And therefore I wanted to make this thread appreciating the
Indian Beauties of past
These beauties are from my cinematic memories
Sorry if you were expecting Indian Pageant Queens
Growing up in late Nineties and early 2000s I watched a lot of Black and White cinema
The movies from the Golden age
Guru Dutt, Raj Kapoor, Meena Kumari, Madhu Bala.......etc....all had an indelible effect on me
The talent, charisma and beauty of our leading ladies back than was unmatchable
Bringing some of these memories to you below
MADHUBALA
Her beauty and charisma had an spell bounding effect
My first introduction to her was the famous Mughal-e-Azam and did she wow me
Hollywood wanted her too, but she chose to work only in India
WAHEEDA REHMAN
Chaudhvin Ka Chand was an amazing experience, first of all it was a Guru Dutt film and because Waheeda was a treat to watch
Kaagaz ke Phool, Sahib Biwi aur Ghulam etc. all are cinematic masterpieces and Waheeda is a reason for that as well
Her CHARM and GRACE were a magnet for me
MEENA KUMARI
Probably one of the best actors to ever grace this planet
Her acting talent was out of this world
She redefined role of female actors in her era
Sadly she left us too soon
I often find myself staring into her eyes while watching songs from her last movie Pakeezah
God I miss her, If I could only meet her once
REKHA
Although she is one of the actors who is still active in the industry but her appearances in movies are seldom.
My earliest memories of her are from Khoon Bhari Maang, Umrav Jaan and Silsila.
She commands such power on screen that you're just left in awe.
Her interview with Simi Garewal was an experience in itself. Her journey is so unique and inspiring.
JAYA BHADURI
She was most active in movies before she became Jaya Bachchan
And she saw tremendous success
Everyone remembers Basanti or Thakur or Gabbar from Sholay
But my favourite was Jaya and her equation with Amitabh. This part of the movie was so understated, yet so powerful.
I distinctly remember her in Abhimaan and Guddi.
SHABANA AZMI
She is standing right up there with Meena Kumari among the greatest actors of all time
Her work in Ankur, Fire, Arth...in all her movies is great. Watching her act is almost inspiring.
She has the most National awards.
She redefined beauty standards and had supported the independent art cinema throughout her career.
If I am not mistaken she is the first Indian actress to portray a Lesbian love scene along with Nandita Das in Hindi cinema
Not only her acting, but her views, her thoughts are inspiring as well.
I am so glad that she is still doing movies. Neerja was so good.
ZEENAT AMAN
She is Miss Asia Pacific 1970
She made the Indian leading lady sexy.
She brought much needed sensuality and sexuality to the silver screen without ever seeming into vulgar.
Hare Krishna Hare Raam, Satyam Shivam Sundaram and Haaye Haaye ye majboori(She made Sari so sexy in that song, much before Sushmita brought it back) are etched in my memory forever.
This list can go on and on
....But i am going to stop now.
I Hope I brought back some of your good memories.