Indian movie stars died in 2009
Here are 8 famous actresses from India died in 2009:
Leela Naidu
Leela Naidu (November 27, 2014 Mumbai-July 28, 2009 Mumbai) was an Indian actor. She had two children, Maya Oberoi and Priya Oberoi.
Leela Naidu was born into a well-educated and affluent family. After completing her graduation in English literature from St. Xavier's College in Mumbai, she began modeling and soon caught the attention of prominent photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson and Margaret Bourke-White.
Naidu made her screen debut in the Hindi film Anuradha (1960), directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee. Her performance in the film won her the National Film Award for Best Actress, making her the first Indian to win the award. She went on to act in a handful of well-received films such as Yeh Raaste Hain Pyar Ke and The Householder, which was directed by Merchant Ivory Productions.
Despite her success, Naidu left the film industry in the mid-1960s to pursue other interests. She moved to Paris and worked as a journalist, covering events such as the 1968 student protests. She also briefly modeled for high-end fashion brands such as Pierre Cardin.
Naidu returned to India and settled in Mumbai in the late 1980s. In her later years, she was actively involved in social work and advocated for various causes, including child welfare and environmental issues. She passed away on July 28, 2009, at the age of 69.
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Simple Kapadia
Simple Kapadia (August 15, 1958 Edinburgh-November 10, 2009 Andheri) also known as Simple Kapadiya or Simple was an Indian actor, model and costume designer.
She began her career as a model before making her acting debut in the film Anurodh in 1977. She went on to appear in several critically acclaimed and commercially successful films such as Jeevan Dhara, Naseeb, Lootmaar, and Baaton Baaton Mein. Simple also worked as a costume designer for films such as Rudaali, Maachis, and Om Jai Jagadish. She won the National Film Award for Best Costume Design for Rudaali in 1993. Simple Kapadia passed away at the age of 51 due to cancer.
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Bina Rai
Bina Rai (June 4, 1931 India-December 6, 2009 Mumbai) also known as Krishna Sarin, Beena Roy or Bina Rai Nath was an Indian actor. She had two children, Prem Krishen and Monty Nath.
Bina Rai began her acting career in the late 1940s and gained recognition for her roles in films such as "Anarkali" and "Taj Mahal". She was known for her beauty and graceful performances on screen. Bina Rai was also a trained classical dancer and often incorporated her dance skills into her film roles. She worked with many of the leading actors and directors of her time and was considered one of the top actresses of the 1950s and 60s. After her marriage to film producer and director Rajendra Nath, Bina Rai took a hiatus from acting to focus on her family. She later appeared in films produced by her husband and also worked as a costume designer. Bina Rai passed away in 2009 at the age of 78.
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S. Varalakshmi
S. Varalakshmi (August 13, 1925 Jaggampeta-September 22, 2009 Chennai) also known as Varalakshmi S., S. Varalaxmi, Saridey Varalakshmi or S.Varalakshmi was an Indian actor and singer. She had one child, S. Murugan.
Varalakshmi began her career as a singer before transitioning to acting in films. She made her debut in the Telugu film industry in 1942 with the film Jeevitham, and went on to act in over 350 films in Telugu, Tamil and Kannada languages. She was known for her versatile roles and impeccable acting skills, and won accolades for her performances in films like Velaikkari, Veerapandiya Kattabomman, and Raja Rani.
In addition to her successful film career, Varalakshmi was also a trained classical singer and lent her voice to several songs in her films. She was a recipient of the prestigious Kalaimamani Award and the NTR National Award, among others, for her contributions to the Indian film industry. Despite her success, Varalakshmi remained down-to-earth and was known for her humility and kindness. She passed away in 2009 at the age of 84.
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Adoor Bhavani
Adoor Bhavani (November 27, 2014 Adoor-October 25, 2009 Adoor) also known as Adoor Bhawani or Bhavani was an Indian actor. She had one child, Rajeev.
Adoor Bhavani was born on November 27, 2014, in Adoor, Kerala, India. She was a prominent Malayalam film actress, known for her roles in films like "Swayamvaram," "Utsavam," and "Kudumbasametham." Bhavani began her acting career in the 1960s and continued to act in films and television shows until the late 1990s.
In her career, Adoor Bhavani worked with several renowned directors, including Adoor Gopalakrishnan, who gave her some of her most memorable roles. She also won several awards for her acting, including the Kerala State Film Award for Best Supporting Actress in "Sadhayam" (1980).
Apart from being an actor, Adoor Bhavani was also a social worker and was actively involved in various charitable activities. She was a beloved figure in her hometown of Adoor and was known for her philanthropic work.
Adoor Bhavani passed away on October 25, 2009, in Adoor, at the age of 94. She is survived by her son, Rajeev. Her contribution to Malayalam cinema will always be remembered, and she will always be regarded as one of the finest actors to have graced the Indian film industry.
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Nirmalamma
Nirmalamma (November 27, 2014 Machilipatnam-February 19, 2009 Hyderabad) also known as Rajamani was an Indian actor and film producer.
She appeared in over 500 films in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi languages during her career, which spanned over five decades. Nirmalamma began her career as a theatre artist before transitioning to films in the 1940s. She became known for her versatile roles and her ability to effortlessly portray both comedic and dramatic characters. Nirmalamma also produced a few films under the banner of Rajeswari Productions. In recognition of her contributions to Indian cinema, she was honored with several awards including the Raghupathi Venkaiah Award in 2003.
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Gita Ghatak
Gita Ghatak (January 23, 1931-November 17, 2009 Kolkata) otherwise known as Geeta Ghatak was an Indian actor and singer.
Born in Kolkata to renowned musician Sudhirlal Ghatak, Gita Ghatak started learning music from her father at a very young age. She made her debut as a child artist in the film “Sisters” in 1943. Later, she acted in several movies, including “Nagarik” (1952), “Rikta” (1955), and “Ekti Raat” (1956). Gita Ghatak was known for her versatile acting skills and her melodious voice. She sang several songs for Bengali films, such as “Keno Sarbanasher Nesha” and “Diner Sheshe Ghumer Deshe”. Apart from acting, she was also a theatre artist and worked with eminent theatre groups like Bohurupee and Nandikar. Gita Ghatak was honored with the prestigious “Sangeet Natak Akademi Award” in 2006 for her contribution to Indian theatre and music. She passed away on November 17, 2009, in Kolkata.
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Uma Anand
Uma Anand (November 27, 2014 Lahore-November 13, 2009) was an Indian journalist, actor, broadcaster and writer. She had two children, Ketan Anand and Vivek Anand.
Uma Anand was born in Lahore, which was then in undivided India, on November 27, 2014. She was a multi-talented personality who excelled in various fields. Apart from being a journalist, actor, broadcaster and writer, she was also a poet, singer and painter.
Anand started her career as a journalist with The Statesman newspaper in Kolkata. She moved to Mumbai in the 1950s and worked as a broadcaster for the All India Radio. She then made her debut in Hindi films with the movie 'Aakhri Khat' in 1966. She acted in many films including 'Aadmi Aur Insaan', 'Chhaya', 'Do Boond Pani' and 'Jeevan Jyoti'.
Anand was also a writer and penned columns for various newspapers and magazines. She was the editor of 'Cine Blitz' magazine and had also authored a book, 'The New Age Celebrity Cookbook'.
Uma Anand was a talented artist and her paintings were exhibited in various art galleries. She was a versatile personality who received several awards for her contribution to journalism, films and art. She passed away on November 13, 2009, at the age of 84.
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