This actress used to hate Raj Kapoor, earned Rs 1 for her first movie, became a star, faced poverty, died a lonely death, she was...

Bollywood has seen various superstars who, without any doubt, left a lasting impact on the audience. Similarly, there is one actress who became famous for her name, which apparently turned into a haircut. If this doesn't ring a bell, then let us tell you — we are talking about none other than the late actress Sadhana.
Sadhana was one of those actresses whose pictures were displayed at many barber shops and beauty parlours — why? Because of the haircut people requested, which eventually was named after the actress.
Born in Karachi on September 2, 1941, Anjali Shivdasani, popularly known as Sadhana, moved to Bombay with her family at the age of 7 during the Partition of India. Sadhana was born into a family of actors.
Sadhana's father was the elder brother of actor Hari Shivdasani (actress Babita's father). She is the aunt of Karisma Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor Khan. During her college days, Sadhana's family faced financial troubles.
Sadhana always knew she wanted to be an actress. Her inspiration was Nutan, and she was also a big fan of Dev Anand. As a teenager, Sadhana appeared as an extra in the chorus group and danced alongside Raj Kapoor in the song Mur Mur Ke Na Dekh, Mur Mur Ke from Shree 420 (1955). Paid Rs 1 for a Film
Did you know that Sadhana was paid only Rs 1 for a film? Yes, when she was 15, she was approached by producers who cast her in India's first Sindhi film titled Abaana (1958), and for that, she was paid Rs 1. Sadhana's Retirement and Death
Sadhana fell in love with Simla director Ram Krishna Nayyar. The duo were together until Ram passed away in 1995 due to asthma. In the late 1960s, Sadhana developed thyroid-related health issues, for which she underwent treatment in Boston. She later retired in 1974.
If reports are to be believed, Sadhana suffered from eye problems due to hyperthyroidism.
In her final years, Sadhana battled illness and had to undergo emergency surgery for a bleeding oral lesion. She passed away on December 25, 2015, at Hinduja Hospital in Mumbai after being admitted with a high fever. Tragically, Bollywood's beloved Mystery Girl died a lonely death.

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India.com

5 hours ago

• India.com

This actress used to hate Raj Kapoor, earned Rs 1 for her first movie, became a star, faced poverty, died a lonely death, she was...

Bollywood has seen various superstars who, without any doubt, left a lasting impact on the audience. Similarly, there is one actress who became famous for her name, which apparently turned into a haircut. If this doesn't ring a bell, then let us tell you — we are talking about none other than the late actress Sadhana. Sadhana was one of those actresses whose pictures were displayed at many barber shops and beauty parlours — why? Because of the haircut people requested, which eventually was named after the actress. Born in Karachi on September 2, 1941, Anjali Shivdasani, popularly known as Sadhana, moved to Bombay with her family at the age of 7 during the Partition of India. Sadhana was born into a family of actors. Sadhana's father was the elder brother of actor Hari Shivdasani (actress Babita's father). She is the aunt of Karisma Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor Khan. During her college days, Sadhana's family faced financial troubles. Sadhana always knew she wanted to be an actress. Her inspiration was Nutan, and she was also a big fan of Dev Anand. As a teenager, Sadhana appeared as an extra in the chorus group and danced alongside Raj Kapoor in the song Mur Mur Ke Na Dekh, Mur Mur Ke from Shree 420 (1955). Paid Rs 1 for a Film Did you know that Sadhana was paid only Rs 1 for a film? Yes, when she was 15, she was approached by producers who cast her in India's first Sindhi film titled Abaana (1958), and for that, she was paid Rs 1. Sadhana's Retirement and Death Sadhana fell in love with Simla director Ram Krishna Nayyar. The duo were together until Ram passed away in 1995 due to asthma. In the late 1960s, Sadhana developed thyroid-related health issues, for which she underwent treatment in Boston. She later retired in 1974. If reports are to be believed, Sadhana suffered from eye problems due to hyperthyroidism. In her final years, Sadhana battled illness and had to undergo emergency surgery for a bleeding oral lesion. She passed away on December 25, 2015, at Hinduja Hospital in Mumbai after being admitted with a high fever. Tragically, Bollywood's beloved Mystery Girl died a lonely death.

