Late actress Zohra Sehgal (April 27th, 1912-10th July, 2014) is one of Bollywood’s most celebrated actresses of all time. Having featured in some popular films —from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) to Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)— Sehgal graced the big screen for almost seven decades. Sehgal, who was initially one of the lead dancers in the legendary Uday Shankar’s dance troupes, ventured into the world of theatre in the early 1940s. Having performed on both the international stage and across a multitude of Bollywood films, today’s film fanatics commonly associate her with the role of the charismatic, homey grandma in the quintessential Indian family. Some of her more popular roles include: 

Cheeni Kum, 2007: Starring Amitabh Bachchan and Tabu, this off-beat romance between an elderly restaurant owner and a middle-aged woman made waves at the box office for its unique plotline and star-studded cast. Sehgal, who played Bachchan’s mother in the film, was lauded for her depiction of the comedic yet loveable and supportive character.