In fact, the stunning heroine-cum-vamp of the 1940s and '50s had been clicked by the prestigious Life magazine's legendary photographer James Burke in 1951, in such sizzling poses that among soldiers in Asia, she became the No. 1 pin-up girl during World War II.
Begum passed away exactly 7 years ago at the age of 82 at her Versova residence. She was the mother of actor Ayub Khan, who despite a lead role in Mrityudand opposite Madhuri Dixit, couldn't quite make it as a Bollywood hero. Her daughter-in-law Niharika Khan is an award-winning costume designer.
India's most internationally feted sex symbol had acted opposite the top heroes of her time, including Raj Kapoor in Neel Kamal.
Eventually, she married Dilip Kumar's brother, actor-producer Nasir Khan but stories go that the thespian didn't approve of the marriage. Nasir passed away in 1974 following a heart attack.
This prompted Begum to adopt Pakistani citizenship but since she couldn't adapt to the environment there, she returned to India.
Known for being open about smoking and carrying a glass of whisky at public events, the irrepressible Begum would laugh about yesteryear heroines, who enjoyed alcohol but would camouflage their glasses of rum and whisky with colas.
Begum, during her later years when she was in a wheelchair, was persuaded by Sanjay Leela Bhansali to act as Sonam Kapoor's grandma in Saawariya.
According to film writers of the bygone era, Begum had no moral qualms about same-gender sex. And it is conjectured that Madhuri Dixit was named Begum Para in Dedh Ishqiya, because the film touched upon a secret relationship between Madhuri and Huma Qureshi.
Be that as it may, Begum will be remembered in Bollywood history as the first woman who dared to be a bold and beautiful bombshell.