Indian Express

14 hours ago

• Indian Express

Bollywood's ‘mystery girl' died poor and alone, entangled in legal battles and failing health

Far beneath the glossy surface, beyond all the glitz and glam, lies a layer in Bollywood stained by the blood, sweat and tears of countless people who are now long forgotten. While the 'hard work' of those at the top is often spotlighted and hailed, the gruelling struggles of many others rarely reach the public eye, simply because they didn't succeed. They are unfairly judged as 'failures' and subsequently ignored. But history does not belong to the victors alone; it belongs to those who couldn't finish the race as well. And one such star, who once soared higher than any of her peers but eventually died a forgotten figure, was veteran actor Sadhana Shivdasani (known mononymously as Sadhana), whose life was nothing short of a tragic tale. 'Death proved to be a salvation for her,' late actor and talk show host Tabassum emotionally told SCREEN when Sadhana passed away at the age of 74 in 2015. Tabassum wasn't wrong. Not only had Sadhana's health significantly deteriorated by then, but she was also struggling financially, with no one to support her. Both the industry and her so-called 'fans' turned a blind eye to her, and Bollywood's 'Mystery Girl' took her last breath in desolation. Tabassum revealed that only a few from the industry, friends and relatives came to bid her farewell. Don't Miss | Legendary Bollywood music composer lived as paying guest in final years, banned family from attending funeral Born on September 2, 1941, in Karachi to a Sindhi family, Sadhana's family moved to India after the Partition in 1947, when she was just six years old. 'We moved from Delhi to Benaras to Calcutta before settling down in Mumbai in 1950,' author-columnist Dinesh Raheja quoted her in a 2012 article for 'Main apne mohalle ki dada hua karti thi (I was a bully in my neighbourhood). I was a tomboy. I made the best maanja, and I would fly kites while an aide of mine would hold the firki.' After settling in Mumbai, she was enrolled at the Auxilium Convent School in Wadala. 'Even while in school, I had made up my mind that as soon as I finished my schooling, I would become an actress,' she once told Star and Style magazine. With that firm dream, she eventually joined the Filmalaya School of Acting, where she met director RK Nayyar — whom she later married — while he was preparing to direct Love in Simla (1960). It was Sashadhar Mukherjee, the owner of Filmalaya Studio, who spotted her in an advertisement and got her enrolled in the acting school. Interestingly, Love in Simla, which Mukherjee himself produced, marked the debut of both his son Joy Mukherjee and Sadhana as leading stars. Although she had previously made an appearance in a song in Raj Kapoor's Shree 420 (1955) as a child artiste, and in the Sindhi film Abana, it was Love in Simla that gave her her first major break. The film was a massive success, and her Audrey Hepburn-inspired 'Sadhana fringe' became a trendsetter, establishing her as a fashion icon. From Bimal Roy's Parakh (1960) and Amarjeet's Hum Dono (1961), where she starred opposite Dev Anand, to Krishnan–Panju's Man-Mauji (1962) with Kishore Kumar and Raj Khosla's Ek Musafir Ek Hasina (1962), which marked her reunion with Joy Mukherjee, everything she touched turned to gold. Of the 19 releases she had in the 1960s, a whopping 11 were reportedly hits. Thus, she quickly became a formidable force in Bollywood. In her early days, she was bound by a three-year contract with Filmalaya. 