In an era when women did not have much freedom to enter the world of acting, one actress made a name for herself in cinema with just a handful of films. She was unparalleled not only in acting but also in singing. This actress and singer was Rattan Bai. Although few people today may recognise her name, she was a prominent and influential figure in the 1930s. Even within her brief acting career, she left an indelible mark on cinema.
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Bravery Shown in Cinema by Rattan Bai
Bollywood actress Kajol’s great-grandmother was once a prominent figure in cinema; she earned acclaim in both singing and acting.
Rattan Bai began her career in cinema at a time when acting was not considered a respectable profession, especially for women. Yet, she entered the field and earned acclaim. She launched her career with the 1933 film Yahudi Ki Ladki, in which she played the role of Hena.
Subsequently, she worked in several films, including Rajrani Meera, Bhikharan, Bharat Ki Beti, and Hind Mahila. Over a career spanning approximately 12 years, she acted in only 17 films.
Kajol’s Maternal Great-Grandmother Was a ‘Bhajan Queen’
Apart from acting, Rattan Bai was also an accomplished singer; she is remembered for her bhajans (devotional songs). She not only wrote the lyrics but also composed the melodies and performed the songs herself. According to Wikipedia, she used to write and send bhajans to her friends so that they could sing along with her on the occasion of Shivratri.
The bhajan “Tere Poojan Ko Bhagwan, Bana Mandir Alishan” from the 1936 film Bharat Ki Beti was sung by Rattan Bai; she also penned its lyrics. To this day, the song is considered a cult classic.
Kajol Follows in Her Great-Grandmother’s Footsteps
Rattan Bai’s daughter, Shobhna Samarth, carried forward the legacy her mother had established, earning great acclaim in cinema herself. Subsequently, Nutan, Tanuja, and later Kajol and Tanishaa Mukerji achieved fame and success in the world of acting. It is worth noting that Rattan Bai was Kajol’s great-grandmother.
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