Baby Naaz, also known as Kumari Naaz, was an iconic child actor who was known for her charm and innocence in films like Boot Polish, Chandni Chowk, and Devdas Ek Hi Rasta as a child actor and Bahu Begum, Kati Patang, and Saccha Jhutha as an adult.
Early Life and Career
Kumari Naaz was born Salma Baig on August 20, 1944, in Bombay into an extremely poor family. The circumstances led to her entering the films when she was only six years old. Although her father, Mirza Dawood Baig, was a screenwriter, his lack of success and subsequent lack of work left the family struggling.
The poor condition of the family forced little Salma to work. Her first film as a child actor was “Achha Jee,” which came out in 1950. She followed it with films like Rupaiya (1950), Bhakt Puran (1952), Resham (1952), Insan (1952), Gunah (1953), and Shama Parwana (1954). The exceptional talents of Baby Naaz quickly made her the child superstar of her time. Her succes opened the door to a steady income for the family for many years to come.
Baby Naaz The Star
In 1952 comes one of her most memorable roles as a child artist in the film “Boot Polish” (1954), produced by R.K. Films. In the film, she played the orpan girl Belu, who, with her brother Bhola, was forced to beg by her cruel aunt. The film earned her international acclaim and a special distinction at the 1955 Cannes Film Festival. In 1955 he played the young “Paro,” in Bimal Roy‘s Devdas. She famously featured in the song “O Matwale Panchi Tera Door Thikana Hai.”
In Bimal Roy’s Yahudi (1958) she portrayed the childhood of Meena Kumari. In Guru Dutt‘s “Kaghaz Ke Phool (1959),” she played the teenaged daughter of Guru Dutt. She gave an stunning performance in Dilip Kumar‘s “Ganga Jamuna (1961)” as young Dhanno (Vyjayanthimala).
For the next many years, Baby Naaz will continue to star in films Subah Ka Tara (1954), Chandni Chowk (1954), Hatimtai Ki Beti (1955), Raftar (1955), Patit Pawan (1955), Lagan (1955), Kundan (1955), Ek Hi Rasta (1956), Rajdhani (1956), Diwali Ki Raat (1956), Ghar Sansar (1958),Heera Moti (1959), Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai (1960), Mera Ghar Mere Bachche (1960), Zindagi Aur Khwab (1961), and many more.
Adult Career
After a successful career as a child actor of over a decade, Naaz gracefully transitioned into mature roles, showcasing her versatility as an actress. She delivered compelling performances in films like “Man-Mauji,” “Mujhe Jeene Do,” “Dekha Pyaar Tumhara,” “Kaise Kahoon,” “Majboor,” “Chandi Ki Deewar,” “Chhaila Babu,” “Bahu Begum,” “Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke,” “Kati Patang,” “Haathi Mere Saathi,” “Dushman,” and “Sachaa Jhutha,” where she played Rajesh Khanna’s physically challenged sister.
She also starred in a few Bojpuri films, such as Bidesiya (1963) and Saiyan Se Neha Lagaibe (1965).
Personal Life
Beyond her acting career, Kumari Naaz also made significant contributions as a dubbing artist. Before Sridevi began using her own voice in films, it was Naaz who lent her voice to the early Hindi hits of the 1980s. This aspect of her career highlights her adaptability and the respect she commands within the industry.
In 1965, Kumari Naaz married Subbiraj, a fellow actor and cousin of the legendary Raj Kapoor. Their union was not just a marital bond but also a professional one too. They shared the screen in films like “Mera Ghar Mere Bachche” (1960) and “Dekha Pyar Tumhara” (1963). This partnership highlighted a common trend of the times, where film industry relationships often blossomed into real-life connections.
In her later life, she faced a health battle with a terminal illness of the liver. The illness ultimately led to her untimely demise on October 19, 1995.
Baby Naaz on IMDB
