The myth of narcissus
3. Nargis
Taking her screen name from the fragrant flower, actor Anwar Hussain's sister Fatima made her first appearance in 1935's Talashe Haq, credited as Baby Nargis. She grew up to make some of Bollywood's most unforgettable romances, her time stretching from the late 1940s to the 1950s.
And not just was she a romantic heroine. Nargis, an incredibly versatile actress, did it all -- from Awaara to Chori Chori, Shree 420 to Aag and Barsaat.
Diametrically different roles all, showing off her powerful acting talents -- believable dramatics, prodigious comic timing, a natural effervescence, and an ability to instinctively steal the scene from under her co-star's feet.
Paired most often with Raj Kapoor -- to give us that iconic black and white rain-soaked frame -- Nargis is also the one silhouetted with the actor in the everlasting RK Studios logo. As if we needed a symbol for the stunner who went on to mother Bollywood -- and the nation.
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