Zohra Segal

Zohra Segal (27 April 1912 – 10 July 2014) was an Indian actress, dancer, and choreographer. She is widely regarded as one of the finest Indian actresses of her generation, and was known for her work in both film and theatre.

Born in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Segal began her career as a dancer in the 1930s. She moved to Mumbai in the 1940s, and began acting in films soon after. Over the course of her career, she appeared in over 40 films, including classics like "Bhaji on the Beach" and "Cheeni Kum". She was also a prominent figure in the Indian theatre community, and spent many years working with the celebrated theatre director Ebrahim Alkazi.

Segal was awarded the Padma Shri in 1998, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2010, two of India's highest civilian honors. She passed away in 2014 at the age of 102.

Contributions to Indian Theatre

Segal was a key figure in the Indian theatre community, and is remembered for her contributions as an actress, dancer, and choreographer. She worked with many of the country's most celebrated theatre directors, including Ebrahim Alkazi, Prithviraj Kapoor, and Utpal Dutt.

Her most famous acting role was in the play "The Little Clay Cart", which she performed in both English and Hindi. She also co-founded a theatre group called "The Indian People's Theatre Association", which aimed to promote social and political change through theatre.

Segal was widely respected for her dedication to the craft of theatre, and was regarded as one of the most influential figures in Indian theatre history.

Film Career

In addition to her work in theatre, Segal was also a successful film actress. She appeared in over 40 films over the course of her career, including classics like "Bhaji on the Beach", "Dil Se", and "Cheeni Kum".

One of her most memorable film roles was in the 1992 film "Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke", in which she played the grandmother of the protagonist. The film was a critical and commercial success, and Segal's performance was praised for its warmth and humor.

Legacy

Zohra Segal's contributions to Indian theatre and film have had a lasting impact on the country's cultural landscape. She was a trailblazer for women in the entertainment industry, and her work has been an inspiration to generations of actors, dancers, and artists.

Today, Segal is remembered as one of the finest Indian actresses of her generation, and as a pioneer who helped to shape the course of Indian theatre and film.