Amitabh Bachchan co-star kept shooting despite being paralyzed, died soon after her last shot
Agencies Leela Mishra played the role of Hema Malini's mausi in the cult classic 'Sholay'
Sai Paranjpye, a formidable force in Indian cinema, carved her name into the annals of history by entering the largely male-dominated world of Bollywood filmmaking. As both a director and screenwriter, she stood tall as a rare woman in a space overwhelmingly occupied by men. Throughout her illustrious career, she worked with many renowned names, but one unsung gem stood out in her memory—a name not often echoed in mainstream conversations about cinema's legends.
In a heartfelt conversation with Filmfare, Paranjpye reflected on her 1983 film Katha and was reminded of the extraordinary Leela Mishra. Known to most as the aunt in Sholay, Mishra was, in Paranjpye's words, a symbol of unmatched professionalism and commitment. 'She was the embodiment of punctuality and perfection. I've never come across anyone quite like her,' Sai recalled warmly. She added that despite Mishra's lack of formal education, her understanding of filmmaking was instinctive and profound. Recalling her work in Chashme Budoor, Sai noted that Leela instinctively added her own creative touch to a scene—effortlessly climbing the stairs to the boys' home, improvising in the moment with grace and ease.
One particular story that Sai shared painted a deeply moving picture of Leela Mishra's indomitable spirit. During the filming of what would be her final movie, Leela reportedly suffered a paralytic stroke. With half of her body immobilized, the set was thrown into confusion. People began discussing how to rush her back to Mumbai for treatment. But Leela, unshaken by her condition, insisted on completing the scene. 'We still have one shot to do,' she said firmly. She requested the camera crew to frame her from her unaffected side. Only after delivering her final performance did she return to Mumbai, where she sadly passed away shortly after.Sai also shared another striking insight into Leela's no-nonsense attitude when it came to work compensation. Mishra was firm about being fairly paid, always demanding her standard rate of ₹1000 per day, regardless of the part's size. When she was approached to act in Satyajit Ray's Shatranj Ke Khilari, she reportedly didn't recognize his name. Her only question was whether she would receive her usual fee.Leela Mishra's legacy, as told through Sai Paranjpye's eyes, is not only of a seasoned actress but also of a woman with unwavering dignity, self-respect, and love for her craft. Her story is a quiet anthem of resilience, often overshadowed, but never forgotten.
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