Sometimes, destiny has a way of surprising us, giving people what they never even dreamed of. One such story belongs to actress Latika, whose life reads like a film script. Born in Tibet and raised in Darjeeling, she went from a difficult childhood to achieving name and fame in Mumbai’s film industry. Her story is one of resilience, hope, and unexpected turns that changed her life forever.
Who was Latika before Bollywood found her?
Latika’s real name was Hangu Lamu. Her father was Australian, and her mother was from Tibet. Life took a tragic turn when she lost her father at a young age. Her mother remarried and, in a heartbreaking move, left her in an orphanage run by Scottish missionaries. It was there that Latika grew up and later embraced Christianity.
Despite her struggles, she remained curious about the world outside. Her life took another unexpected turn when her stepfather was transferred to Mumbai, and the family relocated to the city that would one day make her famous.
How did she step into the world of films?
Interestingly, Latika never planned to become an actress. Acting wasn’t even on her mind. But fate intervened again, this time in the form of a neighbour who was a Kathak dancer. That dancer believed Latika had the charm and grace to shine on the big screen. Encouraged by her, Latika decided to give it a try.
Together, they visited Minerva Studio, where destiny awaited her in the form of actor-director Sohrab Modi, one of the most respected figures of Indian cinema during the 1930s to 1960s. Impressed by her presence, Modi not only gave her a role but also changed her name to “Latika”, believing it would help her connect better with audiences.
Her rise to stardom
Latika made her film debut with “Parakh” (1944), produced and directed by Sohrab Modi. Her expressive eyes and natural acting style caught everyone’s attention. Soon, she was seen sharing the screen with legends like Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar, carving a place for herself in Bollywood’s golden era.
Her role opposite Raj Kapoor in the 1948 film “Gopinath”, directed by Mahesh Kaul, earned her critical appreciation. The film also starred Tripti Mitra and was one of the defining moments of her career.
Why did she leave films?
At the peak of her career, when she could have gone on to become one of the biggest names in Indian cinema, Latika chose love over stardom. She fell in love with popular comedian Gopi and decided to marry him. After their marriage, Latika quietly stepped away from the limelight, choosing a peaceful life away from the glamour of the silver screen.
From being abandoned as a child to becoming a celebrated actress, Latika’s story is nothing short of cinematic. She lived many lives within one: an orphan, a star, and finally, a woman who chose love above all else.
Highlights:
- Latika was born as Hangu Lamu to a Tibetan mother and an Australian father.
- Director Sohrab Modi discovered her and renamed her “Latika” for the screen.
- After working with Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar, she left films to marry comedian Gopi.