Vidya Sinha was an iconic actress who made a special place in the hearts of cinema lovers with her beauty, charm, and grounded acting in memorable films like “Rajnigandha,” “Chhoti Si Baat,” “Karm,” “Mukti,” “Inkaar,” “Pati Patni Aur Woh,” “Kitaab,” and many more.
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Willum Skeener
Vidya Sinha, born on November 15, 1947, in Bombay, into the film family of Rana Pratap Singh (Pratap A. Rana), who was a film producer. Her grandfather, Mohan Sinha was a renowned filmmaker, who made over 30 films between 1935 till 1960. Her journey in the film industry began as a model, where she won the Miss Bombay title in 1968. Soon she become a top model with brands like Colgate, Lipton Tea, as well as many clothing brands.
The Girl Next Door
Basu Chatterjee spotted her, and convinced her to act in movies. Her first movie was Raja Kaka (1974), opposite Kiran Kumar, but her big break was “Rajnigandha (1974),” directed by Chatterjee.The movie, was a major box office success. She quickly became a symbol of relatable charm and natural acting, which established her as a cult figure in movie history.
The film’s success was followed by another hit, “Chhoti Si Baat” (1975), which established her as a prominent actress in the industry. Chhoti Si Baat (1975), paved the way for starring in mainstream productions with bigger budgets: “Karm (1977)” with Rajesh Khanna and Shabana Azmi, “Mukti (1977)” with Sanjeev Kumar and Shashi Kapoor, “Inkaar (1977)” with Vinod Khanna, “Pati Patni Aur Woh (1978)” with Sanjeev Kumar and Ranjeeta Kaur, Gulzar’s “Kitaab (1977),” “Saboot (1979),” and “Meera (1979).”
Her performances were characterized by a grace and simplicity that resonated with the audience, making her one of the most beloved actresses of her time. Some of her other films include “Hawas (1974),” “Mera Jiwan (1976),” “Jeevan Mukt (1977),” “Safed Jhooth (1977),” “Tumhare Liye (1977),” “Atithee (1978),” “Magroor (1979),” “Saboot (1980),” “Josh (1980),” among others.
Her career as a leading lady came to an abrupt end when she played the mother of Vijeta Pandit in the romantic film “Love Story (1982),” starring opposite Rajendra Kumar and Danny. After that, she acted in a few films like Adhura Aadmi (1982), Raakh Aur Chingari (1982), Dhokebaaz (1984), Qaidi (1984), Kirayadar (1986), Maa Ki Saugandh (1986), and Jeeva (1986).
The Struggle and Comeback
Vidya Sinha married her neighbor, Venkateshwaran Iyer, in 1968. In the 80s Iyer developed health problems which led to her moving away from films to take care of her husband. In 1989, the couple adopted a daughter, Jhanvi. Sinha moved to Sydney, after the death of her husband in 1996.
In 2001, she met Australian doctor Netaji Bhimrao Salunke, and after a brief courtship, they got married. However, in 2009, Sinha accused Salunke of physical and mental abuse. They divorced soon after, and Sinha successfully won her case for maintenance against him.
After a hiatus, Vidya Sinha returned to the limelight, not on the big screen but on television, where she continued to enchant viewers with her performances in serials like “Bahu Rani,” “Hum Do Hain Na,” “Bhabhi,” and “Kkavyanjali” (2004). Her role as the grandmother in the popular show “Qubool Hai” was particularly appreciated for its warmth and depth. She also make comback in fils with “Bodygaurd (2011),” starring Salman Khan, her first film after 25 years, was also proved to be her last.
Vidya Sinha’s life was not without its challenges. She faced personal losses and health issues with courage and dignity. On August 15, 2019, the film and television industry lost one of its finest talents. Sinha died at a hospital in Mumbai of respiratory failure caused by heart and lung disease at the age of 71. on screen resonated with audiences, which she still remembered with love and affection.
We remember Vidya Sinha, for her ability to portray nuanced characters with simplicity, and her distinctive, heartfelt presence, which makes her the quintissential girl next door. We celebrate her life and the joy she brought to countless fans through her work, please share your favourite role of Vidya Sinha as a tribute on her “Punya Tithi.”
