Anita Guha was a celebrated actress in Indian cinema who became the top name in mythological films. Some of her notable films include “Dekh Kabira Roya (1957),” “Sharada (1957),” “Maya Bazaar (1958),” “Kavi Kalidas (1959),” “Goonj Uthi Shehnai (1959),” “Sampoorna Ramayana (1961),” “Purnima (1965),” and “Sanjog (1961).”
Early Life and Debut
Anita Guha was born on January 17, 1932, in Kolkata, West Bengal. Her father was a forest officer posted at the Burmese border, and she had an elder brother and two older sisters. Anita’s journey into the world of cinema began when she moved to Mumbai in the early 1950s to participate in a beauty pageant at the age of 15. Her striking beauty and talent soon caught the attention of filmmakers, and she embarked on a successful acting career.
Anita Guha made her film debut with the movie “Tonga-wali” in 1955. Some of his early films include Duniya Gol Hai (1955), Yahudi Ki Beti (1956), Ankh Ka Nasha (1956), Chirakumar Sabha (1956), Chhoo Mantar (1956), Harjit (1957), and Ustad (1957).
First Lady of Mythological Film
Over the next few decades, she became known for her roles in mythological and devotional films, often portraying divine characters. Her ability to bring grace and authenticity to these roles made her a beloved figure in Indian cinema.
Perhaps her first mythological film was Babubhai Mistry’s Pawan Putra Hanuman (1957), with Indira Bansal and Sudesh Kumar. After the success of the film Mistry cast her in Mayabazar (1958) with Mahipal and Raj Kumar. Anita gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of Sita in Babubhai Mistry’s epic film Sampoorna Ramayana (1961), a role that left an enduring impact on the audience.
Her expressive eyes and emotive acting endeared her to fans, making her an iconic figure in mythological cinema. Her other mythological films include Kavi Kalidas (1959), Kan Kan Men Bhagwan (1963), Veer Bhimsen (1964), Roop Sundari (1964), Mahasati Anusuya (1963), Shree Ram Bharat Milap (1965), Sant Tukaram (1965), Shankar Sita Ansuya (1965), Jahan Sati Wahan Bhagwan (1965), Lab Kush (1966), Sati Sulochana (1969), Tulsi Vivah (1971), and Jai Dwarkadesh (1977).
Other Work of Anita Guha
Anita Guha performed in some of the great hit films of that time, like Dekh Kabira Roya (1957) and Sharada (1957), Goonj Uthi Shehnai (1959), Purnima (1965), Pyar Ki Rahen (1959), Gateway of India (1957), and Sanjog (1961). For Goonj Uthi Shehnai, she got a nomination for best supporting actress in the Filmfare Awards.
Later Years Anita Guha
Her most famous mythological role comes in 1975’s Santoshi Maa (1975). The movie is the most successful mythological film of all time. She had never even heard of the goddess Santoshi until she gets the role. It was only a guest appearance, and her scenes were shot in 10–12 days. She fasted during the shooting. The low-budget movie was a surprise blockbuster and broke box office records while becoming a cultural phenomenon.
Apart from her notable mythological roles, Anita Guha displayed versatility in various genres, showcasing her acting prowess in films like Aradhana (1969), Anuraag (1972), Jhoom Utha Akash (1973), Nagin (1976), and Anand Ashram (1977).
Anita Guha was the maternal aunt of actor-dancer Prema Narayan, the daughter of her sister Anuradha Guha. Guha married actor Manik Dutt; they had no children. After her husband’s death, she lived alone in Mumbai. She passed away due to cardiac failure on June 20, 2007.
Anita Guha on IMDB
