While a number of current actresses have started their careers young, the definition of entering films ‘early’ was much different a few decades ago. A number of famous heroines not only starred in films as children, but also featured in their debut roles earlier than most. We bring you a list of early bird actresses who caught the worm of success!
Nargis
She started her career during the black and white era and made her debut at the age of 13 in the movie Tamanna (1942). It was followed by many popular movies in her 29-year-long film career. After marrying Sunil Dutt, her co-star from Mother India, she left the film industry. Nargis will always be regarded as one of the greatest actresses of Hindi Cinema.
Madhubala
Mumtaz Jehan, popularly known as Madhubala, made her first lead appearance in the black and white film Neel Kamal (1947) at the age of 14 opposite Raj Kapoor. Though the movie was a commercial failure, she managed to attract not just the Indian audiences but left her glorious impression in the west too. Unfortunately, she died far too young to see her fame spread far and wide.
Saira Banu
After learning Kathak and Bharatnatyam professionally, Saira Banu made her debut at 17 with Junglee (1961) opposite Shammi Kapoor. The film became a super hit, and she stole many hearts with her brilliant performances in her career since then. Her adorable love story with veteran actor Dilip Kumar only adds to the reasons why she is so well loved.
Rekha
Rekha has acted in over 180 films in her career of 40 years, playing many strong female characters. At the age of 16, she starred in the movie Sawan Bhado (1970). She went on to become a part of a number of successful films, right from Namak Haraam (1973) to Umrao Jaan (1981), gaining a strong reputation as a beautiful and accomplished actress, which holds true even today.
Neetu Singh
The elegant Neetu Singh made her debut at 14 with the movie Rikshawala (1972) opposite Randhir Kapoor. Even though her career started with a flop, she did many successful films in the years to come, Rafoo Chakkar (1974) being one. Despite being at the peak of her career, she withdrew from films at 22 following her marriage to Rishi Kapoor. In recent years, she has made a comeback with a number of special appearances with her husband and even full-fledged roles in Do Dooni Chaar and Besharam.
Dimple Kapadia
Dimple Kapadia made her debut with Bobby (1973) at 16 and she hit instant success. She was even awarded the Filmfare Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female) for her performance. She proved herself a worthy actress by starring in many hit films such as Saagar and Ram Lakhan to name a few. Even though she is not seen in many films today, she has left an indelible mark on the industry.
Sridevi
Sridevi made her Bollywood debut with Solva Sawan (1979) at the age of 16. After acting in a string of successful movies ending with Judaai (1997), she took a break from films. But 15 years later, she came back with a bang with English Vinglish (2012) and became one of the few actresses to make a highly successful comeback.
Madhuri Dixit
Dhak-dhak girl Madhuri made her first on screen appearance with Abodh (1984) at the age of 17. The movie was a semi-hit, but her acting career took off with many successes to follow. From playing a professional dancer in Aaja Nachle, to playing a grey-shaded character in Dedh Ishqiya, she really has done it all with ease.
Mandakini
The actress is remembered for her performance in Ram Teri Ganga Maili (1985), which was her debut at the age of 16. The movie was a blockbuster hit but brought many controversies with it. But that did not keep her from furthering her acting career. She went on to do many movies such as Jaal, Loha and Tezaab.
Karisma Kapoor
Karisma made her debut in the movie Prem Qaidi (1991) at the age of 17. With Bollywood in her genes, she wooed us with her grace and charm in movies like Raja Hindustani, Anari, Andaz Apna Apna, Dil Toh Paagal Hai, Fiza and many others.