Here are 4 famous actresses from India died in 1996:
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 began her career as a supporting actor but quickly rose to fame for her bold and sensuous performances in South Indian cinema. Silk Smitha appeared in more than 450 films across numerous languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi. She was known for her memorable roles in hit films like "Moondram Pirai," "Naagarahaavu," "Chatran," "Kiraathakudu," and "Layanam." Smitha was also a talented producer who set up her production company, Silk Smitha Productions, and produced the film "Layanam" which gained popularity due to its bold storyline.
Off-screen, Silk Smitha had a tumultuous personal life that was marked by financial troubles, failed relationships, and alcohol addiction. In 1996, at the age of 36, she was found dead in her Chennai apartment, in an apparent suicide due to depression. Despite the tragic end to her life, Silk Smitha remains an iconic figure in Indian cinema and is remembered for her bold and unapologetic performances that challenged societal norms and taboos.
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Richa Sharma (November 27, 1963 Mumbai-November 27, 1996 New York City) a.k.a. Richa Sanjay Dutt was an Indian actor. Her child is called Trishala Dutt.
She made her debut in Bollywood with the film "Hum Naujawan" in 1985 and went on to star in many successful films including "Anubhav" (1986), "Aag Hi Aag" (1987), and "Izzatdaar" (1990). Sharma was known for her roles in action films and earned a reputation as one of the top female action stars in Bollywood during the 80s and 90s. She also appeared in several TV shows and commercials.
Sadly, Sharma passed away on her 33rd birthday in 1996 due to complications from brain cancer. Her legacy lives on through her daughter Trishala, who is a successful entrepreneur based in the United States. Several of Sharma's films continue to be popular among audiences and she is remembered as one of the most talented and versatile actors of her time.
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Janaki Ramachandran (November 30, 1923 Vaikom-May 19, 1996 Chennai) also known as V. N. Janaki was an Indian politician and actor. She had one child, Surendran Ramachandran.
Janaki Ramachandran was the wife of Marudhur Gopalan Ramachandran, popularly known as M.G. Ramachandran, who was also an actor and the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu from 1977 until his death in 1987. After M.G. Ramachandran's death, Janaki Ramachandran briefly served as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for six months before being defeated in a vote of no confidence.
Besides her political career, Janaki Ramachandran was also an accomplished actor and starred in over 25 films in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam languages. She made her acting debut in the 1939 film "Vidhiyin Vilayattu" and acted in films such as "Veera Abhimanyu," "Vanjikottai Valiban," and "Anarkali."
Janaki Ramachandran passed away in Chennai in 1996 at the age of 72. She remains an important figure in Tamil Nadu's political and cultural history.
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Juliet Prowse (September 25, 1936 Mumbai-September 14, 1996 Los Angeles) also known as Juliet Anne Prowse or juliet_prowse was an Indian actor, singer, performer and dancer. She had one child, Seth McCook.
Prowse started her career in the United Kingdom, where she gained fame as a dancer and appeared on numerous TV shows. She then moved to the United States, where she continued her career in Hollywood. Prowse starred in several movies, including "Can-Can" and "G.I. Blues" with Elvis Presley. She was also a regular on various TV shows, including "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Dean Martin Show."
In addition to her acting and dancing career, Prowse was also known for her humanitarian work. She supported multiple charities, including UNICEF, and was known as a symbol of hope and goodwill. Prowse was also a breast cancer survivor and worked to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research.
Sadly, Prowse passed away at the age of 59 due to pancreatic cancer. However, her legacy lives on through her work in entertainment and her efforts to make the world a better place.
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