'I was paid Rs 750 a month for the first year, Rs 1,500 a month for the second year, and Rs 3,000 a month for the third year,' she recalled, highlighting her rapid ascent to stardom. Even at the peak of her fame, she maintained warm relationships with her co-stars, particularly Rajendra Kumar, with whom she worked in HS Rawail's Mere Mehboob (1963). She once shared that he often called her 'Bhapa' (elder brother in Punjabi). Her mother even expressed a desire to see her married to 'someone like Rajendra Kumar.' But by then, Sadhana had fallen deeply in love with RK Nayyar. In fact, Rajendra Kumar shared a close bond with both of them. She once named Rajendra Kumar, Sunil Dutt and Shammi Kapoor as her favourite heroes to work with. She also described Dev Anand, her Asli Naqli and Hum Dono co-star, as 'like a charged battery — a mini dynamo.' 'I really cannot talk much about my female co-stars because I cannot make friends very easily. And even when I made friends, I preferred the males to the females. Sitting and talking about household chores was not interesting to me then. I hardly knew anything about it. So at parties and premieres, I was always with the male crowd,' she told Star and Style magazine. Amid all this, her love for RK Nayyar endured. They eventually tied the knot in 1966. 'I was friendly with Nayyar right from my first film, and though we lost touch with each other for a couple of years in between, it was always only Nayyar for me. I remember how my parents put their foot down and said no initially. After all, I was just 17 when I married him.' But her happiness was short-lived. In the late 1960s, she began battling hyperthyroidism. Not only did it affect her health, but it also forced her to step away from acting to begin treatment, costing her several roles that would have helped her soar more. Although a sport, she was hurt when director HS Rawail replaced her in Sunghursh (1968) without informing her. 'After I signed Sunghursh, my thyroid problem cropped up. So I called Mr Rawail and told him to sign another heroine. He dismissed it with 'If I could wait so long for you for Mere Mehboob, I can wait for Sunghursh too.' However, five days later, I read a huge ad in the SCREEN newspaper declaring Vyjayanthimala as the heroine of the film. It hurt. I didn't talk to Mr HS Rawail thereafter.' Sunghursh featured legendary actor Dilip Kumar as the male lead. Also Read | Inside Vivek Oberoi's Dubai home: The 'money-man' with net worth of Rs 1200 crore who grows 'kadhi patta' and collects 'desi' art During this period, she also lost the chance to work in Raj Kapoor's Around the World (1967). Though she returned with hits like Intaqam (1969) and Ek Phool Do Mali (1969) after the treatment, offers gradually began to dry up in the 1970s. Before slowly stepping away from acting, she tried her hand at direction as well with Geetaa Mera Naam (1974), featuring herself, Sunil Dutt, Feroz Khan and Helen. Soon, Sadhana quietly exited the limelight. Her final film, Ulfat Ki Nayi Manzilein, was released much later in 1994. Tragedy struck her again in 1995 when RK Nayyar passed away due to asthma, leaving her completely alone, as the couple had no children. Sadly, this wasn't by choice. 'I have very few regrets — losing my baby was one of them,' she told Raheja, revealing yet another painful chapter of her life. Though she once preferred male company, in her final years she grew close to contemporaries like Waheeda Rehman, Nanda, Asha Parekh and Helen, who became her emotional support system. The group met for lunch every month, offering her some solace. In her last years, however, she also became entangled in legal battles. There were three cases involving Sadhana. While one was filed against her by the landlord of her Santacruz building, Yusuf Lakdawala, another was filed by her against the same landlord, alleging harassment. The third was a defamation case that emerged from the dispute, filed by Lakdawala against her. By then, Sadhana was struggling both financially and physically, unable to keep up with her health expenses and legal costs. Though she pleaded for help, no one came to her aid. Sadhana breathed her last at a Mumbai hospital on December 25, 2015, after a brief illness.

