The Glamour Girl of Bollywood

The life of actors and actresses isn't easy and is prone to scrutiny 24/7. One mistake and they're deemed too risque. Play it too safe, and they become boring. However, before Bollywood's golden age came the golden girl who rocked the film industry to its core with her glamorous ways and bold persona.
One of Begum Para's photos from the Life Magazine Photoshoot. Image source: Wikipedia

One of Begum Para's photos from the Life Magazine Photoshoot. Image source: Wikipedia

Early Bollywood is remembered for its quality films and beautiful actors and actresses. There was charm and grace that allured countless people into the industry.

There have been many beautiful actresses in Bollywood, but very few have been as bold as Begum Para.

Begum Para was perhaps the first actress in Bollywood who won hearts with her bold and carefree spirit. She was born in the Jhelum region that now lies in Pakistan. The name given to her at birth was Zubeda Ul Haq. When she was growing up, she had a disciplined yet liberal life. Her father was a judge and served in the princely state of Bikaner, and her childhood was spent there. Soon, she went to study at the Aligarh Muslim University.

Her journey to becoming the Glamour Girl of Bollywood began when she visited her brother in Bombay. Her beauty was mesmerising, and she received many offers when she accompanied her sister-in-law Protima Dasgupta to various screenings.

She got her first break in 1944 in the film Chand. Then, she appeared in the movie chamia. Despite her success, she was never considered a serious actress. Most people saw her as a Glamorous figure but not a lead actress for every movie. This had more to do with her outspoken nature, which was highly scandalous back in those days. Any other actress would've brooded over if they weren't taken seriously, but not Begum Para. She was more than happy to play the part of the Glamorous doll as it was her true nature.

She acted in many movies such as Soni Mahiwal, Laila Majnu, Neel Kamal, Mehendi, and Zanjeer. Begum Para's outspokenness and liberal ways had enchanted many creative persons not just in India, but abroad also. In 1951, Begum Para appeared in the Life Magazine. She was photographed by James Burke and her photoshoot was sensationalised by people everywhere.

She was perhaps the only actress brave enough back then to admit she preferred drinking but detested cigarettes. Begum Para embraced her choices and found it better to be open about her preferences than be like other women who mixed alcohol in cola to refrain from being judged.

Many people would assume that Begum Para did not believe in the concept of family. But she was married to Nasir Khan and had 3 children with him. Those who knew Begum Para closely said that she was an excellent wife and mother.

The actress's last appearance on the silver screen was in the movie Saawariya in 2007*.* She passed away the following year at the age of 81.

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