Zohra Sehgal: Bollywood Icon’s Legacy
Zohra Sehgal was a renowned Indian actress, dancer, and choreographer. Born in 1912, she began her career as a dancer with Uday Shankar’s troupe and later transitioned to acting. With a career spanning over seven decades, Sehgal became a beloved figure in Indian cinema, known for her versatility and charismatic performances.
Biography
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Zohra Mumtaz Sehgal |
| Birthdate | 27 April 1912 |
| Death Date | 10 July 2014 |
| Profession | Actress, Dancer, Choreographer |
| Notable Films | Neecha Nagar, Afsar (1946), Bhaji on the Beach (1992), The Mystic Masseur (2001), Bend It Like Beckham (2002), Dil Se.. (1998), Saaya (2003), Veer-Zara (2004), Saawariya, Cheeni Kum (2007) |
| Notable TV Serials | The Jewel in the Crown (1984), Tandoori Nights (1985–87), Amma and Family (1996) |
| Awards | Padma Shri (1998), Kalidas Samman (2001), Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (2004), Padma Vibhushan (2010) |
| Death Cause | Cardiac Arrest |
Early Life
Zohra Sehgal was born in Rampur, in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, into a family of Rohilla Pathan Muslims. She grew up in a traditional Muslim household in Chakrata, present-day Uttarakhand, with six siblings named Zakullah, Hajrah, Ikramullah, Uzra (also known as Uzra Butt), Amina, and Sabra. Zohra described herself as a tomboy who enjoyed outdoor games and climbing trees during her childhood. After her husband’s suicide, Zohra first moved to Delhi and then went to London in search of opportunities. She faced challenges in getting roles as a dancer or actress and took on odd jobs to sustain herself. Throughout her life, she defied the barriers of religion, age, and gender, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cinema and the performing arts.
Family
| Parents | Sahibzadi Zohra Begum Mumtaz-ullah Khan (Mother) | Unnamed Father | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Siblings | Zakullah | Hajrah | Ikramullah | Uzra (Uzra Butt) | Anna | Sabira |
Zohra Sehgal, the celebrated Indian actress, was raised in a traditional Muslim household in Chakrata (present-day Uttarakhand). She was the third of seven children – Zakullah, Hajrah, Ikramullah, Uzra, Anna, and Sabira. Her upbringing was marked by a strong cultural influence and she displayed tomboyish behavior in her childhood. She lost vision in her left eye due to glaucoma at the age of one. Her family background and early life experiences greatly shaped her career and personality.
Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | Not available |
| Weight | Not available |
| Eye Color | Not available |
| Body Measurements | Not available |
Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend
Zohra Sehgal married Kameshwar Segal, who was her young student, and they had a loving relationship. They had two children. Kameshwar Segal was described as a versatile talent who was a jack of all trades but who could master none. Zohra Sehgal and Kameshwar Segal both held non-religious beliefs. Zohra Sehgal passed away on July 10, 2014.
Zohra Sehgal’s previous relationships are not widely documented. There is no public information available about any previous wives, husbands, girlfriends, or boyfriends she might have had.
Career, Achievements And Controversies
Zohra Mumtaz Sehgal was an Indian actress, dancer, and choreographer. She began her career as a member of a contemporary dance troupe and later transitioned to acting.
Zohra Sehgal became famous for her exceptional talent, hard work, and dedication to her craft. She made significant contributions to Indian cinema and culture through her memorable performances. Some of her popular works include “Cheeni Kum,” “Bhaji on the Beach,” and “Dil Se.”
Zohra Sehgal received numerous awards for her outstanding performances, including the Padma Shri, Kalidas Samman, and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
Zohra Sehgal’s career was not marred by any significant controversies. She was known for her professionalism and dedication to her work, earning respect and admiration from her peers and audiences alike.
Faq
Who Was Zohra Sehgal?
Zohra Sehgal was an Indian actress, dancer, and choreographer who gained recognition for her contributions to Indian and international cinema.
When Was Zohra Sehgal Born?
Zohra Sehgal was born on April 27, 1912.
What Are Some Of Zohra Sehgal’s Notable Works?
Zohra Sehgal appeared in numerous films, including “Cheeni Kum,” “Bhaji on the Beach,” “Dil Se..,” and “The Mistress of Spices.” She also had a successful stage career and performed in various dance productions.
Did Zohra Sehgal Receive Any Awards Or Honors?
Yes, Zohra Sehgal was honored with several awards, including the Padma Shri, Padma Vibhushan, and the Kalidas Samman. She also received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for her contribution to Indian dance.
When Did Zohra Sehgal Pass Away?
Zohra Sehgal passed away on July 10, 2014, at the age of 102.
