Dimple Kapadia was certainly considered to be one of India’s most brilliant actresses of her times.
Dimple Kapadia gained everyone’s attention when she made her Bollywood debut with teen romance Bobby (1973) after being discovered by filmmaker Raj Kapoor when she was just 14 years old. The film was a commercial hit, but shortly before the film’s release, Dimple decided to marry actor Rajesh Khanna and quit acting. She then returned to films in 1984, having separated from Khanna, and starred in Saagar. Over the course of the next few years, she rose to fame and became one of Hindi cinema's leading actresses. Her prominent roles included in films like Drishti (1990), Lekin... (1991), and Rudaali (1993) along with Prahaar (1991), Angaar (1992), Gardish (1993) and Krantiveer (1994).
On the occasion of her birthday on June 8, let’s recall the top 5 remarkable performances of her career that made her an icon:
At the mere age of 15, she became the heartthrob of the nation by starring in Bobby. In the film, she was like a 'breath of fresh air’ and changed the concept of a Hindi film heroine. Directed by Raj Kapoor, the film also starred Rishi Kapoor, in his first leading role. Bobby became a blockbuster and went on to become the highest grossing Indian film of 1973.
In the film, Dimple played Shanichari, a woman in rural Rajasthan, who is a professional weeper. Kalpana Lajmi directed the masterpiece and Dimple’s performance was on point. The actress even won a National award for her act. Written by Lajmi and Gulzar, it was based on a 1979 short story of the same name by Bengali author Mahasweta Devi. The film also featured Raakhee, Raj Babbar, and Amjad Khan in supporting roles, and was considered part of India's neo-realist parallel cinema.
The ghost story was adapted from Tagore’s short story Kshudhit Pashaan, and the actress played the ghost Rewa, a restless ghost who seeks liberation and haunts the palace of Raja Param Singh in Rajasthan. When she is discovered by Sameer (played by Vinod Khanna), a museum curator, she reveals her tragic story, and he gets determined to help set her free. The film was loved for her performance.
The musical romantic drama, directed by Ramesh Sippy, featured Rishi Kapoor, Kamal Haasan and marked Dimple Kapadia’s comeback to films after a hiatus. While Saagar was a moderate success at the time of release, it gained popularity over the years through re-runs on TV channels.
In the film, the actress’ Parsi libertine act grabbed attention, and Being Cyrus remains one of her most loved films. The dark comedy, directed by Homi Adajania, revolves around a dysfunctional Parsi family.
