Indian movie stars died before 40
Here are 24 famous actresses from India died before 40:
Madhubala
Madhubala (February 14, 1933 Peshawar-February 23, 1969 Mumbai) also known as Begum Mumtaz Jehan Dehlavi, Venus Queen, Baby Mumtaz, Mumtaz, Madhu Bala, Mumtaz Jahan Begum Dehlavi, Mumtaz Jehan Begum, Mumtaz Jehan Dehlavi, Mumtaz Jahan Dehlavi or Mumtaz Jehan Begum Dehlavi was an Indian actor.
She died as a result of ventricular septal defect.
Madhubala was born as Mumtaz Jehan Begum Dehlavi in Peshawar, British India (now in Pakistan). She made her debut in Bollywood at the age of 9 and then went on to become one of the most iconic actresses in Indian cinema. Madhubala starred in over 70 films, including classics like Mughal-e-Azam and Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi.
She was known for her beauty, elegance, and talent and was often referred to as the Marilyn Monroe of Bollywood. Madhubala was also the first Indian actress to appear on the cover of Time magazine.
Despite her success, Madhubala's personal life was tumultuous. She was married to actor and filmmaker Kishore Kumar but their marriage was short-lived. Madhubala was diagnosed with a heart condition at a young age and her health deteriorated over time. She passed away at the age of 36, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most talented and influential actresses in Indian cinema.
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Soundarya
Soundarya (July 18, 1972 Mulbagal-April 17, 2004 Bangalore) also known as Sowmya, Saundarya, Soumya or Soundarya Sandeep was an Indian actor and film producer.
She died as a result of aviation accident or incident.
Soundarya started her acting career in 1992 with the film "Gandharvam" opposite Mohanlal. She went on to work in over 100 films in various languages including Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. Some of her notable films include Ammoru, Arunachalam, Narasimha, and Dweepa. She was also a successful film producer and has produced films like Soori and Aasan. In addition to her acting and producing career, Soundarya was actively involved in various social causes and was the brand ambassador for the Government of India's literacy program. Despite her sudden and tragic death, Soundarya left a lasting impact on the Indian film industry and remains a beloved figure in South Indian cinema.
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Smita Patil
Smita Patil (October 17, 1955 Pune-December 13, 1986 Mumbai) a.k.a. Smita, Late Smita Patil or Smitha Patil was an Indian actor and newscaster. She had one child, Prateik Babbar.
She died caused by childbirth.
Smita Patil was one of the leading actresses of the Indian parallel cinema movement in the 1970s and the 1980s. She was known for her strong and nuanced portrayals of complex characters and her ability to bring realism to her performances. She worked with some of the most prominent filmmakers of her time, including Shyam Benegal, Govind Nihalani, and Mrinal Sen.
Patil began her career in theatre, where she trained under renowned directors such as Satyadev Dubey and Girish Karnad. She made her film debut in 1974 with the Marathi film 'Mala Solapurchi', and went on to act in over 80 films in Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, and Malayalam. Some of her notable performances include 'Bhumika' (1977), 'Manthan' (1976), 'Chakra' (1981), and 'Aakrosh' (1980) for which she won the National Film Award for Best Actress.
Apart from her acting career, Patil was also a newscaster for Doordarshan, the national broadcaster of India. She was actively involved in social and political causes and was known for her activism on issues related to women's rights, the environment, and communal harmony.
Patil's career was cut short by her untimely death at the age of 31 due to complications during childbirth. Her legacy as an actor and activist lives on, and she is remembered as one of the most talented and influential performers in Indian cinema.
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Silk Smitha
Silk Smitha (December 2, 1960 Eluru-September 23, 1996 Chennai) also known as Vijayalaxmi, Smitha, 'Silk' Smitha, SilkSmitha, 'Silk' Smita, Vijayalakshmi Vadlapati or Vijayalakshmi was an Indian actor and film producer.
She died caused by suicide.
Silk Smitha was a very popular actor who worked in over 450 films in several languages including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi. She was known for her bold and sensual roles in the films and was often referred to as the 'sex siren' of the South Indian film industry. Her iconic role in the film 'Moondram Pirai' opposite Kamal Hassan earned her critical acclaim and is still remembered by audiences today. In addition to acting, she also produced a few films in Tamil and Telugu languages. Her death at the young age of 36 shocked the film industry and her fans. Despite her struggles with personal issues, Silk Smitha remains an important figure in Indian cinema and her legacy continues to inspire young actors to this day.
