was introduced to the world of performing arts at a young age and developed a keen interest in acting. After completing her education, she pursued her passion for theatre and soon became a sought-after actor in Marathi theatre.
Joshi's foray into Hindi television shows and films happened to be a turning point in her career. She gained immense popularity for her portrayal of Sudha Mishra in the TV show "Baa Bahoo Aur Baby". Her performance in the show earned her widespread recognition and several awards. In addition to Hindi, she has also acted in several regional language films like Gujarati, Marathi, and Punjabi.
Apart from acting, Joshi is also a trained classical singer and has lent her voice to several film songs. She is also an active member of the Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA) and has participated in several social and cultural activities. Despite being in her seventies, Joshi continues to act in films and television shows and is regarded as one of the finest actors in the Indian entertainment industry.
In addition to her award-winning performances, Sarita Joshi has also acted in several popular television shows such as "Kabhi Yeh Kabhi Woh", "Amanat", and "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi". She has also appeared in supporting roles in blockbuster films such as "Kal Ho Naa Ho" and "Khosla Ka Ghosla". Joshi has also been a judge and mentor on reality TV shows like "India's Best Dramebaaz" and "Comedy Circus Ke Ajoobe".
Joshi has been a strong advocate for women's rights and has advocated for better representation of women in the entertainment industry. She has spoken out against discrimination and has worked towards creating a more inclusive and diverse industry. Furthermore, Joshi has been actively involved in promoting education and literacy, and has worked with non-profit organizations to support underprivileged children.
Throughout her career, Sarita Joshi has been praised for her versatility and range as an actor. She has received numerous prestigious awards, including the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress, and has been honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Indian Telly Awards. Today, she is celebrated as an icon in Indian entertainment and continues to inspire generations of actors.
Sarita Joshi's contributions to the arts and entertainment industry extend beyond her exceptional acting skills. She has also been actively involved in promoting and preserving traditional theatre forms such as Sangeet Natak, Yakshagana, and Nautanki. Joshi has worked towards creating awareness about India's rich cultural heritage and has collaborated with various organizations to support traditional artists and performers.
Joshi has also been recognized for her philanthropic efforts and social work. She has associated with various NGOs and charities that work towards the welfare of women and children. In 2019, she was appointed as the Brand Ambassador of the Maharashtra State Women's Commission to spread awareness about women's rights and safety.
Despite her age, Sarita Joshi remains an inspiration to many aspiring actors and artists. Her legacy as an actor and cultural icon continues to grow with each passing day, and her contributions to the arts and society will be celebrated for years to come.
Lily Chakravarty
Lily Chakravarty (August 8, 1941 Dhaka-) also known as Lily Chakravarti, Lily, Lilly Chakraborty or Lily Chakraborty is an Indian actor.
Lily Chakravarty is a highly acclaimed actor who has acted in numerous Bengali films, television series, and stage productions. She began her acting career in the 1960s and quickly made a name for herself in the industry with her powerful performances. She has won numerous awards and accolades for her work, including the prestigious National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film "Aparna" (1982).
Some of her other notable films include "Nishipadma" (1970), "Hansraj" (1972), "Bhranti Bilas" (1979), "Sare Chuattor Ghosh Para" (1994), and "Antarghaat" (2002). Apart from her acting career, Lily Chakravarty is also involved in various social and cultural initiatives. She has been a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ+ community in Kolkata and has worked to raise awareness about their rights and issues.
She was born in Dhaka, which was then a part of British India and is now the capital of Bangladesh. Lily's parents moved to Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta) during the partition of India in 1947. She completed her schooling from Patha Bhavan, Kolkata, and graduated from the City College, Kolkata. She then pursued a career in acting and quickly gained popularity for her versatile roles in films and stage productions. In addition to acting, Lily is also a trained classical dancer and has performed in various cultural events. She has also written a memoir titled "Ami Lilly, Kolkata'r Lily" which chronicles her life and career. Currently, she continues to act in films and television series and is regarded as one of the stalwarts of Bengali cinema.