Hindustan Times

15-06-2025

• Hindustan Times

Father's Day 2025: From Salman Khan to Alia Bhatt, 8 Bollywood star kids who surpassed their fathers in stardom

In the ever-evolving world of Bollywood, lineage has often opened doors, but sustaining success in the industry depends on talent. While many star kids grow under the shadow of their parents, only a few of them are able to carve a niche for themselves. On the occasion of Father's Day, here's a look at Bollywood star kids who outshone their fathers and emerged as icons in their own right. (Also Read: 6 heartwarming films to watch with your dad on Father's Day, and where to stream them) Today, star kids are constantly scrutinised for their privilege, but a few of them have carved their own legacy, surpassing even the fame and impact of their fathers. Prithviraj Kapoor is credited as one of the founding figures of Indian cinema, a pioneer who brought theatre and films closer to the masses. However, his son and actor Raj Kapoor, earned the title of The Showman of Indian Cinema. With films like Awaara, Shree 420, and Mera Naam Joker, Raj became a symbol of Indian cinema's golden era, respected not only in India but celebrated across Russia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. Rakesh was a popular actor in the 70s and 80s and later found acclaim as a director with hits like Karan Arjun and Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai. But his son Hrithik Roshan's debut was nothing short of a phenomenon. With Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai, Hrithik became an overnight superstar and has since established himself as one of India's finest actors and dancers with a massive fan base, blockbusters and hits like War, Dhoom 2, Krrish 3, Zindagi Naa Milegi Dobara and more. Mahesh Bhatt was a respected filmmaker known for his bold and thought-provoking cinema, but it is his daughter Alia Bhatt who has become a household name across generations. From Highway to Raazi, Gangubai Kathiawadi to Darlings, Alia has shown unmatched range and versatility, becoming one of the most bankable and awarded stars in Bollywood today. She also managed to grow her international presence with her Hollywood debut in Heart of Stone. While Randhir Kapoor had a fair run in the 70s, his daughter Kareena has enjoyed a far more impactful and enduring career. From redefining style in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham to her layered roles in Jab We Met, Omkara, and Udta Punjab, Kareena continues to be one of the most iconic figures in the industry. Veteran writer Salim Khan made a lasting impact on Indian cinema as part of the iconic screenwriting duo Salim-Javed, penning blockbusters like Sholay, Deewaar, and Zanjeer and making actors stars in Bollywood. However, his son Salman Khan turned into a household name across India and beyond. With a career spanning over three decades, Salman's superstardom is unmatched, delivering one box office hit after another, launching several new actors, running successful businesses, and building a charitable foundation. Salman has given some of the most iconic and blockbuster films in Bollywood like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Andaz Apna Apna and more. Veeru Devgan was a respected action director in Bollywood, known for designing stunts in films throughout the 70s and 80s. Though his work remained behind the scenes, his son Ajay Devgn took the front seat in style. Making a stellar debut with Phool Aur Kaante, Ajay quickly established himself as a powerful performer and action hero. With National Awards, multiple commercial successes, and gaining fame not only as an actor but even as a filmmaker, Ajay has become one of the industry's most bankable stars. From Singham, Drishyam to Tanhaji, his films resonate with audiences. Pankaj Kapur has long been admired as one of India's finest character actors, celebrated for his work in films like Ek Doctor Ki Maut and shows like Office Office. His nuanced performances earned him critical acclaim and National Awards. But his son Shahid Kapoor earned a different kind of fame. From gaining fame and recognition as chocolate-boy Ishq Vishk to wooing the audience with his intense roles in Haider, Kabir Singh, and Farzi, Shahid evolved into a versatile leading man and one of the most bankable stars of his generation. His mass appeal and box office prowess gave him a far broader reach than his father in Bollywood. Tahir was a respected film producer and occasional actor in the 1970s and '80s. Known for producing films like Caravan and Anamika, he had a decent standing in the industry. However, his son Aamir made a smashing debut as the leading actor with Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak and rose to fame. He has since become one of the most celebrated actors in Indian cinema. With iconic performances in Lagaan, Dil Chahta Hai, Taare Zameen Par, 3 Idiots, and Dangal, Aamir is known for his perfectionism and has created his own legacy.