Meet the actor who was an acclaimed figure in Hindi cinema, this legendary actress worked on screen for almost four decades, starring in over 80 films and earning many accolades. Her legacy includes a legal battle against her mother Shobhana over financial mismanagement and she is the aunt of the talented Kajol. Unfortunately, her life took a tragic turn as she battled cancer and passed away after a remarkable career. Adding to her struggles, her husband tragically died in a fire accident in their apartment in 2004.
He is none other than Nutan Samarth Bahl. A famous actress who left an indelible mark on Hindi cinema. With a remarkable career spanning nearly forty years, he has appeared on screen in over 80 films and earned numerous accolades. Considered one of the finest actresses of her time, Nutan was known for her authentic portrayals of female-centric roles and her portrayal of complex characters with ease. In recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema, he was awarded the Padma Shri, the country’s fourth highest civilian honour, in 1974.
Born in Bombay to filmmaker Kumarsen Samarth and actress Shobhana Samarth, Nutan started her acting journey at the age of just 14 with Hamari Beti (1950). Her talent continued with iconic roles in films like Seema (1955) and other films like Sujata, Bandini, Milan and Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki.
As the eldest sibling in a Marathi family, Nutan shared her upbringing with her actress sister Tanuja, her brother Jaideep and faced childhood hardships. Once, a family friend’s cruel comment about her appearance broke her. However, his mother, Shobhana, consoles him with wisdom, and instills in him the belief that the ‘ugly duckling’ will turn into a ‘beautiful swan’. This assurance shaped Nutan’s confidence. As she grew up, she vowed to prove the naysayers wrong.
Despite his professional achievements, Nutan’s personal life was not without controversies. During their collaboration, rumors of an affair with actor Sanjeev Kumar surfaced, leading to a public confrontation when she slapped Sanjeev Kumar on the sets after hearing about the gossip. In a candid interview with Stardust in 1972, Nutan dismissed the rumors while expressing his disdain for the speculations.
Nutan married Lieutenant Commander Rajneesh Bahl of the Navy in 1959, and the couple welcomed their son, Mohnish Bahl, in 1961. Committed to her family, Nutan took the difficult decision to step back from her acting career after marriage, emphasizing the importance of family life.
However, over time his relationship with his family became strained, culminating in a legal battle against his mother over financial mismanagement. Nutan later revealed that the decision to take her mother to court was painful but necessary to safeguard her family’s future. Their separation lasted for almost two decades, leading to moments of avoidance even on flights.
Nutan’s health began to decline after she was diagnosed with breast cancer, a battle that intensified when the disease spread to her liver. In his final years, he sought solace in spirituality, away from the limelight. Nutan died on 21 February 1991 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Tragedy struck again in 2004 when her penthouse in Colaba caught fire, taking the life of her husband Rajneesh. Despite her struggling career, Nutan’s life was filled with both triumph and sorrow and she left her legacy as one of the most iconic actresses of Hindi cinema.
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