Lily Chakravarty's career spans over five decades during which she has acted in over 200 films. She is known for her versatility and ability to portray complex characters with ease. In addition to Bengali cinema, she has also acted in a few Hindi films, including "Bhuvan Shome" (1969) and "Ankur" (1974). She has also worked in theatre productions and has collaborated with renowned theatre personalities such as Utpal Dutt and Badal Sarkar.
Lily Chakravarty has been the recipient of several awards and honors throughout her career. Apart from the National Film Award, she has also won the BFJA Award, the Kalakar Award, and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. In 2017, she was conferred with the prestigious Banga Bibhushan award by the Government of West Bengal.
Apart from her acting and cultural endeavors, Lily Chakravarty is also actively involved in philanthropic work. She has been associated with several charitable organizations and is known for her work in the field of education and health.
Lily Chakravarty's contribution to Bengali cinema has been significant, and she continues to inspire generations of actors with her dedication and passion for the art form.
In addition to her prolific acting career, Lily Chakravarty has also made a mark as a successful television personality. She has been a part of several popular Bengali television shows, including the critically acclaimed "Bibaho Obhijaan" (2018) and "Durga Durgeshwari" (2020). Her performances in these shows have earned her widespread recognition and praise from audiences and critics alike.
Lily Chakravarty is also a strong advocate for gender equality and has spoken out about the need for greater representation of women in the film industry. She believes that women should be given equal opportunities and roles in films and has actively worked to create a more inclusive and diverse film industry.
Despite her fame and success, Lily Chakravarty remains grounded and committed to her craft. She continues to work tirelessly and has shown no signs of slowing down even in her late 70s. Her dedication and passion for acting have earned her a legion of fans and admirers, making her a true icon of Bengali cinema.
Meena
Meena (April 23, 1941 Alappuzha-September 17, 1997) also known as Mary Joseph, Meena Kumari or Meenakumari was an Indian actor.
Meena began her acting career as a child artist and later transitioned into playing lead roles in South Indian films. She earned critical acclaim for her performances in films like Bharya, Kadalppalam, and Chemmeen. Meena was also known for her roles in Hindi films such as Saathi and Anokhi Raat. In a career spanning over three decades, she acted in more than 100 films in various languages. Meena was awarded the National Film Award for Best Actress for her performance in the Malayalam film, Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha. She was a versatile actor, known for portraying strong and complex characters on screen. She passed away in 1997 due to a heart attack at the age of 56.
Meena was born as the second of seven children to Joseph and Rosie in Alappuzha, Kerala. Her parents were dancers and singers, and Meena showed an early interest in performing arts. She started her stage career at the age of seven and then moved on to films. Meena was considered a versatile actor with a natural talent for acting. In her early years, she played a range of roles from a child artist to supporting actor. Some of her notable films where she played supporting roles are Rakta Sambandham, Thacholi Ambu and Aranazhikaneram.
Meena was married to director-producer K. S. Sethumadhavan in 1965 and they had two children. She continued to work in films even after her marriage and gave some of her career-defining performances in the 70s and 80s. Her portrayal of a distressed wife in the movie Bharya won her the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress.
Meena also acted in television serials like Pattabhishekam and Veluthambi Dalava, which were very popular during her time. In her later years, Meena became a philanthropist and started the Meena Charitable Foundation to support the education of underprivileged children.
Meena's legacy continues to inspire actors in South India. Her performances in films like Chemmeen and Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha are considered iconic and her contribution to Indian cinema has been recognized by film critics and audiences alike.
Meena was also fluent in several languages, including Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, and English, which helped her to smoothly transition from regional cinema to Bollywood. She was known for her dedication and hard work towards her craft, often staying on set for long hours to perfect her scenes. In 1974, Meena was honoured with the Padma Shri, one of India's top civilian awards, for her contribution to Indian cinema. She was also a recipient of the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress three times. Meena's personal life was quite tumultuous, marked by a divorce from her first husband, film director Ramu Kariat, and her struggle with alcoholism. However, her strong spirit and passion for her work kept her going, and she remained a much-loved figure in the film industry till her untimely death in 1997. Today, Meena is remembered as a pioneer of Indian cinema, who broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of actors.
