Top Bollywood Actresses in 1960s
The 1960s were a transformative and remarkable era for Bollywood, the Hindi film industry in India, especially from the actresses’ perspective. This decade witnessed a surge of creativity, introducing a wave of iconic films and legendary female stars that would leave an indelible mark on Indian cinema. The period saw the emergence of talented actresses like Meena Kumari, Asha Parekh, Mala Sinha, and Waheeda Rehman, who portrayed powerful and memorable characters, blending social themes with artistic storytelling. The 1960s also marked the rise of actresses like Hema Malini and Sharmila Tagore, who became the heartthrobs of millions with their charm and talent.
In every era, there is significant curiosity about top movie actresses and actors. So in this post, we will look at the Top Bollywood actress in the 1960s
Meena Kumari
Meena Kumari was one of the top stars in the 50s and 60s in Bollywood. She had a remarkable career and is often remembered as the “Tragedy Queen” of Indian cinema due to her exceptional performances in emotionally intense and dramatic roles.
She gained recognition with notable films like “Baiju Bawra” (1952), “Parineeta” (1953), and “Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam” (1962), for which she received critical acclaim and awards. Her prominence continued into the 1960s when she delivered some of her most memorable performances in movies such as “Aarti” (1962), “Main Chup Rahungi” (1962), “Mere Apne” (1971), and “Kaajal” (1965).
Mala Sinha
Mala Sinha was a top leading actress in Hindi Cinema in the late 1950s and 1960s and one of the highest-paid actresses. She rose to prominence with Pyaasa (1957) and Yash Chopra’s Dhool Ka Phool (1959). She was known as the “daring diva” and “the torchbearer of women’s cinema” for essaying strong female-centric and unconventional roles in a range of movies considered ahead of their times
Top Movies: Phir Subah Hogi (1958), Hariyali Aur Rasta, Anpadh (both 1962), Dil Tera Deewana (1962), Gumrah, Bahurani (both 1963), Jahan Ara (1964), Himalay Ki God Mein (1965), Aasra (1966), Ankhen, Do Kaliyan (both 1968) and Maryada (1971) .
Asha Parekh
Asha Parekh was the highest-paid actress of her time and was one of the most successful actresses of the 1960–70s. She got her first big hit in Dil Deke Dekho (1959), opposite Shammi Kapoor, which made her a huge star. She is considered one of the most influential actresses of all time in Hindi cinema. In 1992, she was honoured with the Padma Shri and Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2020.
Top Movies: Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai (1961), Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon (1963), Teesri Manzil (1966), Do Badan (1966), Chirag (1969), Pyar Ka Mausam (1969), Kati Patang (1970), Caravan (1971) and Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki (1978).
Vyjayanthimala
Vyjayanthimala is one of Indian cinema’s finest actresses and dancers. Initially, she did Tamil and Telugu movies and She garnered acclaim in Bollywood for her role in the period drama film Devdas (1955). She is the recipient of several accolades, including two BFJA Awards and five Filmfare Awards.
Top Movies: Nagin (1954), Devdas (1955), New Delhi (1956), Naya Daur (1957) , Aasha (1957), Madhumati (1958), Ganga Jumna (1961), Sangam (1964), Amrapali (1966), Jewel Thief (1967), Prince (1969) and Ganwaar (1970)
Waheeda Rehman
Waheeda Rehman is regarded as one of Hindi cinema’s finest actresses. She won a National Film Award, three Filmfare Awards, honored with the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan. She Intially sttared in a Supporting actress and rose to prominence with Guru Dutt’s movies Pyaasa, Kaagaz Ke Phool, and Chaudhvin Ka Chand.
Top Movies: Pyaasa (1957), Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959), Chaudhvin Ka Chand (1960), Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962).Guide (1965), Ram Aur Shyam (1967), Neel Kamal (1968), Khamoshi (1969), Reshma Aur Shera (1971), Kabhi Kabhie (1976), Chandni (1989), and Lamhe (1991).
Sadhana
Sadhana is regarded as one of the finest and most iconic actresses of the golden age of Hindi cinema and ranked among the highest-paid actresses in the country from the mid-1960s to the early 1970s. Sadhana haircut-a soft fringe; was coined the ‘Sadhana Cut’ and was a ‘rage’ at the time; with most Indian women emulating her look.
