Bollywood Beauties: Then And Now
Vyjayanthimala, Moushumi Chatterjee, Babita, Sadhana, Mala Sinha -- they ruled Bollywood for decades with their inimitable beauty and charm. Today, the indelible marks of time are visible on their faces, but it has not been able to defeat their spirit. Let's take a look at these wonderful ladies, who have shown us what it means to age gracefully.
Vyjayanthimala, Moushumi Chatterjee, Babita, Sadhana, Mala Sinha -- they ruled Bollywood for decades with their inimitable beauty and charm.
Today, the indelible marks of time are visible on their faces, but it has not been able to defeat their spirit.
Let's take a look at these wonderful ladies, who have shown us what it means to age gracefully.
VYJAYANTHIMALA
With her beautiful eyes and bewitching smile, Vyjayanthimala ruled Bollywood in the 50s and 60s. Devdas, Naya Daur, Madhumati, Jewel Thief, Sangam -- the actress has been part of many memorable films. She also earned the title 'Twinkletoes' for her super-hit dance numbers.
Vyjayanthimala quit movies at the peak of her career to get married and shifted focus to classical dance. Later, she dabbled in politics and even took up golf. The 79-year-old now leads a peaceful retired life.
She may not be active in films anymore, but those mesmerising eyes and smile are still intact.
MALA SINHA
Mala Sinha's elegance and grace -- not to mention her big, wide eyes and vibrant smile -- made her a darling of moviegoers in the 50s, 60s and even 70s.
The Nepalese beauty's profile boasts of Bollywood super-hits like Pyaasa, Himalay Ki God Mein, Anpadh and Gumrah.
Mala has also acted in many Bangla and Nepalese movies. She fell in love with and got married to Chidambar Prasad Lohani, her co-star in a Nepalese film.
Unlike many of her contemporaries, she continued to act even after marriage.
A multi-talented person, Mala also used to sing for the All India Radio.
She has stayed away from public life for over two decades now.
The 79-year-old was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke award in 2012.
Must say, time has not been able to reduce the sparkle in those captivating eyes.
SADHANA
One of Bollywood's most beautiful actresses, Sadhana even had the fringe cut -- she sported it in her very first film, Love In Shimla -- named after her (Sadhana Cut). She is also credited for bringing into fashion tight chudidar-kurta.
Her debut movie was a huge hit and Sadhana's shy demeanour and simplicity won her millions of fans.
From 1955 (when she appeared as a chorus girl in the hit number 'Mur mur ke na dekh mur mur ke') to mid-70's she has been part of many hit films, including Mere Mehboob, Woh Kaun Thi, Rajkumar and Mera Saaya.
The actresses was recently in news over a court battle with Asha Bhosle, in whose Santa Cruz-Khar bungalow she has been a tenant for over 50 years.
Last year, the actress walked the ramp for designers Shaina NC and Vikram Phadnis, to support cancer and AIDS patients.
Guess what, the fringe was still there. We tell you, it suits her even at the age of 74.
MOUSHUMI CHATTERJEE
Moshumi Chatterjee stormed into our hearts with her irresistible innocence and oh-so-beautiful dimpled smile.
While Bollywood still hesitates to welcome a married actress with open arms, imagine a married woman entering the industry! That too, in the late sixties! Yet, Moushumi did that and succeeded.
The actress, who has been a part of Bangla movies as well, has acted with every top Hindi cinema hero of her times -- be it Amitabh Bachchan (Manzil, Benaam), Rajesh Khanna (Humshakal), Vinod Mehra (Anuraag), Sanjeev Kumar (Angoor) Shashi Kapoor (Swayamvar), or Jeetendra (Maang Bharo Sajana).
Moushumi is still a part of movies, her latest outing being Piku. Clearly, the 67-year-old actress is not planning to quit acting.
And, why should she? Her smile can still melt a million hearts.
BABITA
She may now be known as Karisma and Kareena Kapoor's mother, but there was a time when Babita was one of B-Town's most sought-after heroines. Her slender frame and flawless complexion endeared her to many.
In her relatively short, seven-year-long career, the spunky actress gave super-hits like Haseena Maan Jaayegi, Farz and Kismat. A couple of years after getting married to actor Randhir Kapoor, she bid farewell to movies.