In addition to her acting career, Meena was also a trained classical dancer in Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi. She often incorporated her dancing skills into her film roles, making her performances even more dynamic and captivating. Meena's popularity and talent earned her the nickname "the lady superstar" and she was one of the highest-paid actors in the South Indian film industry. Despite her success, Meena remained humble and dedicated to her craft until the very end. Her legacy as a legendary actor and cultural icon lives on in the hearts of her fans and admirers around the world.
Anjana Mumtaz
Anjana Mumtaz (January 4, 1941 India-) a.k.a. Anjana Mumtaj, Anjana or Anjana Mumta is an Indian actor. She has one child, Ruslaan Mumtaz.
Anjana Mumtaz began her acting career in the 1970s and has since appeared in over 200 films. She is best known for her supporting roles in Hindi and Gujarati cinema, having acted in films such as Parichay, Lamhe, Pukar and Gulab Gang. In addition to her film work, she has also appeared in several television shows, including Madhubala - Ek Ishq Ek Junoon, Sasural Simar Ka, and Dil Dosti Dance. Mumtaz has won several awards for her performances, including the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Mere Apne. She remains an active figure in Indian cinema today.
Anjana Mumtaz was born on January 4, 1941 in Mumbai, India. She started her career in films with a small role in the film 'Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani' in 1970. She gained recognition for her role in the film 'Parichay' (1972), which was directed by Gulzar. She went on to work in several other films under his direction, including 'Achanak' and 'Mausam'.
Apart from working in Hindi and Gujarati films, Anjana Mumtaz has also acted in Marathi and Punjabi films. She has shared screen space with some of the biggest stars of Indian cinema, including Amitabh Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai, and Madhuri Dixit.
Anjana Mumtaz's son, Ruslaan Mumtaz, is also an actor and has appeared in films like 'Tere Sang' and 'Mera Pehla Pehla Pyaar'.
In addition to her work in films, Anjana Mumtaz has been a part of several stage productions as well. She has also been associated with several social causes and is actively involved in charitable work.
Over the course of her career, Anjana Mumtaz has won several awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film 'Mere Apne' (1971). She was also honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Dadasaheb Phalke Excellence Awards in 2017. Today, she continues to inspire aspiring actors with her performances and her dedication towards her craft.
Anjana Mumtaz began her acting career at a time when bold and independent women characters in films were rare. Despite the challenges she faced, Mumtaz established herself as a versatile performer, known for her ability to portray diverse roles with ease. Along with her acting talent, Mumtaz also possessed remarkable comic timing, which is evident in several of her performances. One of her most memorable roles was in the Ram Gopal Varma film 'Daud' (1997), where she played a lovable, eccentric grandmother.
In recent years, Anjana Mumtaz has been active on social media, where she shares her thoughts on various issues and interacts with her fans. In an interview, she expressed her gratitude towards her fans for their unwavering support and credited them for her success.
Anjana Mumtaz's long and illustrious career is a testament to her passion, talent and unwavering commitment to her craft. Even today, she continues to inspire generations of actors, with her dedication and remarkable performances.
Anjana Mumtaz's versatility as an actress is reflected in her ability to seamlessly transition between serious and comedic roles. She is known for her nuanced performances and her ability to add depth to even the smallest of roles. Mumtaz has also dabbled in directing and has directed the Gujarati film 'Preet Leela' (1989).
Apart from her film and television work, Anjana Mumtaz is actively involved in social causes. She is associated with several non-profit organizations that work towards women's empowerment, education and healthcare. She has also worked with organizations that provide aid and support to disadvantaged communities.
In her personal life, Mumtaz is known to be a spiritual person and practices meditation regularly. She credits her spiritual beliefs for keeping her grounded and helping her navigate the ups and downs of her career.
Anjana Mumtaz's contribution to Indian cinema has been immense, and she continues to be a source of inspiration for many aspiring actors. Her legacy as an actress and as a humanitarian will continue to live on for generations to come.