Jagmohan Singh Barhok

On Her Birth Anniversary

Reena Roy began her career, then barely 15, with “Zaroorat”,directed by B.R. Ishara also featuring Vijay Arora & Danny Denzongpa. The film begins with a rape scene. The tag “Zaroorat Girl” remained fastened with her for years until she gained prominence after the success of “Jaise Ko Taisa” (1973) & “Zakhmee” (1975) & was respected as an actress of substance. Subhash Ghai’s “Vishwanath” (1978) & Raj Kumar Kohli’s star studded horror drama “Jaani Dushman” made her rub shoulders with the top actresses. There was no looking back as her films continued to do wonders at the box office like- the romantic-social drama “Aasha” (1980), “Arpan” (1983) the multi starrer “Naseeb” (1981) & the romantic comedy “Sanam Teri Kasam” (1982) to mention some.

Roy married Pakistani cricketer Mohsin Khan in 1983 and moved to Pakistan. The couple was blessed with a daughter. After divorce in 1992 Roy returned to India. She began her second innings with “Aadmi Khilona Hai” (1993)& later appeared in supporting roles in most films.She was bestowed with Filmfare Award for Supporting Actress which she declined.

Reena Roy was favourite of Raj Kumar Kohli, Subhash Ghai & J Om Prakash -“Sheesha Ho Ya Dil Ho” ( film “Aasha”). She remained romantically involved with Shatrughan Sinha for years. Their marriage was on the cards . Sunil Dutt, too had a soft corner for her. They worked together in many films like “Jaani Dushman”, “Paapi”, “Zakhmee”, “Umar Quaid”, “Dard Ka Rishta”, “Nagin” to mention some.

I met the actress after her return from Pakistan at Hotel Centaur, Juhu during a cock tail dinner. I was with team Sawan Kumar Tak. Pinaz Misani later dropped me to my hotel at Bandra past midnight.

Born Saira Ali on this Day in 1957.