In Memoriam: Remembering Zohra Sehgal on her 6th death anniversary

In July 2014, the world of Indian theatre and cinema lost one of its brightest stars who lit up the screen and stage for years with her exquisite personality and talent. With a pool of energy that never ran dry, Zohra Sehgal defied ageing even at 102. Looking back, we remember her immense contribution to cinema and her zest for life.

Mumbai: In Bollywood, where many actors gather dust in just a few years of screen time, fun-loving Zohra Sehgal led a wonderful life and fulfilled her dream as both an actor and a dancer. Reminiscing her one special day, let’s get a brief of Bollywood's favourite dadi's journey.

Sahibzadi Zohra Begum Mumtaz-Ullah Khan was born to a Sunni Muslim Pathan family in Uttar Pradesh on 27th April 1912. Zohra was the third child among the seven siblings. Zohra had lost vision of her left eye when she was just one-year-old due to glaucoma which later was soon treated.

Her father Mumtaz Ulla Khan and Natika Ulla Khan were residents of Rampur in Uttar Pradesh.

In Memoriam: Remembering Zohra Sehgal on her 6th death anniversary

Zohra was already an accomplished dancer-choreographer when she made her debut in KA Abbas's Dharti Ke Lal in 1946. Besides, she also featured in numerous super hit films including Neecha Nagar, Afsar (1946), Bhaji on the Beach (1992), The Mystic Masseur (2001), Bend It Like Beckham (2002), Dil Se.. (1998), Saaya (2003), Saawariya and Cheeni Kum (2007).

However, the world remembers her as the doyenne of Indian theatre and the Bollywood diva older than Bollywood itself. Because, the first Indian film Raja Harishchandra released in 1913, while Zohra was born in 1912.

Bolstering her rebellious attitude since childhood, Zohra was more of a tomboy and was fond of climbing trees and playing games. Then came a turning point in her life when she saw Uday Shankar (Indian dancer and choreographer) performing in Dehradun. She was highly impressed by his moves and acts.

Zohra started her career as a dancer in Uday's troupe. She danced her way across the world as one of his principal dancers for eight years before becoming a teacher at his dance institute in Almora in 1940. It is here that she met her husband Kameshwar Sehgal.

In Memoriam: Remembering Zohra Sehgal on her 6th death anniversary

She joined the Prithvi Theatre in 1945, touring with them for the next 14 years. Apart from Prithvi Theater, Zohra was also an active member of IPTA.

Zohra's first film role came in 1982 when she was signed by the Merchant Ivory Productions. Aside from mastering dance and theatre, she also made a foray into movies. She is internationally known for her roles in television series Dr. Who (1964-65) and the movie The Jewel in the Crown.

'The grand old lady of Indian cinema' was the only person who made a mark by acting with Prithviraj Kapoor, the legendary Amitabh Bachchan of the last century to the new-age actor Ranbir Kapoor.

In Memoriam: Remembering Zohra Sehgal on her 6th death anniversary

When Zohra was in her 80s, she returned to India, and soon became the go-to actor for any director looking for a sharp-tongued, savvy old lady. She was seen in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1997), Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003) and Cheeni Kum (2007).

In the year 2012, daughter Kiran wrote a biography of Zohra under the name 'Zohra Sehgal- Fatty.

In 2008, the veteran actor was named the 'Laadli of the Century' by the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF)-Laadli Media Awards.

Zohra was awarded the Padma Shri in 1998. She was subsequently honoured with the Padma Bhushan (2002) and Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award in 2010.

In Memoriam: Remembering Zohra Sehgal on her 6th death anniversary

In 2004, the Sangeet Natak Akademi. India’s National Academy for Music, Dance and Drama presented her with its highest award, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship for lifetime achievement.

On July 9, 2014, she was admitted to the Max Hospital in South Delhi after being diagnosed with pneumonia. Zohra left for her heavenly abode on 10 July 2014 after suffering cardiac arrest.