In today’s weekend blog, I am continuing with the topic I started a few weeks back about the actresses who made their debut in the 1960s and who attained superstardom. In this series, the last actress is SHARMILA TAGORE. She is one of the most celebrated actresses in Indian cinema, known for her beauty, elegance, versatility and remarkable performances.
Her cinematic journey began with legendary director Satyajit Ray in Bengali film Apur Sansar, when she was 14. Later she went on to work with Ray in films such as Devi(1960), Nayak(1966) and Aranyer Din Ratri (1970).
She entered Hindi cinema with ‘Kashmir Ki Kali’ (1964 opposite Shammi Kapoor. The film was a massive success and transformed into Bollywood star. Throughout 1960s and 1970s, she appeared in many hit films including: Anupma (1966), Devar (1966), An Evening in Paris (1967), Aradhana (1969), Safar (1970), Amar Prem (1972), Daag (1973), Chupke Chupke (1975) and Mausam (1976).
One of the defining moments of her career came with Aradhana, directed by Shakti Samanta. The music of the film became super hit and songs like ‘Roop Tera Mastana..’, ‘Kora Kaagaz Tha Yeh Man Mera…’, ‘Mere Sapnon Ki Rani Tu Kab Aayegi..’ are still popular.
She was considered a trendsetter in the 1960s; she generated controversy by appearing in a bikini on the cover of Filmfare magazine.
In 1969, she married cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, captain of the Indian cricket team. The couple had three children Saif Ali Khan (actor), Saba Ali Khan (jewellery designer) and Soha Ali Khan(actor, author).
In the 1980s, she shifted to character roles and continued to act in films and other media platforms.
She won the National Award for Best Actress in the film Mausam, and won the Best Actress Filmfare award for Aradhana. She was also honoured with Padma Bhushan in 2013.
She also served as the Chairperson pf Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)
Her career represents a rare blend of artistic excellence, commercial success, and personal dignity.
In the end, Sharmila Tagore occupies a unique place in the history of Indian cinema. A gifted actress, cultural icon, and trailblazer, she successfully bridged the worlds of parallel and mainstream cinema.
Here are some of my favourite songs picturised on her with their YouTube links:
1 Yeh Dekh Ke Dil Jhooma, Lee Pyar Ne Angdai– Kashmir Ki Kali 1964(Film-F). Mohd Rafi & Asha Bhosle (Singers-S), SH Bihari (lyricist-l), OP Nayyar (Music Director-MD). On screen with Shammi Kapoor.
https://youtu.be/O0I61W2pMss?si=8ykT8dCf2YTip3IC
2 Kuch Aisi Bhi Baatein Hoti Hain– Anupama 1966 (F). Lata Mangeshkar (S), Kaifi Azmi (L), Hemant Kumar (MD)
https://youtu.be/69dnqIFfrnE?si=1m1hoqnJo2WJLHQs
3 Jara Haule Haule Chalo More Sajana– Sawan Ki Ghata 1966 (F), Asha Bhosle (S), SH Bihari (L), OP Nayyar (MD).
https://youtu.be/4e-I6IDBgK0?si=-SrfLPx6kV4xrxbB
4 Raat Ke Humsafar, Thak Ke Ghar Ko Chalen– An Evening in Paris 1967 (F). Mohd Rafi & Asha Bhosle (S), Hasrat Jaipuri (L), Shankar Jaikishan (MD). On screen with Shammi Kapoor.
https://youtu.be/4e-I6IDBgK0?si=-SrfLPx6kV4xrxbB
5 Palkon Ke Peeche Se Kya Tumne Keh Dala, Phir Se to Farmana– Talaash 1969 (F). Mohd Rafi & Lata Mangeshkar (S), Majrooh Sultanpuri (L), SD Burman (MD). On screen with Rajendra Kumar.
https://youtu.be/BkgK5-T5WNY?si=FwEaEDmZsDSTcl2c
6 Gunguna Rahen Hain Bhanware, Khil Rahi Hai Kali Kali– Aradhana 1969 (F). Mohd Rafi & Asha Bhosle (S), Anand Bakshi (L), SD Burman (MD). On screen with Rajesh Khanna.
https://youtu.be/l5ZSoNAXnVc?si=gfahs9VPl9T86jKO
7 Raina Beeti Jaaye, Shyam Na Aaye– Amar Prem 1972 (F), Lata Mangeshkar (S), Anand Bakshi (L), RD burman (MD).
https://youtu.be/vl1XkstVXn8?si=a7n_J5x37uYTEuJN
8 Main Ek Chor Tu Meri Rani– Raja Rani 1973 (F). Lata Mangeshkar & Kishore Kumar (S), Anand Bakshi (L), RD Burman (MD). On screen with Rajesh Khanna
https://youtu.be/nd1I5VV-nLI?si=fOzxhrMltHh5aRm0
9 Jab Bhi Jee Chahe, Nayi Duniya basa Lete Hain Log– Daag 1973 (F). Lata Mangeshkar (S), Sahir Ludhianvi (L), Laxmikant Pyarelal (MD)
https://youtu.be/nm6drB5O-OY?si=cVPopZ-kRVBc5gip
10 Dil Se Dil Milne Ka Koi Karan Hoga– Charitraheen 1974 (F). Lata Mangeshkar & Kishore Kumar (S), Anand bakshi (L), Rd Burman (MD). On screen with Sanjeev Kumar.
https://youtu.be/KofAErv9R1s?si=ZqZBXUrRwC5-SSSi
11 Ab Ke Sajan Sawan Mein, Aag Lagegi Badan Mein– Chupke Chupke 1975 (F). Lata Mangeshkar (S), Anand Bakshi (L), SD Burman (MD).
https://youtu.be/lG3PGA6phv0?si=0KymXJ63h6jglcZJ
12 Dil Dhoondta Hai Fursut Ke Raat Din– Mausam 1976 (F), Bhupendra & Lata Mangeshkar (S), Gulzar (L), Madan Mohan (MD). On screen with Sanjeev Kumar.
https://youtu.be/2RL0XVbs3Us?si=EAU2c7kWYXLUL2hd
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
20th June 2026