Nutan Samarth (Bahl)

Legendary Heroine of Indian Cinema

Early Life and Family Background

Nutan Samarth was born on 4 June 1936 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, into a family deeply rooted in Indian cinema. She was introduced to films at an early age by her mother, the celebrated actress and filmmaker Shobhana Samarth, making her debut in ‘Hamari Beti’. This early exposure laid the foundation for what would become one of the most distinguished careers in Hindi cinema.

Rise to Stardom

Nutan emerged as one of the top Hindi film stars of the 1960s, earning acclaim for her natural acting style and emotional depth. Her screen image was profoundly shaped by legendary filmmaker Bimal Roy, under whose direction she delivered some of her most memorable performances in films such as ‘Sujata’ and ‘Bandini’.

She further flourished under directors who carried forward the Roy tradition, including Hrishikesh Mukherjee (Anari), Bimal Dutt (Kasturi), and Sudhendu Roy (Saudagar).

Versatility and Range

Nutan was renowned for her remarkable versatility, displaying equal mastery in serious, socially sensitive cinema as well as light-hearted and romantic films. She transitioned effortlessly from intense roles in ‘Saraswati chandra’ to breezy romantic performances in ‘Tere Ghar Ke Samne’.

Her ability to adapt to diverse co-stars was equally striking, sharing the screen with actors such as Dev Anand and Kishore Kumar, as well as stalwarts like Ashok Kumar and Balraj Sahni.

Iconic Performances

She brought a refreshing, uninhibited charm to romantic musicals like ‘Paying Guest’, produced by Filmistan, while also lending profound authenticity to complex characters in films such as ‘Seema’, ‘Sujata’, and ‘Bandini’. In her later years, Nutan embraced character roles with grace and dignity, further reinforcing her stature as a consummate actress.

Death and Legacy

Nutan passed away on 21 February 1991 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Her legacy endures as one of the finest female actors in the history of Indian cinema, celebrated for her emotional realism, expressive restraint, and timeless performances.

Philatelic Tribute

As part of the prestigious series “Legendary Heroines of India”, India Post is pleased to issue a commemorative postage stamp on Nutan, honouring her extraordinary contribution to Indian cinema and her enduring influence on generations of actors and audiences.