You would love to hate her, because
Shashikala was an ace villain in a world full of men! Her glamorous career spanning decades has been laced with strong-willed characters, always the opposite of an ideological leading lady. And what’s more, Shashikala refused to be type-case and experimented by famously playing numerous supporting
characters
in over 100 movies. Here’s celebrating the effervescence actress Shashikala, whose riveting roles and flamboyant style won hearts!
Early Life Born as Shashikala Jawalkar, the veteran actress emerged as a popular personality in the film world with just her first name. Born on August 4, 1932 in Maharashtra’s Solapur district, Shashikala started earning at a very young age. In an interview with a news portal, the veteran actress had reminisced that at the age of five she was acting, singing and dancing to earn money. They were six siblings and Shashikala soon entered films, for a qawwali scene in 1945 release ‘Zeenat’ and earned Rs 24 for her act. She went on to sign up for a four-year contract for a salary of Rs 400 with filmmaker Shaukat Hussain Rizvi. In her 20s, Shashikala tied the knot with Om Prakash Saigal and they had two daughters.
Best Works Shashikala went on to earn some recognition with supporting roles in films like ‘Teen Batti Char Raasta’ (1953) and ‘Surang’ (1953). Tarachand Barjatya’s ‘Aarti’ (1962) featured Shashikala in a grey shade and she was applauded for her act alongside Meena Kumari, Ashok Kumar and Pradeep Kumar. She even won a Filmfare Award for her act. Her performance in ‘Aarti’ was followed up with ace acts in hits like ‘Anupama’, ‘Phool Aur Patthar’(1996), ‘Ayee Milan Ki Bela’ (1964), ‘Gumrah’ (1993), ‘Waqt’ (1965) and ‘Khubsoorat’ (1980) to name a few.
Diversion to TV and working with the Khans Shashikala also dabbled into television serials and essayed pivotal roles in ‘Apnaapan’ and ‘Son Pari’. Continuing with her passion for films, she went on sign up for older characters too. Shashikala played Shah Rukh Khan’s concerned mother in ‘Baadshah’, while she featured as Salman Khan’s grandmother in ‘Mujhse Shaadi Karogi’. The veteran actress was also seen essaying a cameo on Karan Johar directed ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’.
Life behind the limelight After a tough childhood and a long struggle to recognition, Shashikala painted a successful story, but turns out she was not really enjoying her journey in
Bollywood
. In an interview with Timesofindia.com, the veteran actress shared, “I would rue the fact that I'm doing negative roles, when in reality I'm not the kind of women I enact. Plus, I had everything, but no peace of mind.” Shashikala diverted her energy towards selfless work and followed the path preached by
Mother Teresa. For over a decade, Shashikala looked after spastic and challenged children, people suffering with leprosy. “Each time I worked for them, I would experience a surge of energy and saw hope in my life too,” Shashikala had previously shared.
Demise Shashikala passed away at the age of 88 on April 4. She was residing at her family home in Colaba, Mumbai. According to a source, her funeral will be held in a church.
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