Meet actress who was once Bollywood’s highest-paid star, ruled silver screen, had surprising connection with Nepal, she is…
Before Bollywood learned to celebrate women-centric stories, one actress had already set the tone: Mala Sinha. Known as the “Daring Diva” and “Torchbearer of Women’s Cinema,” she wasn’t just another face in the crowd; she was the face of courage, conviction, and class during an era dominated by male stars.
Mala Sinha’s career stretched across decades, languages, and generations, from Hindi and Bengali cinema to a memorable Nepali film. She worked with some of the biggest names in Indian film history, yet always managed to stand tall on her own merit.
What was Mala Sinha’s connection with Nepal?
Few know that Mala Sinha’s roots trace back to Nepal. Her parents were Nepali Christians who later settled in West Bengal, where she was born and raised. Though she grew up in Kolkata, her heart and heritage always carried a piece of Nepal within.
Interestingly, her original name was Alda. But childhood wasn’t all rosy; her classmates often teased her, calling her “Dalda” instead. Hurt but determined, she eventually changed her name to Baby Najma when she began acting as a child artist. As she grew up and stepped into mainstream cinema, Mala Sinha was born, a name that would one day become iconic.
How did Mala Sinha’s journey begin in films?
Mala Sinha started her career with Bengali films before making her Hindi debut with Badshah. She also appeared in Ekadashi, but both films went unnoticed. Her breakthrough came with Kishore Sahu’s Hamlet, where her performance won hearts and box office success alike.
From there, there was no looking back. Mala shared screens with legends like Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand, Kishore Kumar, Shammi Kapoor, Rajendra Kumar, Dharmendra, Sunil Dutt, and Amitabh Bachchan. Despite working alongside such stalwarts, she often outshone them because her characters were written with depth, strength, and emotion rarely seen in that time.
What made Mala Sinha’s roles stand out?
At a time when most actresses played ornamental roles, Mala Sinha’s characters had substance. She wasn’t just the heroine; she was the story. Her films explored complex emotions, social issues, and women’s strength, proving that female leads could carry a film just as powerfully as any hero.
Between 1958 and 1965, she ranked among the highest-paid actresses in Bollywood. Even later, from 1966 to 1973, she continued to remain among the top three. That kind of stardom, especially for a woman in that era, speaks volumes about her impact.
Did she work beyond Bollywood?
Yes. Mala Sinha explored regional cinema and even starred in the Nepali film Maitighar, her only one in that language. She also featured in several Bengali films that showcased her artistic range beyond Hindi cinema.
Her last film was Zid (1994), marking the end of a remarkable career that had seen her win numerous awards and the hearts of millions.
Her legacy
Even decades later, Mala Sinha’s name evokes admiration. Her courage to choose strong female roles at a time when few dared to, her grace in every frame, and her versatility across languages all make her a timeless legend. Fans still remember her as the woman who didn’t just act but also inspired.
Highlights:
- Mala Sinha was among Bollywood’s top-paid actresses from 1958 to 1973.
- She worked across Hindi, Bengali, and Nepali cinema.
- Originally named Alda, she changed her name after being teased in school.
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