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Meena Kumari
Meena Kumari (August 1, 1932 Mumbai-March 31, 1972 Mumbai) also known as Mahjabeen Bano, Begum Mahjabeen Bux, Meena, Baby Meena, Meenakumari, Meenaji, Manju, The Tragedy Queen, Naaz or Mahjabeen was an Indian actor and poet. Her child is called Tajdar Amrohi.
She died caused by cirrhosis.
Meena Kumari was born in a family of film actors and started her acting career as a child artist at the age of four. She made her debut as a lead actress in the film "Bachchon Ka Khel" in 1946. She went on to act in more than 90 films in her career spanning over 30 years.
Meena Kumari was known for her strong performances in tragic roles and is often referred to as "The Tragedy Queen". She received four Filmfare Awards for Best Actress and was the first actress to win the award twice. Some of her most memorable films include "Pakeezah", "Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam", "Parineeta", and "Baiju Bawra".
Apart from acting, Meena Kumari was also a talented poet and wrote under the pen name "Naaz". Her poetry was published in two collections, "Tanha Chand" and "Kahi Unkahi".
Meena Kumari's personal life was marked by several tragedies, including a failed marriage to film director Kamal Amrohi and her struggles with alcoholism. She passed away at the age of 39 due to cirrhosis of the liver, leaving behind a rich legacy in Indian cinema.
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Ruby Myers
Ruby Myers (April 5, 2015 Pune-October 10, 1983 Mumbai) also known as Salochna Senior, Ruby Mayers, Rubyy, Sulochana Devi, Sulochana Sr., Salochna, Sulochna Devi, Sulochana Senior, Sulochna Ruby, Ruby Meyer, Ruby Sulochana, Sulochna, Sulochna Sr., Sulochana, Ruby Mayer or Ruby Myers 'Sulochana' was an Indian actor.
She was one of the leading actresses of the silent era in Indian cinema, starring in over 150 films in a career spanning two decades. Ruby Myers began her career in cinema as a supporting actress in the early 1920s and gradually worked her way up to leading roles. She was known for her versatility as an actress, portraying a range of characters from modern, independent women to traditional, demure heroines. In addition to acting, she was also a writer and director and collaborated on several films with her husband, director Franz Osten. After the advent of sound in Indian cinema, she continued to act in talkies and also worked as a playback singer. Ruby Myers was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri in 1969 for her contribution to Indian cinema.
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Kuljeet Randhawa
Kuljeet Randhawa (January 1, 1976 Punjab region-February 8, 2006 Juhu) was an Indian model and actor.
She died caused by suicide.
Kuljeet Randhawa began her career as a model and won the Miss Mumbai title in 1997. She then went on to work as a model for various fashion shows, print ads, and commercials. She made her television debut with the TV series "Hip Hip Hurray" in 1999 and went on to act in several TV shows including "CATS", "Special Squad", and "Kohinoor". In 2004, she also acted in the Bollywood film "Bye Bye Miss Goodnight". Kuljeet Randhawa was known for her impressive acting skills, charming personality, and stunning looks. Her untimely death came as a shock to her fans and the entertainment industry.
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Cuckoo Moray
Cuckoo Moray (April 5, 2015-September 30, 1981) a.k.a. Cuckoo, Chuckoo, Cuckoo Moray, Cukku, rubber girl or Cukoo was an Indian dancer and actor.
Cuckoo Moray was born in Goa, India and started her career as a dancer in the 1940s. She was known for her energetic and expressive performances, and was often referred to as the "Rubber Girl" due to her incredible flexibility. She eventually transitioned into acting and appeared in over 250 films in Hindi, Marathi, and Gujarati cinema.
Cuckoo is widely regarded as one of the greatest dancers in Indian cinema and was known for her "Cabaret" style dance sequences that became very popular in the 1950s and 60s. She was also a pioneer in bringing Western-style dance to Indian films, and her influence can still be seen in Bollywood dance today.
Despite her success as a dancer and actor, Cuckoo faced discrimination due to her Goan Catholic background and was often relegated to supporting roles. However, she continued to work tirelessly and earned the respect and adoration of her fans and colleagues.
Cuckoo Moray passed away in 1981 at the age of 66, but her legacy as a trailblazer in Indian cinema lives on.
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Rani Chandra
Rani Chandra was an Indian actor.
She died as a result of aviation accident or incident.