Debut: Love in Shimla ((1960)
Top Mpvoes: Asli-Naqli (1962), Hum Dono (1961), Ek Musafir Ek Haseena (1962), Mere Mehboob (1963), Rajkumar (1964), Arzoo (1965), Waqt (1965), Woh Kaun Thi (1964), Mera Saaya (1966) and Anita (1967), Ek Phool Do Mali (1969) and Intaqam (1969)
Nanda
Nanda is one of the most popular actresses in Hindi cinema, her career spans over 30 years. She started as a child artist and supporting actress and finally as the leading lady in the 1960s and 70s.
Top Movies: Kala Bazar (1960), Dhool Ka Phool (1959), Teen Deviyan (1960), Aanchal (1960), Hum Dono (1961), Aashiq (1962), and Kanoon (1960), Jab Jab Phool Khile (1965), Ittefaq (1969), Rootha Na Karo (1970), The Train (1970), and Joroo Ka Ghulam (1972).
Sharmila Tagore
Sharmila Tagore known for her acting range and beauty is one of the top stars in the 60s and 70s. She made her acting debut at age 14 with Satyajit Ray’s acclaimed Bengali drama The World of Apu (1959), and Hindi movies debut with Kashmir Ki Kali (1964). She is a recipient of two National Film Awards, a Filmfare Award, and the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to Hindi cinema. In 2013, the Government of India honored her with Padma Bhushan, India’s third highest civilian honor for her contributions to the Indian culture through performing arts.
Top Movies: Waqt (1965), Anupama (1966), An Evening in Paris (1967), Aamne Saamne (1967), Satyakam (1969), Aradhana (1969), Safar (1970), Amar Prem (1972), Aa Gale Lag Jaa (1973, Daag (1973), Avishkaar (1974), Mausam (1975), Chupke Chupke (1975), and Namkeen (1982).
Saira Banu
Saira Banu is one of the top actresses of the 1960s and 70s. She made her acting debut opposite Shammi Kapoor in the 1961 film Junglee, for which she earned her first nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress.
Top Movies: Bluff Master (1963), Padosan (1968), Hera Pheri (1976), Jhuk Gaya Aasman, Aayi Milan Ki Bela, Aao Pyaar Karen, Aman (1967), Purab Aur Paschim, Padosan, Victoria No. 203, Gopi, Pocket Maar, and Choti Bahu (1971), Zameer, Hera Pheri. Shagird (1967), Diwana (1968), and Sagina (1974)
Mumtaz
Mumtaz started as a child artist and then in a supporting role initially rose to prominence in the early 1970s. Mumtaz made her acting debut at age 11 with Sone Ki Chidiya (1958). She became a prominent glamourous actress during the 1970s and established herself as the highest-paid woman in the Indian entertainment industry from the late 1960s to the mid-1970s. She is the recipient of a Filmfare Award and the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to Hindi cinema.
Top Movies: Ram Aur Shyam (1967), Mere Hamdam Mere Dost (1968), Brahmachari (1968), Do Raaste (1969), Bandhan (1969), Aadmi Aur Insaan (1969), Sachaa Jhutha (1970), Khilona (1970), Tere Mere Sapne (1971), Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971), Apna Desh (1972), Loafer (1973), Jheel Ke Us Paar (1973), Chor Machaye Shor (1974), Aap Ki Kasam (1974), Roti (1974), Prem Kahani (1975) and Nagin (1976).
Tanuja
Tanuja is best known for her roles in Hindi and Bengali films. She started her film career with her older sister Nutan in Hamari Beti (1950) as Baby Tanuja. As an adult, she debuted in the film Chhabili (1960) and came into the limelight with Baharen Phir Bhi Aayengi (1966).
Top Movies: Baharen Phir Bhi Aayengi (1966), Jewel Thief (1967), Nai Roshni (1967), Jeene Ki Raah (1969), Rajkumari (1970), Haathi Mere Saathi (1971), Anubhav (1971), Mere Jeevan Saathi (1972), Ek Baar Mooskura Do (1972), Do Chor (1972) and Yaarana (1982)
Simi Garewal
Simi Garewal is the recipient of several awards including two Filmfare Awards and one Indian Television Academy Award. She is known for her work in Hindi films like Do Badan (1966), Saathi (1968), Mera Naam Joker (1970), Siddhartha (1972), Karz (1980)
Babita
Babita made her debut with Dus Lakh (1966), but it was the romantic thriller Raaz (1967), opposite Rajesh Khanna, that gained her recognition.
Top Movies: Raaz (1967), Dus Lakh (1966), Farz (1967), Haseena Maan Jayegi, Kismat (1968), Ek Shriman Ek Shrimati (1969), Doli (1969), Kal Aaj Aur Kal (1971) and Banphool (1971).