Mehtab

Mehtab (1913–1997) was a distinguished Indian actress whose cinematic journey spanned over four decades, from 1928 to 1969. Born Najma in Sachin, Gujarat, into a noble Muslim family, she was the daughter of Nawab Sidi Ibrahim Mohammad Yakut Khan III, the Nawab of Sachin near Surat. Her introduction to the silver screen began in the late 1920s with modest roles in Second Wife (1928), Indira B.A. (1929), and Jayant (1929). Gradually, she transitioned to more substantial parts, achieving her first major success opposite Ashraf Khan in Veer Kunal (1932). During the early phase of her career, Mehtab was often cast in action-oriented roles, gaining recognition for her strong screen presence. Her breakthrough came with Kidar Sharma's Chitralekha (1941), which cemented her status as one of the prominent actresses of her era. Her personal life intertwined with the film industry. She first married her co-star Ashraf Khan, with whom she had a son, though the union ended in divorce. In 1946, she married the eminent filmmaker Sohrab Modi. Under his direction, she portrayed the titular role in the ambitious historical epic Jhansi Ki Rani (1953). Despite its visual grandeur and elaborate production, the film failed commercially but remains a landmark in Indian cinematic history for its technical innovation. Mehtab's earlier works included Kamaal-e-Shamsheer (1930), produced by her mother under the Excelsior Film Company, and Hamara Hindustan (1930), a silent film featuring Ruby Myers and Mazhar Khan. Throughout the 1930s, she collaborated with studios like Sharda Film Company and Ranjit Movietone, acting under notable directors such as Jayant Desai and Jaddanbai. Her later repertoire featured acclaimed performances in Qaidi (1940), Sharda (1942), Kanoon (1943), and Vishwas (1943). It was during the making of Parakh (1944) that her relationship with Sohrab Modi blossomed, leading to both personal and creative partnership. Her final appearance was in Modi's Samay Bada Balwan (1969), after which she retired from films. Mehtab passed away in Mumbai on 10 April 1997, leaving behind a legacy marked by elegance, resilience, and pioneering artistry in early Indian cinema.