New Delhi: The audiences have missed Zohra Sehgal in last 4-5 years as she has not appeared in any film since 2007, but they don't need to feel disappointed as it's just a matter of time before Sehgal arrives with another palette of emotions. The age defying talent has completed 100 years, and she is still more active than many of her juniors. Watch any of her interviews for proof. Sentiments flow on her face like dew drops on the petals of gladiolus flower.
Just recall the scene from 'Cheeni Kum' where she explains the bodies of foreign actors or the dance she does in 'Dil Se', the enthusiasm of living a life full of hope and contentment gets infused into the audiences.
The lady who is still like a child to Amitabh Bachchan (she played his mother in 'Cheeni Kum') was born in 1912, a year before 'Raja Harishchandra' (first Indian film). Her tryst with the performing art started in 1935 when she began dancing with Uday Shankar.
Sehgal's stint in films started with 'Dharti Ke Lal' in 1946. extremely acclaimed and one of the status defining films in the history of Indian films 'Neecha Nagar' came in the same year. A string of films followed before Zohra became one of the initial actors who realised the true potential of the small screen. Her first TV programme 'Doctor Who' (1964-65) initiated a journey that is still continued. In the process, she featured in some of the most famous TV series such as 'Mind Your Language', 'The Jewel in the Crown', and 'Tandoori Nights'. There was a time when Zohra Sehgal was the only face storytellers were looking for whenever they had to recreate a Punjabi family.
The grand old lady of Indian films was blessed to work with some of the legends in her youth (her youth is still intact). From choreographing songs for Guru Dutt and Raj Kapoor to acting under the guidance of James Ivory of Merchant Ivory Productions, she remained the same ecstatic learner who wants to speak up her mind in just one sentence.
Husband Kameshwar Nath Sehgal's demise in 1969 made an impact on her life but she came back to theatre once she rearranged the pieces of her broken heart.
An atheist in her youth, Zohra fought cancer bravely, and has emerged winner. The lady's passion is contagious and she is expected to keep the spectators enthralled with her fascinating one liners.
IBNLive wishes her a long and cheerful life ahead. Happy birthday Zohra Sehgal.
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