Today marks the death anniversary of actress Ratnamala, who was a prominent actress of Marathi and Hindi cinema. She is best remembered for playing character roles in movies like Station Master (1942), Gehra Daag (1963), Mera Saaya (1966), and Seeta aur Geeta (1972). She also played the mother of Dada Konde in several films in Hindi and Marathi.
Early Life
Ratanmala, born Kamal Bhiwandkar in 1924. She began her acting career at the tender age of 14, starring in the Marathi film “Bhagwa Zenda” in 1938. She later changed her to Ratanmala. Ratanmala quickly gained recognition for her talent and versatility, which paved the way for a successful career in the film industry.
Breakthrough of Ratanmala
Ratanmala’s breakthrough came with the Marathi film “Mazi Ladki” in 1939, where she played the lead role. She made her Hindi cinema debut with the film “Station Master” in 1942. The film also starred Prem Adib, Suraiya, Pratima Devi and Jeevan. For her performance in “Station Master,” she gets widespread praise for her charming personality and impressive acting skills fo A 1942 Film India review of Station Master lauded her as a “pretty performer.”
Among her early films are Bharat Milap (1942), Das Baje (1942), Station Master (1942), Panghat (1943), Police (1944), Kavita (1944), Rukmani Swayamvar (1946), Bhakta Ke Bhagwan (1947), and Usha Haran (1949), and many more
Character Roles
Ratanmala transitioned to character roles in late 1940s and apeared in many films lke Shree Ram Avtar (1950), Chhatrapati Shivaji (1952), Draupadi Vastra Haran (1952), Gokul Ka Raja (1954), Mastani (1955), Ratnavali (1955), Adhi Roti (1957), Maya Bazaar (1958), Lal Qilla (1960), Maya Machhendra (1960), and many more.
Her role in films like Mera Saaya (1966), Badal (1966), Seeta Aur Geeta (1972), and Kuchhe Dhaage (1973) are particularly memorable.
Throghout the 1960s-70s and 80s She continued to apear in film, often in small role. Despiite being a supporting character she left her mark and was a well known face for many decades. Some of her other film include Bhabhi Ki Chudiyan (1961), Sasural (1961), Char Dervesh (1964), Gehra Daag (1963), Badal (1966), Raaz (1967), Brahmachari (1968), Saraswatichandra (1968), Mahal (1969), Sachaa Jhutha (1970), Adhikar (1970), Uphaar (1971), Taxi Driver (1973), Pran Jaye Par Vachan Na Jaye (1974), Dil Diwana (1974), Bhola Bhala (1978), Nastik (1983), Tere Mere Beech Mein (1984), and Khol Do Meri Jubaan (1989).
Marathi Films
Ratanmala was also a famous face in Mrathi films and acted in films like Rukhmini Swayamvar (1946), Maza Ram (1949), Gokulcha Raja (1950), Ramram Pavana (1950), Sangatye Aika (1959). Later in her career she became a household name, for her portrayal of Dada Kondke’s mother in numerous Marathi films. This unique association earned her the special title of “Dada Kondke’s mother.”
Some of her other notable Marathi films include Manini (1961), Kortachi Payari (1970), Rangapanchami (1961), Kali Baiko (1970), Mumbaicha Jawai (1970), Songadya (1971), Ekta Jeev Sadashiv (1972), Harya Narya Zindabad (1972), Thapadya (1973), Pandu Havaldar (1975), Preet Tuzhi Majhi (1975), Ram Ram Gangaram (1977), Bot Laveen Tith Gudgulya (1978), Lakshmi (1978), Hyoch Navra Pahije (1980), Aali Angavar (1982), Navre Sagle Gadhav (1982), Dhagala Lagli Kal (1985), Muka Ghya Muka (1987), and many more.
Personal Life
Ratnamala married Raja Pandit, an actor known for films like Maharani (1934) and Hind Mahila (1936). In her later years, Ratnamala continued working in small roles, with her final film, Khol De Meri Zubaan, releasing in 1989, the year of her death.
She passed away on January 23, 1989, at the age of 65.
Ratanmala on IMDB
