Nutan
Indian actress noted for naturalistic portrayals of conflicted women.
Nutan Samarth-Bahl (4 June 1936 – 21 February 1991), known mononymously as Nutan, was an Indian actress who worked in Hindi films. Regarded as one of the finest actresses in the history of Indian cinema, she was noted for her naturalistic acting in parts of conflicted women often deemed unconventional. In a career spanning four decades, she appeared in more than 80 films, ranging in genre from urban romances to socio-realist dramas. She was the recipient of seven Filmfare Awards, including a then-record five Filmfare Awards for Best Actress. In 1974, Nutan received the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award.
- born
- 4 June 1936, Bombay
- died
- 21 February 1991, breast cancer
- field
- Actress (Hindi films)
- nationality
- Indian
- known_for
- Naturalistic acting, five Filmfare Awards for Best Actress, Padma Shri (1974)
Lore & Background
Nutan was born in Bombay to filmmaker Kumarsen Samarth and film actress Shobhna Samarth. She started her career at age 14 in the 1950 film Hamari Beti, directed by her mother. Her role in Seema (1955) brought wider recognition and her first Filmfare Award for Best Actress. She went on to win the award four more times for Sujata (1959), Bandini (1963), Milan (1967), and Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki (1978). She also won a sixth Filmfare Award, in the Best Supporting Actress category, for Meri Jung (1985).
Nutan was married to naval Lieutenant-Commander Rajnish Bahl from 1959 until her death. Their only child, son Mohnish Bahl, is an actor. She was the eldest of four children; her sisters include actress Tanuja, and her nieces include actresses Kajol and Tanishaa Mukerji. As a child, she attended Villa Theresa School and Baldwin Girls' High School in Bangalore, and later studied at a finishing school in Switzerland. She took classical music lessons for four years under Jagannath Prasad.
Reader's Guide
Nutan's significance lies in her record-setting five Filmfare Awards for Best Actress, a mark later tied by her niece Kajol. Her performance in Bandini (1963) is frequently cited as one of the finest in Indian cinema, earning her career-best reviews and a place in lists of iconic performances. She was one of the few actresses of her generation to continue playing leading roles into her 40s, with success in films like Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki (1978). Her naturalistic acting style and choice of roles portraying conflicted women set her apart in Hindi cinema. She received the Padma Shri in 1974, and her work in the 1980s included character roles, notably a Filmfare-winning supporting performance in Meri Jung (1985). Her legacy endures through her films and her influence on subsequent generations of actors.
Did You Know?
- Nutan won a then-record five Filmfare Awards for Best Actress, later tied by her niece Kajol.
- She was crowned Miss Mussoorie at the 1952 Femina Miss India contest.
- She sang the song 'Tujhe Kaisa Dulha Bhaaye Re' for the film Hamari Beti (1950).
- Nutan was pregnant during the making of Bandini (1963).
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