By Jagmohan Singh Barhok
On Her Death Anniversary
An actress of yesteryears Nirupa Roy made many an eye brow raised when she played Amitabh Bachchan’s mother in ‘Deewar’ also featuring Shashi Kapoor as her other son. The film is remembered for its fast pace and catchy dialogue.
She made her Hindi debut with “Amar Raj” (1946) also starring Trilok Kapoor & Rehana directed by Homi Wadia. She worked as the leading lady in several mythological films until ‘Do Bigha Zameen’ hit the silver screen in 1953 starring debonair Balraj Sahni in the lead. The film shot in Calcutta & other locations, continues to haunt many and is rated as a classic from Bimal Roy ( of ‘Madhumati’ fame).
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‘Munimji’ (1955), ‘Chhaya’ (1961), ‘Mujhe Jeene Do’, ‘Grahasti (1963), ‘Shaheed’ (1965), ‘Ram Aur Shyam’ (1967), ‘Aan Milo Sajna’ ‘Purab Aur Paschim’ include some of the popular movies of the actress. Won 3 Filmfare Awards for Munimji, Chhaya & Shehnai. Married to Kamal Roy, the veteran actress was Born Kokila Kishorechandra Bulsara at Valsad, Gujrat on 4 January 1931. Durga Khote, Lalita Pawar, Achala Sachdev & Leela Mishra include other popular actresses who played the role of a mother in films.
