Perpetual
Bengali stars who moulded B’town with elegance and magnificence
*Bipasha Basu redefined glamour and strength in Bollywood. Monikered
the “Murkey,” she broke stereotypes on
Indian actresses. She bagged the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut in Shakti Samanta directorial “Ajnabee”. She ruled
the 2000s with thrillers and bold roles, including Raaz, which cemented her as a horror queen. Beyond films, she inspired fitness enthusiasts with her workout DVDs, emerging as one of the first actresses to market fitness as a lifestyle.
*Konkona Sen Sharma
stands out for her unique choice of roles and extraordinary acting. Daughter of acclaimed filmmaker Aparna Sen, she earned acclaim early with Mr. and Mrs. Iyer. In Bollywood, she became synonymous with quality cinema through films like Life in a… Metro and Wake Up Sid. Known for her natural style and depth, she often chooses meaningful scripts. As both actress and director, Konkona redefines Indian cinema with intelligence and honesty.
*Mouni Roy’s journey from small screen to the big screen is truly inspiring. She emerged as household name with her role in Naagin, where audiences adored her as the enchanting shape-shifter. Transitioning into films, she featured alongside Akshay Kumar in Gold and made a striking presence in Brahmāstra. Acknowledged for her dancing skills and graceful screen presence, Mouni blends modern glamour with traditional charm, embodying the versatility Bengali actresses are celebrated for.
*Moushumi Chatterjee
Chirpy and endearing, Moushumi Chatterjee set the screen ablaze with her charm. Embarking on.her career as a teenager, she turned out to be a household favourite in Bollywood films like Anuraag and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan. Recognized for her expressive eyes and lively energy, she often played bubbly yet emotional characters. She worked across genres, from romantic dramas to family entertainers, leaving a mark as one of the most loved faces of the 70s.
*Raima Sen carried forward her family’s rich cinematic legacy with understated elegance. Granddaughter of the legendary Suchitra Sen, she brought a modern yet graceful touch to Bollywood and Bengali films alike. Known for movies like Parineeta and Choker Bali, she shined in both commercial and art-house projects. With her poised presence and expressive eyes, Raima became a favourite for directors seeking authenticity, continuing the Sen family’s iconic contribution to Indian cinema.
*Rakhee Gulzar was unforgettable for her powerful performances that touched hearts. She started in Bengali cinema before taking up Bollywood embellished her in films like Kabhi Kabhie and Karan Arjun. Audiences remember her iconic roles as a loving mother and intense heroine alive. She brought rare emotional depth, be it in romances or dramas, and was honoured with multiple Awards like Filmfare Awards. Off screen, her quiet dignity and low-profile lifestyle made her even more admired.
*Sharmila Tagore
elegant and bold, Sharmila Tagore balanced artistry and stardom beautifully. She broke barriers by being the first Indian actress to wear a bikini on screen, making headlines in An Evening in Paris. Beyond glamour, she worked in Satyajit Ray’s classics and Bollywood hits like Aradhana. Her career bridged tradition and modernity, and she later became a respected voice in Indian cinema as the Censor Board chief.
*Suchitra Sen hailed as Bollywood’s mysterious queen, rarely seen in public after bidding goodbye to films. Suchitra Sen was the first Indian actress to win Best Actress at an international festival for Saat Paake Bandha. Her pairing with Uttam Kumar emerged iconic in Bengali cinema, and in Bollywood she sparkled in Aandhi. Acknowledged for her enigmatic aura, she lived reclusively, adding to her legendary appeal.
News Edit KV Raman
