The news of the sad demise of yesteryear actress Indira Billi, surfaced on June 16-17, 2025. She died in Noida, where she was settled with her family. The exact date of her passing away is not confirmed, but her prayer meeting was organized on 16th June 2025
Indira Billi was an iconic actress of Hindi and Punjabi films who appeared in films like Shree 420, Yamla Jatt, Do Lachhian, Chambe Di Kali, Sassi Punnu, Meri Surat Teri Ankhen, Asli-Naqli, Alibaba Aur 40 Chor and many more.
Early Life
Indira Billi has become a household name for her roles as a leading lady in Punjabi films in the 1960s. Born on August 6, 1936, as Indira Kaur in Dina Nagar, located in the Gurdaspur district of Punjab. She grew up in an aristocratic family in the village of Kharian, now part of Pakistan.
Blue Eyed Beauty
Her journey into the world of acting started with Homi Wadia’s “Shri Ganesh Mahima,” starring Meena Kumari, Mahipal, and SN Tripathi. She then acted in films like Bhagwan Dada‘s “Rangeela (1953),” Ramanand Sagar‘s “Baazooband (1954),” and Raj Kapoor’s “Shree 420 (1955).”
Her trademark blue eyes gave her the name Indira Billi, which she used for the rest of her life. Her early career saw her playing characters and second lead roles in Hindi films like Faraar (1955), Milap (1955), Jawab (1955), Basant Bahar (1956) ,Laxmi (1957), Paristan (1957), Yahudi (1958), Forty Days (1959), Dil Deke Dekho (1959), Lalach (1960), Lucky Number (1961), Gipsy Girl (1961), Asli-Naqli (1962), Meri Surat Teri Ankhen (1963) and many more.
Indira Billi in Punjabi Cinema
Despite acting in many successful films, Indira did not get the roles of her choice in Hindi films. The biggest turning point in her career came with her debut in Punjuabi films with Bekal Amritsari’s “Kikli (1960).” The film went on to become a huge blockbuster. The same year, she starred in Jugal Kishore’s inconic film “Do Lachhiyan,” opposite Daljeet. The success of the film established her as a top Punjabi heroine of the time.
She then starred in many successful Punjabi films, including “Yamla Jatt (1960),” “Chambe Di Kali (1960),” “Billo (1961),” “Khedan De Din Char (1962),” “Lado Rani (1963),” “Jagga (1964),” “Mama Ji (1964),” “Shehar Di Kudi (1966),” “Neem Hakeem (1967),” “Pardesan (1969),” “Dupatta (1970),” “Kankan De Ohle (1970),” “Patola (1973),” and many more.
Her performance in ‘Sassi Punnu’ (1965) as Sassi remains one of her most celebrated roles, etching her name in the annals of Punjabi cinema. Some of her other Hindi films include Shahi Lutera (1965), Fauladi Mukka (1965), Do Dil (1965), Ali Baba aur 40 Chor (1966), Tarzan Aur Hercules (1966), Thakur Jarnail Singh (1966), Husn Aur Ishq (1966), Phool Aur Patthar (1966), Zimbo Ka Beta (1966), Bahadur Daku (1966), Jungle Ki Hoor (1967), Mohabbat Aur Jung (1967), Badrinath Yatra (1967), Tarzan in Fairyland (1968), Mere Huzoor (1968) and many more.
Personal Life
Indira married Shiv Kumar Mehra, a businessman from a well-to-do family in Delhi, which marked a new chapter in her life. After her marriage, she retired from acting.
Indira Billi’s passing is the end of another chapter of the Golden Era of Indian cinema. She will always be remebered fondly for her iconic looks and her valuable contribution to the craft.
Tasweermhal family bis paying its humble tribute to the beloved actor.
Indira Billi on IMDB