Rani Chandra began her acting career in the late 1980s and quickly rose to prominence as a talented and versatile performer. She appeared in numerous Hindi and regional language films, showcasing her range as an actor and earning critical acclaim for her performances. In addition to her work in film, Chandra also made significant contributions to the Indian television industry, starring in several popular series throughout her career.
Tragically, Chandra's life was cut short in an aviation accident or incident, leaving behind a legacy of outstanding work and a devoted fan base. Despite her untimely death, her contributions to Indian cinema and television continue to be celebrated and remembered by fans and colleagues alike.
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Seeta Devi
Seeta Devi (April 5, 2015-April 5, 1983) a.k.a. Renee Smith, Sita Debi, Seeta Debi or Sita Devi was an Indian actor.
She began her acting career in the 1920s and 1930s in silent films and moved on to become a prominent actress of the golden era of Indian cinema. Known for her beauty and grace, Seeta Devi acted in several Hindi and Bengali films and was often cast as the lead actress opposite famous actors of the time.
Seeta Devi also had a brief stint in Hollywood and appeared in two films, the 1935 film "Kismet" and the 1937 film "Bombs Over Shanghai". She is credited with being one of the first Indian actresses to have worked in Hollywood.
In addition to acting, Seeta Devi was also a writer and director. She wrote and directed the 1935 film "Yahudi Ki Ladki" which starred her in the lead role.
Seeta Devi was married to the famous film director and producer Himanshu Rai and the two worked together on several films. After her husband's death, Seeta Devi retired from acting and moved to Switzerland where she lived until her death in 1983. She was posthumously awarded the Padma Shri, one of the highest civilian honors in India, in 2019.
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Vimi
Vimi (April 5, 2015 Jalandhar-August 22, 1977 Mumbai) a.k.a. Vimmi was an Indian actor.
She started her career in 1960 with the film "Dulhan Ek Raat Ki" and went on to act in several Hindi and Punjabi films like "Hum Hindustani", "Hamrahi", "Aurat", "Baap Beti", "Des Pardes" and many more. Vimi's performance in the film "Humrahi" earned her critical praise and is considered to be one of her best performances. However, Vimi's career was cut short due to personal struggles and she retired from acting in the early 70s. Vimi's life was marked by tragedy as she took her own life at the age of 32. Despite her short-lived career, Vimi remains a well-known name in the Indian film industry.
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Ragini
Ragini (April 5, 2015 Thiruvananthapuram-December 30, 1976) also known as Ragini Sona or Regini was an Indian actor, film producer and ballet dancer. She had two children, Priya Thampi and Lakshmi Thampi.
She died in cancer.
Ragini was one of the most versatile actors in the Malayalam film industry, and is often regarded as a pioneer of parallel cinema in South India. She was known for her powerful performances in movies like 'Anweshichu Kandethiyilla', 'Kallichellamma' and 'Chemmeen'. Outside of acting, she was a trained ballet dancer and even produced the film 'Mudiyanaaya Puthran'. Her legacy still lives on today, with her name being synonymous with the golden age of Malayalam cinema.
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Rasika Joshi
Rasika Joshi (September 12, 1972 Mumbai-July 7, 2011 Mumbai) also known as Rashika Joshi was an Indian actor.
She died in leukemia.
Rasika Joshi started her acting career in 1991 as a theatre artist in Mumbai. Over the years, she became a well-known face of Hindi and Marathi cinema. She acted in numerous films and TV shows, including "Sarkar Raj," "Bhool Bhulaiyaa," and "Munna Bhai M.B.B.S." among others. Joshi's acting skills were highly appreciated by the audience and critics alike, and she won several awards for her performances. In addition to her acting career, she was also a singer, and lent her voice to several Marathi films. Her untimely demise in 2011 was deeply mourned by the film industry and her fans alike.
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Richa Sharma
Richa Sharma (April 5, 1963 Mumbai-April 5, 1996 New York City) a.k.a. Richa Sanjay Dutt was an Indian actor. Her child is Trishala Dutt.
She died as a result of brain tumor.
Richa Sharma was a prominent figure in the Hindi film industry in the 1980s and 1990s. She began her acting career in 1986 with the film "Nazarana" and went on to star in several successful films including "Hum Naujawan", "Anubhav" and "Aag Hi Aag". She was known for her powerful performances and was a popular choice for playing strong, independent women on screen.
In addition to her acting career, Sharma was also an accomplished playback singer. She lent her voice to many popular Bollywood songs including "Zeehale Muskin" from the film "Ghulami" and "Dil Tera Deewana Hai Sanam" from "Dil Tera Deewana".
