Legendary Heroines of Indian cinema

Legendary Heroines of Indian Cinema

Indian cinema has been profoundly shaped by a constellation of extraordinary women whose talent, versatility, and cultural impact transcended language, region, and genre. Celebrating this rich legacy, India Post issued a Miniature Sheet comprising six commemorative postage stamps honouring some of the most iconic actresses who defined the golden eras of Indian cinema.

Savithri (Telugu–Tamil Cinema)

Born in Chirravuru, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, Savithri emerged as one of the greatest actresses of Telugu and Tamil cinema. Trained in music and dance under Sista Purnayya Sastry, she began her career in theatre before entering films. After her debut in L.V. Prasad’s Samsaram, she rose to stardom with classics like Pelli Chesi Choodu, Ardhangi, and Missamma. Renowned for her emotive depth, she excelled in mythological and family dramas. Though her later years as a producer-director saw limited commercial success, Savithri remains immortal in Indian cinema history for her unmatched acting prowess.

Nutan (Hindi Cinema)

A towering figure of Hindi cinema in the 1950s and 1960s, Nutan was introduced to films by her mother Shobhana Samarth. Her screen persona was shaped by directors like Bimal Roy (Sujata, Bandini) and Hrishikesh Mukherjee (Anari). Equally adept at intense drama and light-hearted roles, she brought authenticity and emotional honesty to films such as Seema, Sujata, and Bandini, establishing herself as one of Hindi cinema’s most accomplished actresses.

Meena Kumari (Hindi Cinema)

Born Mahajabeen in Bombay, Meena Kumari began acting as a child and rose to fame as one of the most poignant performers in Indian cinema. Known as the “Tragedy Queen,” her career spanned comedies, socials, and deeply emotional dramas. Her unforgettable performances in Baiju Bawra, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, and Pakeezah cemented her legacy. A poet writing under the pen name Naaz, her Urdu verses revealed the same sensitivity that marked her screen presence.

Kanan Devi (Bengali & Hindi Cinema)

Starting her career as Kananbala, Kanan Devi became a pioneering actress and singer of Bengali cinema. Her collaboration with New Theatres and films like Mukti and Bidyapati made her a major star of the 1930s. Initially untrained, she later mastered classical and Bengali music, leaving an indelible mark on film music. She later turned producer and author, chronicling her life in the autobiography Sabare Ami Nomi.

Devika Rani (Hindi Cinema)

Often called the First Lady of Indian Cinema, Devika Rani was the star and later manager of Bombay Talkies, dominating early sound cinema. Educated in London and associated with European theatre and film, she brought sophistication and professionalism to Indian films. Her role in Achhut Kanya set the template for the modern Hindi film heroine. After the death of her husband Himansu Rai, she managed Bombay Talkies before retiring from films.

Leela Naidu (Hindi & English Cinema)

Renowned for her classical beauty and understated acting, Leela Naidu appeared in select but significant films. Crowned Femina Miss India (1954), she gained international recognition for her elegance. Her debut in Anuradha won critical acclaim and a National Award for the film. She later appeared in Merchant-Ivory productions and art-house cinema, leaving a lasting impression through her refined performances.