That actress, replaced Madhubala once, worked with Dev Anand, Shammi Kapoor, became overnight superstar, had failed marriage, she was…

India.com

17 hours ago

In golden era of Hindi cinema, a radiant face graced the silver screen, captivating audiences with her expressive eyes and graceful dance moves. Yet, despite her meteoric rise, her journey in Bollywood was unexpectedly brief, leaving behind a legacy that continues to intrigue cinephiles. Who was this actress?
This enigmatic actress was Late Kalpana Mohan, born Archana Mohan on July 18, 1946, in Srinagar. Daughter of freedom fighter Avani Mohan, Kalpana was trained in Kathak under the tutelage of Pandit Shambhu Maharaj. Her performances at the Rashtrapati Bhavan for visiting dignitaries showcased her talent from a young age. Spotted by actor Balraj Sahni and writer Ismat Chughtai, she was encouraged to pursue a career in films, leading to her debut in Naughty Boy (1962) alongside legendary actor-singer Late Kishore Kumar. How was Kalpana Mohan's filmy career?
After her debut, it was her role in Professor (1962) opposite Late Shammi Kapoor that catapulted her to fame. The film's success, coupled with songs like 'Aye Gulbadan,' immortalized her in the annals of Bollywood. Shammi Kapoor affectionately nicknamed her 'Gulbadan,' reflecting their on-screen chemistry. Subsequent films like Teen Devian (1965) with Late Dev Anand and Pyar Kiye Jaa (1966) with Late Shashi Kapoor further solidified her position in the industry. How was Madhubala replaced by Kalpana Mohan?
After the success of the film Teen Devian, Kalpana Mohan emerged as a serious threat to many leading actresses of her time, including the legendary Late Madhubala. She was not only strikingly beautiful but also immensely talented, especially known for her exceptional dancing skills. These qualities made her incredibly popular among audiences and filmmakers alike. It is often said that Kalpana had some of the most beautiful eyes in the industry, which added to her charm and screen presence. How was Kalpana Mohan's personal life?
Despite her flourishing career, Kalpana chose to step away from the limelight. Her personal life saw two marriages, first to screenwriter Sachin Bhowmick, which ended swiftly, and later to an Indian Navy officer, with whom she had a daughter. Following her second divorce in 1972, she dedicated herself to raising her daughter, relocating to Pune for a quieter life. In her later years, Kalpana faced health challenges, including a prolonged battle with cancer. She passed away on January 4, 2012, at age of 65 in Pune, with her daughter by her side.