Audiences today know Saira Banu as a stunning and accomplished actress, but that beauty and screen presence were inherited from her mother, Naseem Banu. In the early days of Hindi cinema, when it was tough for women to even work in films, Naseem Banu won over the entire country with her acting. She was called the 'beauty queen' of her time and is counted among the first female superstars of Indian cinema.
A Childhood Of Privilege, Kept Away From Public Eyes
Naseem Banu was born on July 4, 1916, and her real name was Roshan Ara Begum. She grew up in considerable wealth, so much so that she was even carried to school in a palanquin. Her mother wanted her to become a doctor, and to keep that dream alive, she kept Naseem shielded from public view. But destiny had other plans.
A Film Set Changed Everything, Leading To A Hunger Strike
During a school vacation, Naseem accompanied her mother to watch a film shoot. The glamour of the film set left such an impression on her that she immediately decided she wanted to become an actress. When she shared this decision at home, it triggered a huge uproar in the family. Her relatives strongly opposed the idea, but Naseem stood her ground, and she eventually had to go on a hunger strike to make the family agree.
'Hamlet' Turned Her Into An Overnight Star
The family eventually gave in, and Naseem made her debut with the 1935 film 'Hamlet.' The film turned out to be a massive hit, and Naseem became a star overnight. She went on to work in several memorable films, including 'Pukar,' 'Talaq,' and 'Meetha Zeher.' She gave tough competition to the leading male actors of her era and ruled audiences' hearts for years. In her personal life, she married Ehsan-ul-Haq, and the couple had a daughter, Saira Banu.
She Sacrificed Her Own Career For Her Daughter
Interestingly, once Saira Banu stepped into the film industry, Naseem Banu chose to step away from acting entirely to focus on her daughter's career and upbringing. The actress who once outshone the biggest heroes of her time gave up the screen without regret so her daughter could rise.
A Tough Choice During Partition, A Lifelong Bond With Cinema
Naseem Banu's personal life saw major upheaval during the country's partition. Her husband moved to Pakistan, but Naseem chose to stay back in India and stood by her daughter, Saira. Even after quitting acting, she remained connected to the film world and tried her hand at fashion designing, creating striking costumes for several films. She lived out the rest of her life with great simplicity and breathed her last in Mumbai.
