By Jagmohan Singh Barhok
On Her Birth Anniversary
Durga Khote is rightly called the foremost leading lady of the Hindi screen who ruled for over five decades, and so authoritatively, too.
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An ardent theatre lover and Marathi actress Durga Khote worked in over 200 films – “Bharat Milap”, a Vijay Bhatt’s venture followed by “Mirza Ghalib”( 1954) featuring Bharat Bhushan, Suraiya, Durga Khote & Nigar Sultana, produced & directed by Sohrab Modi. One of the songs “Dil – E – Nadan Tujhe Hua Kya Hai” by Suraiya and Talat Mahmood under the music score by Ghulam Mohammed was an instant hit & even today continues to carry its charisma.,
“Mughal-E-Azam” ( 1960), directed by K. Asif , was the highest grossing film of the year with some the best songs and performances by stars like Prithviraj Kapoor, Ajit & Durga Khote who played Jodha Bai. K. Asif had spent lavishly and accordingly sold the film at 17 lakhs per territory against 3 to 5 lakh for other similar films.
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“Bobby” ( 1973), starring Rishi Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia, Prem Nath, and Pran was also the highest grossing film of the year doing wonders at the Box office front . It collected more than 29 crore worldwide with a net profit of more than 5 crores. It was a Blockbuster followed by ‘Daag’, ‘Jugnu’ & ‘Zanzeer’ -Super Hits. ‘Maya Machhindra’ (1932 ) was one of her earliest films followed by Punjabi film “Yamla Jatt” (1940) starring M. Ismail Noor Jehan, Durga Khote & Pran. “Gaon Ki Gori” (1945) starring Noor Jehan, Durga Khote, Nazir, Jagdish Sethi, was the second highest grossing film of 1945.
She also worked in Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Ritwik Ghatak written “Musafir” ( 1957), starring Dilip Kumar & Suchitra Sen; AVM Production’s “Bhabhi” featuring Balraj Sahni & Nanda with hit songs like “Chal Ud Ja Re Panchi” & “Chali Chali Re Patang Meri Chali Re”.
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“Mughal-E-Azam’, “Parakh”, “Usne Kaha Tha” & “Love in Simla” were all released in 1960 . Her other notable films include the likes of “Devar” (1966), “Sunghursh” ( 1968), “Ek Phool Do Maali” & “Jeene Ki Raah”( 1969). Bestowed with Padma Shri, Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award for “Bidaai” & the coveted Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Durga Khote also featured in an advertisement for Mercedes-Benz in the 1930s. Related to actor Viju Khote (nephew), Shubha Khote (niece) & Bhawna Balsawar ( grand niece)
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