Cute, beautiful, charming Neetu Singh transitioned from a beloved child actor to a teen heartthrob and then a seasoned actor. She is known for her films like Do Kaliyan, Khel Khel Mein, Deewar, Kabhi Kabhie, Amar Akbar Anthony, Jani Dushman, and many more.
Early Life and Child Superstar
Harneet Kaur was born on July 8, 1958, in New Delhi into the Punjabi Sikh family of Darshan Singh Ji and Rajee Kaur Singh. She lost her father early, prompting her mother to raise her and her siblings. The family later moved to Mumbai’s Peddar Road area. Neetu grew up with a strong cultural foundation, influenced by her Punjabi roots. She attended Hill Grange High School in Mumbai.
Neetu Singh started working in films as a child artist under the screen name Baby Sonia. It was Vyjayanthimala who spotted her at a dance school and recommended her to director T. Prakash Rao. She debuted as Baby Sonia in Suraj (1966), at the age of eight years. One of her standout films as a child star was “Do Kaliyan (1968)” starring Mala Sinha, Biswajeet, Nigar Sultana, Mehmood, and Om Prakash. It was based on the American film “The Parent Trap (1961),” an adaptaion of Erich Kästner’s novel Lisa and Lottie. The film directed by R. Krishnan and S. Panju, featured her in a dual role as twins. The iconic song “Bachche Mann Ke Sachche,” filmed on her.
She also starred in successful films like Dus Lakh (1966), Waris (1969), Pavitra Paapi (1970), and Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani (1970).
Neetu Singh – The Teen Sansation
Her first adult role came in K. Shankar’s “Rickshawala,” opposite Randhir Kapoor, in 1973. That same year, she made a guest appearance in Nasir Hussain’s “Yaadon Ki Baaraat,” where her song “Lekar Hum Deewana Dil” catapulted her to the status of a teen sensation.
Neetu’s breakthrough came with Ravi Tandon’s romantic thriller “Khel Khel Mein (1975),” opposite Rishi Kapoor, which went on to be a great success. The film also has some blockbuster songs like “Humne Tumko Dekha,” “Ek Main Aur Ek Tu,” “Khullam Khulla Pyar Karenge Hum Dono,” and “Sapna Mera Toot Gaya.” It also marks the marks the start of the superhit pairing of Neetu and Rishi, which later extends to real life.
Rishi and Neetu went on to star in many films, which include Zehreela Insaan (1974), Zinda Dil (1975), Rafoo Chakkar (1975), Kabhi Kabhie (1976), Doosra Aadmi (1977), Amar Akbar Anthony (1977), Jhoota Kahin Ka (1979), Duniya Meri Jeb Mein (1979), and Dhan Daulat (1980), among others. It was later reavealed that Rishi Kapoor skipped school to watch Do Kaliyaan (1968).
Continuing Success
Neetu Singh’s filmography is studded with a variety of roles that have left an indelible mark on the audience. From the crime drama “Deewaar (1975)” opposite Shashi Kapoor to the musical “Yarana (1980),” with Amitabh, her versatility knew no bounds. Her role in “Kaala Patthar” earned her a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress. One more inetresting fact is that Neetu’s real mother played her reel mother in Rani Aur Lalpari (1975).
Some other notable films of her career include Hawas (1974), Sharafat Chod Di Maine (1976), Aadalat (1977), Dharam Veer (1977), Parvarish (1977), Dhongee (1977), iyatama (1977), Kasme Vaade (1978), Heeralal Pannalal (1978), Anjane Mein (1978), Chakravyuha (1978), The Great Gambler (1979), Duniya Meri Jeb Mein (1979), Jaani Dushman (1979), The Burning Train (1980), Ek Aur Ek Gyarah (1981), Chorni (1982), Raaj Mahal (1982), Jaane Jaan (1983), and many more.
Neetu Singh and Rishi Kapoor
In 1980, Neetu Singh married Rishi Kapoor, and the couple became one of Bollywood’s most beloved pairs. Post-marriage, she took a long hiatus from acting. She returned nearly three decades later with a minor role in “Love Aaj Kal” in 2009. Since then, she has graced the silver screen in films like “Do Dooni Chaar,” “Besharam,” and more recently, “Jugjugg Jeeyo,” for which she received another Filmfare nomination.
Neetu Singh’s life off-screen has been just as eventful. She is the mother of two children, including today’s superstar Ranbir Kapoor and daughter Ridhima Kapoor. She lost her husband to cancer in 2020. Despite facing personal challenges, Neetu Singh has shown remarkable resilience. She continues to inspire many with her dedication to her craft and her family.
Neetu Singh on IMDB
