Photo: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting / GODL-India (source: Wikimedia Commons)
Born on June 1, 1929, Nargis was from Kolkata, India. Nargis was a film actor, screenwriter and politician. Death is recorded on May 3, 1981, at the age of 51. Recorded honors include Padma Shri in arts (1958), National Film Award for Best Actress (1968) and Filmfare Award for Best Actress (1958). Credited works include Barsaat, Babul and Awaara.
My Take
Nargis is, to me, one of the true pillars of Hindi cinema, and her legacy feels larger than any single film. What I admire most is the range she commanded, slipping from screwball comedy to serious literary drama while consistently embodying women of intelligence and independence. Mother India alone would secure her place in history, yet she kept evolving, eventually stepping into politics. She died far too young at 52, but that only sharpens how much she accomplished. I find her career a reminder that real screen presence comes from conviction, not just beauty, and she had both in abundance.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Nargis
- Name (Japanese)
- ナルギス・ダット
- Reading
- なるぎす・だっと
- Born
- June 1, 1929 – May 3, 1981
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Gemini / Snake
- Origin
- Kolkata, India
- Occupation
- film actor / screenwriter / politician / actor
2. Background
Awards & achievements
- 1958 Padma Shri in arts
- 1968 National Film Award for Best Actress
- 1958 Filmfare Award for Best Actress
3. Works & records
| Category | Title | Role | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notable work | Barsaat | — | |
| Notable work | Babul | — | |
| Notable work | Awaara | — | |
| Notable work | Shree 420 | — | |
| Notable work | Mother India | — | |
| Notable work | Raat Aur Din | — |
4. Links
- Wikipedia (English)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nargis
- Wikipedia (Japanese)https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%8A%E3%83%AB%E3%82%AE%E3%82%B9
- Wikidatahttps://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q159169
5. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-17
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public or unconfirmed items are omitted. English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.
Frequently asked questions
When was Nargis born?
Born June 1, 1929.
When did Nargis die?
Died May 3, 1981, aged 51.
Where was Nargis from?
Nargis was from Kolkata, India.
What did Nargis do?
Nargis worked as film actor, screenwriter, politician, actor.
What was Nargis known for?
Notable works include Barsaat, Babul, Awaara.
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