After her marriage to actor Sanjay Dutt in 1987, Sharma took a break from acting to focus on her family. However, she continued to work as a playback singer and collaborated with many prominent music directors.
Unfortunately, Sharma's life was cut short when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 1994. She underwent treatment in New York City, but passed away on her 33rd birthday in 1996. Sharma is remembered as a talented actor and singer whose career was tragically cut short.
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Manjula
Manjula (April 5, 1951 Tumkuru-September 12, 1986 Bangalore) was an Indian actor. She had two children, Abhisek and Abhinaya.
Manjula was born in Tumkuru, Karnataka, India on April 5, 1951. She began her acting career in the late 1960s and appeared in over 100 films in Telugu, Tamil and Kannada languages. Her most notable films include "Dorababu" and "Secretary". Manjula was known for her versatility as an actor and her ability to portray a range of characters.
Aside from her acting career, Manjula was also known for her philanthropy work. She was actively involved in various charitable organizations and often participated in fundraising events for the betterment of society.
Manjula passed away in Bangalore on September 12, 1986 at the age of 35, leaving behind two children, Abhisek and Abhinaya. Her contributions to the film industry and society as a whole continue to be remembered and appreciated by fans and colleagues alike.
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Elsie Mackay
Elsie Mackay (April 5, 1893 Shimla-March 13, 1928 Atlantic Ocean) also known as Elsie Mackaye, Gordon Sinclair, Hon. Elsie Mackay or Poppy Wyndham was an Indian pilot, actor and interior designer.
She died in aviation accident or incident.
Elsie Mackay was born to a Scottish father and American mother in Shimla, India. Her family moved to England when she was a child, where she attended school and pursued her passion for acting. She made her first stage appearance at the age of 17 and went on to appear in several plays and films.
Mackay's interest in aviation was sparked by a trip she took to the United States in the early 1920s. She took flying lessons and earned her pilot's license in 1927. She became the first British woman to hold a commercial pilot's license and the first woman to fly across the Irish Sea.
In addition to her acting and aviation pursuits, Mackay was known for her interior design work. She designed homes and offices for several prominent clients, including the British Ministry of Information.
Sadly, Mackay's life was cut short when she attempted to fly across the Atlantic Ocean with pilot Captain Hinchliffe in 1928. The pair disappeared without a trace, presumed to have crashed somewhere in the ocean. Despite many search efforts, no wreckage or remains were ever found.
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Fatafat Jayalaxmi
Fatafat Jayalaxmi (April 5, 2015 Andhra Pradesh-April 5, 1980 Chennai) also known as Fatafat Jayalakshmi, Jayalakshmi, Phataphat Jayalaxmi, 'Fatafat' Jayalaxmi or Jaya Lakshmi was an Indian actor.
She died in suicide.
Fatafat Jayalaxmi began her career in the Telugu film industry in the 1960s and later worked in Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam films as well. She was known for her supporting roles and had acted in over 500 films. Some of her notable films include "Preminchi Choodu" (1965), "Chitti Chellelu" (1970), "Bhakta Tukaram" (1973) and "Karpagam" (1979).
Despite her success in the film industry, Fatafat Jayalaxmi struggled with personal issues and depression. She died by suicide on her 35th birthday in Chennai. Her death shocked the film industry and her fans. She was remembered for her talent and contributions to Indian cinema.
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Kalpana
Kalpana (July 8, 1943 South Canara-May 12, 1979 Gotur, Belgaum) also known as Sharat Lata, "Minugu Taare" Kalpana, "Minugu Taare", A Shining Star, Minugu Taare or Archana was an Indian actor.
She acted in over 300 films and was known for her versatility and natural acting skills. Kalpana started her acting career in 1963 with the Kannada film Bedara Kannappa, for which she won the National Film Award for Best Actress. She also acted in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi films.
In addition to acting, Kalpana was also a trained classical dancer and performed in several stage shows. She was known for her humanitarian work and was actively involved in social causes. Kalpana tragically passed away at the age of 36 in a private helicopter crash in Gotur, Belgaum while on her way to participate in a stage show. Her contribution to Indian cinema and her philanthropic work is remembered and celebrated to this day.
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Kanchanamala
Kanchanamala (April 5, 2015 Tenali-April 5, 1981) a.k.a. Kanchana Mala, Kanchanmala or Kanchan Mala was an Indian actor.
