Indian movie stars died in 2003
Here are 3 famous actresses from India died in 2003:
Leela Chitnis
Leela Chitnis (September 9, 1909 Dharwad-July 14, 2003 Danbury) also known as Leela Chitnes or Lila Chitnis was an Indian actor, film director and film producer. Her children are called Raj Chitnis, Manavendra Chitnis and Benoy Chitnis.
Leela Chitnis made her acting debut in 1930 with the film 'Athavale' and went on to act in over 80 films in her career spanning three decades. She was a popular leading lady in the 1930s and 1940s and was known for her subtle and nuanced performances. Some of her notable films include 'Ek Hi Raasta', 'Kangan', 'Bazaar', 'Jeenay Do', and 'Anari'.
Apart from acting, Leela Chitnis also worked as a film director and producer. She co-founded a production company called 'Dadasaheb Chitnis Productions' with her husband Dadasaheb Phalke in 1947.
Leela Chitnis was a trailblazer in Indian cinema and was one of the first actresses to break the stereotype of playing submissive and docile roles. She was a feminist and a social activist and used her platform in films to raise awareness about issues such as women's rights and the caste system.
Leela Chitnis received the Padma Shri award in 1980 in recognition of her contribution to Indian cinema. She passed away in Danbury, Connecticut at the age of 93.
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Tun Tun
Tun Tun (July 11, 1923 Uttar Pradesh-November 24, 2003 Mumbai) a.k.a. Uma Devi Khatri, Oma Devi, Tum Tum, Uma Devi, Tuntun umadevi, Uma, Tun-Tun, Tun Tun, umadevi, first woman comedienne of Hindi cinema or Tuntun was an Indian actor, comedian and playback singer.
Tun Tun's career spanned over five decades in the Indian film industry. She started her career as a playback singer in the late 1940s before making her debut as an actor with the film "Aar Paar" in 1954. Tun Tun was known for her impeccable comic timing and her ability to deliver humorous dialogues effortlessly. She appeared in over 300 films in various roles and worked with legendary actors like Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, and Raj Kapoor.
Apart from acting, Tun Tun was also a talented playback singer and sang for films like "Pyaasa" and "Kaagaz Ke Phool". She was also a trained classical singer and would often incorporate classical music into her comedic performances. In 1963, Tun Tun was awarded the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in India, in recognition of her contribution to the Indian film industry.
Despite facing discrimination due to her weight and appearance, Tun Tun broke barriers and established herself as a prominent figure in Hindi cinema. She paved the way for other women comedians in the industry and her legacy continues to inspire many aspiring actors and entertainers.
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Pandari Bai
Pandari Bai (November 27, 2014 Bhatkal-January 29, 2003 Chennai) also known as Pandri Bai, Pandharibai or M Pandarabai was an Indian actor.
She appeared in more than 1,000 films in various languages including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi and Malayalam. Pandari Bai started her acting career in 1943 with the Kannada film Bedara Kannappa. Her notable performances include the Telugu film Mangalya Balam, the Tamil film Rathakeerthy and the Hindi film Pyar Ki Jeet. She also won the Best Supporting Actress Award for her role in the Tamil film, Pasamalar. Pandari Bai was not just an actor, but an accomplished singer as well, having sung for several films in different languages. She was a well-known personality in the South Indian film industry and was fondly referred to as "Nattiya Peroli" (Dancing Queen). In recognition of her contribution to the field of cinema, Pandari Bai was honored with several awards including the Kalaimamani Award and the Raja-Lakshmi Award.
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