There are very few people who can put a smile on any face, just by their presence or even by the mention of their name. One such personality was Tabssum, or what we should call baby Tabassum. Be it her acting, her hosting, or her beautiful stories, she was the cause of many smiles.
Early Life and Career
Tabassum was born Kiran Bala Sachdev in 1944 in Mumbai, to Ayodhyanath Sachdev, a freedom fighter, and Asghari Begum, a journalist, author, and freedom fighter herself. She once recalled that her father named him “Tabassum,” according to her mother’s faith, and her mother named him “Kiran,” according to his father’s name.
She started her career as a child actor in D.D. Kashyap’s “Nargis (1947).” Baby Tabassum followed it by Mera Suhaag (1947), Manjhdhar (1947), Bari Behen (1949), Jogan (1950), Chhoti Bhabhi (1950), Sargam (1950), Sangram (1950), Gumashta (1951), Aaram (1951), Bahar (1951), and Baap Beti (1954). She played the childhood roles of Veena, Nargis, and Meena Kumari in Afsana (1951), Deedar (1951), and Baiju Bawra (1952), respectively. She apeared in the famous song “Bachpan Ke Din Bhula Na Dena (Deedar).”
Acting Career as an Adult
After a hiatus of a few years, she made a comeback with T. Prakash Rao’s “College Girl.” She then acted in K. Asif’s Mughal-e-Azam (1960). She was also part of Dharmputra (1961), and Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon (1963). She apeared in famous song “Aji Qibla Mohtarma” in Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon.
In the next several years, she went on to act in many films like Dara Singh: Ironman (1964), Zimbo Ka Beta (1966), Dulhan Ek Raat Ki (1967), Ganwaar (1970), Bachpan (1970), Heer Raanjha (1970), Johny Mera Naam (1970), Gambler (1971), Adhikar (1971), Hulchul (1971), Shaadi Ke Baad (1972), and Maa Bahen Aur Biwi (1974).
Writer, Editor, Talk Show Host, and Director
In 1972, she moved to Doordarshan and hosted the country’s first TV talk show, “Phool Khile Hain Gulshan Gulshan,” which ran for 21 years, from 1972 to 1993. This show, based on interviews with people related to films, not only brought celebrities closer to the public but also showcased Tabassum’s wit, charm, and fluency in language, which endeared her to millions of viewers.
Tabassum was not only known for her work in front of the camera but also proved herself as a capable writer and editor. She was an editor for the popular Hindi women’s magazine “Grihalaxmi” for 15 years, taking it to unprecedented heights. She regularly wrote columns for the magazine and also authored several joke books.
In 1985, she added another feather to her cap by directing, producing, and writing the film “Tum Par Hum Qurban.” In the mid-80s, she also acted in a few films like Sur Sangam (1985), Naache Mayuri (1986), Chameli Ki Shaadi (1986), Agneepath (1990), Hum (1991), and Sanam Teri Kasam (2009).
Personal Life
Tabassum married Vijay Govil in 1960. Vijay was the elder brother of television actor Arun Govil. Arun is best known for his portrayal of Lord Rama in the epic television series ‘Ramayan’. Together, Tabassum and Vijay had a son, Hoshang Govil. Hoshang who followed in his mother’s footsteps into the film industry as an actor and director.
Tabassum also presented the film-related programme “Abhi Toh Main Jawaan Hoon,” directed by her son Hoshang Govil. Tabassum was the very first to embrace the digital age by becoming a YouTuber. She ran her own channel, sharing her experiences, and continuing to engage with her fans. Her YouTube channel, Tabassum Talkies, continues to entertain and enrich the viewer even after her death, as her son has continued it on the same line.
Her approach to life was grounded in humanity and inclusiveness. She once remarked, “I am neither Hindu nor Muslim. I am a human being. Whenever I am asked my religion on a form, I write humanity.” This statement not only reflects her secular outlook but also her belief in universal human values.
Tabassum passed away on November 18, 2022, but her legacy lives on. Tabassum’s name, meaning ‘smile’ in Urdu, perfectly encapsulates the essence of her being and the impact she had on the world of entertainment. She will always be remembered as the lady with the rose in her hair who brought a smile to everyone’s face.
Tabassum on IMDB
