Published By: Sayan Paul

Satyajit Ray's Birth Anniversary: THESE Iconic Bollywood Actresses Debuted with the Maestro - Guess Who

Satyajit Ray introduced several fresh faces to Indian cinema, many of whom later rose to legendary status.

Satyajit Ray was a perfectionist in the truest sense of the term—he had an eye for everything, from the tiniest detail in a frame to the overall tone of a film. When it came to casting, he always let the characters lead the way. The stardom of an actor meant nothing to him unless it added value to his films. For instance, he worked with Uttam Kumar—the biggest star of Bengali cinema at the time—only when the role demanded it, in 'Nayak', and later, in 'Chiriakhana'. If a seasoned actor fit the part, great. If not, he didn’t hesitate to pick someone completely new, sometimes even non-actors. That’s how he ended up launching the careers of many (including Soumitra Chatterjee, tagged as “Ray’s favorite actor”), several of whom became icons in their own right. A few even made it big in Bollywood. However, no matter how commercially successful they got, they were always ready to come back and work with the maestro, even if it meant a low remuneration.

Not many know that two of Bollywood’s most iconic actresses began their acting journeys with Ray. As we celebrate the legendary filmmaker’s 104th birth anniversary today, it’s the perfect time to shine a light on this lesser-known but fascinating fact.

Sharmila Tagore

Yes, the same Sharmila Tagore who has charmed Bollywood audiences with films like 'Aradhana', 'Amar Prem', and 'Chupke Chupke' actually began her acting journey with Ray. She made her debut at just 13 with 'Apur Sansar'(1959), the final part of Ray’s iconic Apu Trilogy.

Her Role and Performance

In Apur Sansar, Sharmila played Aparna, the gentle, young bride of Apu (played by Soumitra Chatterjee, also debuting). Despite being a newcomer, she delivered a performance that was subtle, expressive, and heartbreakingly real. Her innocence lit up the screen, and her chemistry with Chatterjee made their love story unforgettable. It was clear, even in her very first film, that she had something special.

 

(Credit: Film History Pics)

The Impact

Sharmila’s role in 'Apur Sansar' opened the doors to both critical acclaim and mainstream opportunities. Her natural talent caught the eye of Hindi filmmakers, leading her to a successful Bollywood career. Yet, fame never pulled her away from her roots.

Continued Bond with Ray

Even after becoming a Bollywood star ('phenomenon' would be more appropriate), Sharmila remained closely connected to Ray. She returned to work with him in films like 'Nayak' (alongside matinee idol Uttam Kumar), 'Aranyer Dinratri' (again sharing the screen with Soumitra Chatterjee), and 'Seemabaddha'. These collaborations proved her deep respect for Ray and her love for meaningful cinema.

Sharmila Tagore in Satyajit Ray's films

The actress, who was last seen in Suman Ghosh's 'Puratawn', has beautifully bridged the worlds of parallel and commercial cinema throughout her career. And it all began with a master filmmaker who saw her spark before anyone else did.

Jaya Bhaduri

Before she became a beloved star of Hindi cinema with films like 'Guddi', 'Abhimaan', 'Mili', and 'Sholay', Jaya Bhaduri (now Bachchan) took her very first steps into acting under the direction of Satyajit Ray. She made her screen debut with Ray’s 1963 film 'Mahanagar' (The Big City), which starred Madhabi Mukherjee in the lead.

 

(Credit: Film History Pics)

Her Role and Performance

While Jaya didn’t have a central role in the film, she played a brief but charming part as Mukherjee’s teenage sister-in-law. Her performance was natural, lively, and completely unforced—a glimpse of the incredible screen presence she would later become known for. Even in those few scenes, she stood out.

The Impact

Though her role was small, working with Ray was no small feat. It gave her a taste of serious, meaningful cinema early on. Offers began to pour in, but instead of diving straight into the film world, Jaya made the wise decision to train first. After appearing in a couple of Bengali films, including the hit 'Dhonyi Meye', she went on to study acting at the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), where she honed her craft.

From Bengali Roots to Bollywood Stardom

While studying at FTII, Jaya was spotted by filmmaker Hrishikesh Mukherjee, who cast her in the 1971 Hindi film 'Guddi'. And there was no looking back after that.

 

(Credit: Bollywoodirect)

It's also worth noting that Aparna Sen made her acting debut with Satyajit Ray in the 1961 film 'Teen Kanya'. While she never fully transitioned to Hindi cinema, she has appeared in a few Hindi films over the years. Additionally, although not their debut, actresses like Ruma Guha Thakurta and Simi Garewal worked with Ray during the early stages of their careers.