Remembering legendary star Shobhana Samarth on her 103rd birth anniversary.

Shobhana Samarth, the Indian screen goddess who was showered with coins and flowers like a true divinity from Hindu heaven. She turned to be one of the well famed actresses in Indian movies mainly Hindi and Marathi. She was an earlier heroine acted well-famedin lead roles up to the 50’s and later in supporting roles.

Her first Hindi film, ‘Nigahen Nafrat’ was released in 1935. Shobhana is best known for her portrayal of Sita in ‘Ram Rajya’, produced in 1943. ( ‘Ram Rajya’ was the only film Mahatma Gandhi saw ever in his life time.) So evocative was this performance that she became the eternal Sita in the audience’s minds. The first film in which she acted as Sita was ‘Bharat Milap’ (1942).

Notable films of her included Vilasi Ishwar, Nal Damayanthi, Sri Krishna Arjun Yudh, Ram Baan,Taramati, Insaniyat, Chhalia, Chitralekha, Nai Umar Ki Nai Fasal, Love In Simla and Ek Baar Muskura Do.

She had also produced a film ‘Hamari Beti’ in 1950 in which she launched her daughter Nutan. In 1960 she produced ‘Chhabili’ to launch her second daughter Tanuja.

Shobhana Samarth passed away on 9 February, 2000.