She was born in Tenali, Andhra Pradesh and began her acting career in Telugu cinema in the 1940s. Kanchanamala acted in several films, including "Chintamani" (1941), "Yogi Vemana" (1947), "Mayabazaar" (1957) and "Bhookailasa" (1958), among others. She was known for her versatility in playing both dramatic and comedic roles. Kanchanamala also wrote scripts for films and was a trained classical dancer. She received the prestigious Kalaprapoorna award for her contributions to Telugu cinema. Kanchanamala passed away on her 34th birthday in 1981.
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Miss Kumari
Miss Kumari (June 1, 1932 Bharananganam-June 9, 1969) also known as Thresiamma Thomas, Thresiamma or Kumari was an Indian actor. She had three children, Johny Thaliath, Thomas Thaliath and Babu Thaliath.
Miss Kumari was born in Bharananganam, Kerala, India. She began her career as a theatre actor before making her debut in Malayalam cinema with the film Nalla Thanka in 1950. She went on to appear in over 100 films in Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu languages. Some of her notable films include Achanum Bappayum, Kudumbini, Bharya, Kalyana Unnimesham, Kalyana Sougandhikam, and Ponmudi. She was known for her versatile acting skills and ability to portray a range of characters. Despite her success in the film industry, she faced personal struggles and tragedy in her life. She passed away at the young age of 37 due to liver cirrhosis. Her legacy as a talented actor in Indian cinema continues to be remembered today.
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Shamim Bano
Shamim Bano (April 5, 2015-April 5, 1984) a.k.a. Shamim or Shamim Bano Begum was an Indian actor.
Born in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India, Shamim Bano started her acting career in the 1940s and quickly became a leading lady in Indian cinema during the 1950s and 1960s. She starred in many successful films, including "Sharda" (1957), "Baap Bete" (1959), and "Kohinoor" (1960).
In addition to her acting career, Shamim Bano was also known for her singing talents. She recorded several songs for films, including "Kaisi Haseen Aaj" from the film "Baap Bete."
Shamim Bano was married to Indian film director S. S. Vasan, with whom she had one daughter. She passed away in Chennai in 1984 at the age of 69.
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Prema
Prema (April 5, 2015 Chennai-April 5, 1984) also known as Prema or Prema Menon was an Indian actor. She had one child, Shobha.
Prema was a versatile and talented actress who predominantly worked in the Tamil film industry. She made her acting debut in the 1940s and went on to act in over 100 films during her illustrious career. Prema was known for her natural acting style and ability to bring authenticity to her performances. She received critical acclaim for her roles in films like "Parasakthi" and "Thiruvilaiyadal". Apart from Tamil cinema, Prema also acted in Telugu and Kannada movies. She was also an accomplished classical dancer trained in Bharatanatyam. Prema passed away on her 31st birthday due to complications during childbirth, leaving behind a legacy in the Indian film industry.
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Viji
Viji (April 5, 1966 India-November 27, 2000 Chennai) also known as Viji Aswath was an Indian actor.
She began her acting career in the Tamil film industry with the film "Ninaithale Inikkum" in 1979. She went on to act in over 300 films in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam languages. Viji earned critical acclaim and popularity for her roles in films like "Nadodi Thendral," "Ninaithen Vandhai," and "Rojavanam."
Apart from her film career, Viji was also a prominent television personality. She hosted several popular shows on Tamil television, including "Superhit Muqabla" and "Star Kitchen."
Viji was known for her versatile acting skills, and her ability to portray a wide range of characters. She won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the film "Sindhu Nathi Poo."
Sadly, Viji passed away at the age of 34 due to a heart attack. Her untimely death was a shock to her fans and the film industry. Viji's legacy lives on in her memorable performances on screen.
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Rajyalakshmi
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.
She died caused by suicide.
Rajyalakshmi was born in Cherpulassery, a small town in present-day Kerala, India. She started her career in the film industry in the early 1950s and went on to act in over 60 films. She was known for her strong performances in films such as "Mohanam" and "Bhakta Kuchela". Besides acting, Rajyalakshmi was also an accomplished writer and poet, with several books and collections of poetry to her credit.
Apart from her creative pursuits, Rajyalakshmi had a keen interest in education and was involved in teaching. She was the headmistress of a school in Chennai for several years. However, her personal life was riddled with difficulties, including an unhappy marriage and financial troubles. She ultimately took her own life in 1965, leaving behind a legacy of artistic contributions and a tragic end to her life.
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