By Jagmohan Singh Barhok

On Her Birth Anniversary

रोमियों-जुलिएट, लैला-मजनू, शिरीन-फरहाद
इनका सच्चा इश्क जमाने को अब तक है याद
याद, याद मुझे आया है एक ऐसे दिलबर का नाम
जिसने धोका देकर नाम-ए-इश्क किया बदनाम

यही है साहेबान कहानी प्यार की
किसी ने जान ली, किसी ने जान दी

एक हसीना थी, एक दीवाना था
क्या उमर, क्या समा, क्या जमाना था

Simi Grewal, gifted with both beauty & brain, started her career in Mehboob Khan’s “Son of India”(1962). She is remembered for her performance in “Saathi” & “Mera Naam Joker”. Subhash Ghai’s “Karz” was another film she is known for besides the much talked about “Siddhartha”. She also worked in a Punjabi film “Udeekaan”(1978), directed by Hari Dutt also starring Parikshit Sahni, Sanjeev Kumar & Bharat Kapoor. She rose to popularity with her celebrity talk show, ‘Rendezvous with Simi Grewal’.

Simi Grewal had a brief affair with the Maharaja of Jamnagar who lived in the vicinity of her residence in England. She also had an affair with cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi. They parted ways following his marriage with actress Sharmila Tagore. She later married Ravi Mohan. It could not last longer.

Teen Devian, Do Boond Pani, Saathi, Do Badan, Chalte Chalte, Andaz, Kabhie Kabhie , Namak Haram, The Burning Train, Insaf Ka Tarazu, Haath Ki Safai, Naseeb & Love and God were her other films. Her debut film was “Tarzan Goes to India” (1962). Born to Brigadier J. S. Grewal & Darshi Grewal, Simi hit the international media with the release of her film “Siddhartha” starring Shashi Kapoor. She appeared semi nude in one of the scenes. The film was held and released later with cuts.

Her favorite stars include Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan & Deepika Padukone. Las Vegas is her favorite destination. Simi, who stands 5 foot 6 was born  Simrita Grewal on 17 October in 1947. Bestowed with 2 Filmfare Awards for Best Supporting Actress in Saathi & Do Badan.