Meet Jahanara Kajjan, India’s first superstar-not Rajesh Khanna

For those unversed, the first superstar of the Indian Film Industry wasn’t Rajesh Khanna, but, Jahanara Kajjan, popularly acknowledged as Kajjanbai who was
raised in a neighborhood with sex-oriented businesses
worshipped by fans beyond imagination

Jahanara Kajjan was born in 1915 to Sugganbai in Lucknow, and matured in the world of kothas, where music defined culture and livelihood. Her mother ensured she mastered classical music and even sent her to Patna to study English and Urdu. This combination of training shaped her into a refined performer who could enchant audiences effortlessly.

A star even before films
Jahanara was popular well before she came to movies. She was so captivating in her live performances that she probably earned anywhere from ₹250 – ₹300, at that era a considerable sum for every show. People came to hear her sing and her voice could fill a whole theatre by itself. She quickly earned name and fame set the stage for acting roles, leading her from a singer to an all-around performer.
Kajjanbai’s career entered a new chapter with India’s second talkie film ‘Shirin Farhad’. The film featured an incredible 42 songs sung by her, marking a significant moment in Indian cinema history. The film’s immense success made her a household name and solidified her already notable reputation. At the young age of 16, she emerged as a worldwide superstar across territories.

As per reports, her popularity was such that her fans demonstrated extreme loyalty and devotion by going to extremes to visit her films. For example, one admirer from Lahore watched the film 22 times and allegedly mortgaged his horse to buy more tickets. For nearly 15 years, Jahanara Kajjanbai held the public’s heart with her voice and her film appearances. Tragically, her life ended on December 20, 1945, at the young age of 30. Her legacy runs deep through the early history of Indian cinema.

News Edit KV Raman

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