Geeta Bali (1930-65)

Hindi actress, dancer and singer, originally Harikirtan Kaur. Born in Amritsar, Punjab. Started in film aged 12 in a Shorey? short (The Cobbler) followed by her feature début in Majnu’s Badnami. Lively dancer, mainly in films by Kidar Sharma (Suhaag Raat was her first major film), Guru Dutt (Baazi, Baaz, Jaal, Sailaab) and Master Bhagwan (the hit musical Albela). Also featured in whodunits by Ravindra Dave and Shakti Samanta?. Only occasionally successful in dramatic roles, e.g. her famous portrayal of a blind girl in Sohrab Modi?’s Jailor. In Sharma?’s Banwre Nain she used an eloquent gestural style to play the country girl betrayed by the hero, matched only by her contemporary, Nimmi. Co-starred with Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand and later with the man she would marry, Shammi Kapoor?.

Died from smallpox during the filming of Rajinder Singh Bedi’s classic novel Ek Chadar Maili Si, which she, by some accounts, was to have directed as well (other accounts also credit the incomplete film to R.L. Dhir). Also produced Baaz (under H.G. Films) and Raag Rang (under Bali Sisters) directed by her brother Digvijay.

Shammi Kapoor on his years with Geeta Bali

FILMOGRAPHY: 1942: The Cobbler (Sh); 1946: Badnami; Kahan Gaye; 1948: Suhaag Raat; Jalsa; Nai Reet; Patjhad; 1949: Badi Bahen; Bansaria; Bholi; Dil Ki Duniya; Dulari; Garibi; Girls’ School; Jal Tarang; Kinara; Neki Aur Badi; 1950: Banwre Nain; Bhai Bahen; Gulenar; Nishana; Shaadi Ki Raat; 1951: Albela; Baazi; Bedardi; Ek Tha Ladka; Ghayal; Johari; Lachak; Nakhre; Phoolon Ke Haar; 1952: Anandmath; Bahu Beti; Betaab; Jaal; Jalpari; Najaria; Neelam Pari; Raag Rang; Usha Kiron; Zalzala; 1953: Baaz; Firdaus; Gunah; Jhamela; Naina; Naya Ghar; 1954: Ameer; Daku Ki Ladki; Kashti; Kavi; Suhagan; 1955: Albeli; Baradari; Chhora Chhori; Faraar; Jawab; Milap; Miss Coca Cola; Sau Ka Note; Vachan; 1956: Hotel; Inspector; Lalten; Pocketmaar; Rangeen Raatein; Sailaab; Zindagi; 1957: Coffee House; Jalti Nishani; 1958: Do Mastane; Aji Bas Shukriya; Jailor; Ten o’Clock; 1959: CID Girl; Mohar; Nai Raahein; 1960: Bade Ghar Ki Bahu; 1961: Mr India; Sapan Suhane; 1963: Jabse Tumhe Dekha Hai.

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