Remembering Zohra Sehgal

Zohra Sehgal (27 April 1912 – 10 July 2014) is not a name to be just taken as it is she is an artist who has lived the life in the most astounding manners in Indian and World theates, movies and teleseries, giving them her own special touche' of specialty of skill. Her acting is so very special which could leave you feel one in her part of persona.

Her famous appearance in the series: Amma and her Family, made her a household name. Equally her appearances in the movies like: Bend it Like Beckham, Cheeni Kum Make her doyennes of the cinematic viewers at large.If she is venerated as Amma in South Asia, then she receives applause for her performances in the tele series like: Tandoori Nights and Jewel in the Crown.

Recently in a ceremony she released her autobiography: "CLOSE-UP", could be as confessions or revelaing some of the secret linings of her life. But when asked about the secret man in her life, this witty 98 years old actress in her most charismatic style told; "I wont tell you."

She is one of those rare surviving actors who lived the best of the times of their genres. After working with thespians like Pritviraj Kapoor and Sir Tyrone Guthrie. She could well acclaim that: Having seen the glorious years of Prithvi Theatre where her sister Uzra Butt was the leading lady, Zohra says her idea of beauty revolved around blue eyes, blonde hair and gorgeous body. "I also wanted everything. But now I believe inner beauty is better." Having seen the best of theatre, British and Hindi cinema, Zohra's fans missed an autobiography. Zohra reflects: "When I was in Britain, publishers used to say I have spent my formative years in India so I should approach an Indian publisher. Later, when I returned to India, Indian publishers told me I have spent a major chunk of my career in Britain, I should look for an international publisher." However, Zohra has a biography in the form of little-known Stagers.

She is loved, she is adored, she is languished to have a company of at least a cup of tea. Because there is something truly captivating about this legendary and smiling Zohra Sehgal. After living almost 9 decades of her life in hearts of peple,how she feels with her evets the secret behind it, then she says: "Main roz raat ko kachchi chipkali khati hoon."[I eat daily at night a raw lizard]. As one more correspondent quoted, asking her secret of her active, healthy and happy life: "She is in her nineties, but nervousness is the last thing on her mind. Ask her the mantra of sustenance and Zohra Sehgal shocks you: "It is sex, beta." But the shock is short-lived as Zohra confirms what you and I generally attribute longevity to — a disciplined and organised lifestyle and certainly a sharp sense of humour."

Fondly remembering Zohra Sehgal

30 Jul
10:48 AM