A few years down the line, she once again became active in the industry, but this time only for managing her daughters' careers.
One look at Babita and it's easy to understand her girls have inherited their impeccable dress sense from their mom.
Always well-maintained, Babita is content being a doting grandmother to Lolo's children these days.
But yes, her complexion glows even at the age of 67.
Today, the indelible marks of time are visible on their faces, but it has not been able to defeat their spirit.
Let's take a look at these wonderful ladies, who have shown us what it means to age gracefully.
VYJAYANTHIMALA
With her beautiful eyes and bewitching smile, Vyjayanthimala ruled Bollywood in the 50s and 60s. Devdas, Naya Daur, Madhumati, Jewel Thief, Sangam -- the actress has been part of many memorable films. She also earned the title 'Twinkletoes' for her super-hit dance numbers.
Vyjayanthimala quit movies at the peak of her career to get married and shifted focus to classical dance. Later, she dabbled in politics and even took up golf. The 79-year-old now leads a peaceful retired life.
She may not be active in films anymore, but those mesmerising eyes and smile are still intact.
MALA SINHA
Mala Sinha's elegance and grace -- not to mention her big, wide eyes and vibrant smile -- made her a darling of moviegoers in the 50s, 60s and even 70s.
The Nepalese beauty's profile boasts of Bollywood super-hits like Pyaasa, Himalay Ki God Mein, Anpadh and Gumrah.
Mala has also acted in many Bangla and Nepalese movies. She fell in love with and got married to Chidambar Prasad Lohani, her co-star in a Nepalese film.
Unlike many of her contemporaries, she continued to act even after marriage.
A multi-talented person, Mala also used to sing for the All India Radio.
She has stayed away from public life for over two decades now.
The 79-year-old was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke award in 2012.
Must say, time has not been able to reduce the sparkle in those captivating eyes.
SADHANA
One of Bollywood's most beautiful actresses, Sadhana even had the fringe cut -- she sported it in her very first film, Love In Shimla -- named after her (Sadhana Cut). She is also credited for bringing into fashion tight chudidar-kurta.
Her debut movie was a huge hit and Sadhana's shy demeanour and simplicity won her millions of fans.
From 1955 (when she appeared as a chorus girl in the hit number 'Mur mur ke na dekh mur mur ke') to mid-70's she has been part of many hit films, including Mere Mehboob, Woh Kaun Thi, Rajkumar and Mera Saaya.
The actresses was recently in news over a court battle with Asha Bhosle, in whose Santa Cruz-Khar bungalow she has been a tenant for over 50 years.
Last year, the actress walked the ramp for designers Shaina NC and Vikram Phadnis, to support cancer and AIDS patients.
Guess what, the fringe was still there. We tell you, it suits her even at the age of 74.
MOUSHUMI CHATTERJEE
Moshumi Chatterjee stormed into our hearts with her irresistible innocence and oh-so-beautiful dimpled smile.
While Bollywood still hesitates to welcome a married actress with open arms, imagine a married woman entering the industry! That too, in the late sixties! Yet, Moushumi did that and succeeded.
The actress, who has been a part of Bangla movies as well, has acted with every top Hindi cinema hero of her times -- be it Amitabh Bachchan (Manzil, Benaam), Rajesh Khanna (Humshakal), Vinod Mehra (Anuraag), Sanjeev Kumar (Angoor) Shashi Kapoor (Swayamvar), or Jeetendra (Maang Bharo Sajana).
Moushumi is still a part of movies, her latest outing being Piku. Clearly, the 67-year-old actress is not planning to quit acting.
And, why should she? Her smile can still melt a million hearts.
BABITA
She may now be known as Karisma and Kareena Kapoor's mother, but there was a time when Babita was one of B-Town's most sought-after heroines. Her slender frame and flawless complexion endeared her to many.
In her relatively short, seven-year-long career, the spunky actress gave super-hits like Haseena Maan Jaayegi, Farz and Kismat. A couple of years after getting married to actor Randhir Kapoor, she bid farewell to movies.
A few years down the line, she once again became active in the industry, but this time only for managing her daughters' careers.
One look at Babita and it's easy to understand her girls have inherited their impeccable dress sense from their mom.
Always well-maintained, Babita is content being a doting grandmother to Lolo's children these days.
But yes, her complexion glows even at the age of 67.
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