Who was Bollywood's first graduate heroine? Worked with Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand, was the first film star to endorse…, her name is…

India.com

6 days ago

The film industry has been a place where many prefer to leave their education to become actors. We have come across many actors who hold PhDs, Master's Degrees, and Doctor's degrees before entering the world of cinema. Many had quit their profession to become successful actors. Right from Sai Pallavi to Sreeleela, many of them may know that these divas are doctors. Many such divas possessed such prestigious designations before they became huge stars. However, today we will tell you about Bollywood's first actress to complete her graduation. You'll be surprised to know her name? Who was the first Bollywood actress to complete her graduation?
The actress whom we are talking about inspired many people during her era. Bollywood's first heroine to complete her graduation was none other than Leela Chitnis. During her early days, Leela ventured into the film industry when the roles of heroines were limited. The divas were featured in the films to either attract the audience with their beauty or to portray emotional depth in demanding scenes. However, when Leela Chitnis entered Bollywood, she changed the dynamics of the roles offered to heroines.
How did Leela Chitnis's education have an impact on Hindi cinema?
Leela was the first actress to shatter such taboos of films, and it was through her that the Hindi cinema saw an image of an educated, self-reliant and sensitive woman for the first time. In her autobiography, 'Chanderi Duniyat', Leela revealed how she adapted to situations over time. Even before the great heroines like Nirupa Roy or Sulochana, Leela Chitnis was delegated to play the role of a compassionate mother on screen. Due to which she was honoured with the title of 'Duchess of Depression' and the first graceful mother of Hindi cinema.
Leela Chitnis was graciously presented on screen, her impact was such that the audience sitting on the other side of the room was swept away by her performance. Leela never gave up a moment to leave a lasting impression on the people; her roles were such finely played that the audience stood in awe of her. Not only that, Leela nailed the role of sacrifice and human dignity. Did Leela Chitnis transform her personality after becoming famous?
Leela Chitnis remained a down-to-earth person, despite her immense popularity in Hindi cinema. Leela never transformed herself. However, during her last years, Leela lived in an old-age home in America. Leela started living a life where there was no camera around her, and she died alone in the darkness of anonymity. How did Leela end up becoming a heroine?
In her autobiography, 'Chanderi Duniyat' it mentions every detail about Leela Chitnis. Starting from her birth, family, her first meeting with her husband in college. She was born on 9 September 1909 in Dharwad (present-day Karnataka) in a Marathi Brahmin family. Her father was an English professor, and this family environment made her conscious of education. Leela Chitnis was married at a young age. She went abroad with her doctor husband. She gave birth to four sons. Later, when she got divorced from her husband, she returned to Mumbai.
After coming to Mumbai, Leela again started working in a school. But she had the responsibility of four children, and it was difficult to make ends meet. It was during such times that she started Marathi theatre. Through her plays and films, she raised questions on casteism, the status of women, and social pressures. Did Leela fail as a director and producer?
Despite this, Leela made her presence felt as an extra in films, and she struggled and became an actress. Then came films like 'Kangan', 'Bandhan', 'Jhoola', where she appeared as a modern, self-reliant woman opposite Ashok Kumar. In the films of that time, her character spoke, thought, and fought. This was a new heroine who was showing a mirror to society by going beyond flowers and saris. Many may not know this, but Leela tried her luck in directing and producing films; eventually, she failed at it.