Nargis Dutt (born Fatima Rashid) June 1, 1929 – May 3, 1981, is a well-known Indian actress who made a name globally for her much acclaimed acting. She was also a member of parliament and a social service activist. She was married to well-known actor Sunil Dutt and has three children –Sanjay Dutt, actor, Namrata Dutt, married to Kumar Gaurav, Actor and Priya Dutt, Politician.

Nargis was born as Fatima Rashid in Calcutta to Abdul Rashid, formerly Mohanchand Uttamchand Tyagi who was a Mohiyal or a Hussaeni Brahman. Nargis’s mother’s ancestors were also Hindus who later converted to Islam. She was also an accomplished Hindustani classical music singer and one of the early pioneers of Indian cinema.

Nargis Dutt:- Opened Her Acting Stint At The Age Of Six

Nargis started her film career at the tender age of six. However, her first break in films came at the age of 14 when she appeared in Mehboob Khan’s”Taqdeer”, opposite Motilal. The film was a box office success, and she was extensively praised for her performance. In 1949 she appeared in the much acclaimed “Andaz” produced by Mehboob Khan. The film explored for the first time mature subject of infidelity. The film starred Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor. It was also the first hit film of Raj Kapoor.

Raj Kapoor was impressed by the performance of Nargis in “Andaaz” decided to cast her in ‘Awaara”. The rest as they say is history. It started a long association and it was to shape the future of Bollywood. “Awara” was special in many ways. It was a film which saw Nargis dons a swimsuit, something unheard of in those times. The film also showcased a newly independent nation which was slowly finding its feet.

Raj Kapoor and Nargis got involved romantically and the relationship continued for 9 years before it ended. Raj Kapoor was married and refused to divorce his wife. Raj Kapoor and Nargis went on to act together in 16 films during the span of 10 years.

Nargis Dutt:-Nominated For ‘Mother India’

The next important turn in the life of Nargis came with “Mother India” produced by Mehboob Khan. The film earned an Oscar Nomination and Nargis also met her future husband, Sunil Dutt. Nargis married Sunil Dutt and there was hiatus to her Film Career.

Nargis became seriously ill in on August 2, while attending the Parliament. She was rushed to the hospital and after a series of tests was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer She was treated at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. She was diagnosed with third stage cancer. She responded to treatment and was soon fit t be discharged and return to Mumbai. However after some time she fell ill again and went into a coma and breathed her last on May 3, 1981