Chitnis, Leela (1909–2003)

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Chitnis, Leela (1909–2003)

Indian actress. Born Sept 9, 1909, in Dharwar, Karnataka, India; died July 14, 2003, in Danbury, Connecticut; dau. of an English professor; married at 16 (div.); children: 4, including Manavendra, Benoy and Raj Chitnis.

Pioneer in the Indian film industry; came to prominence in movies produced by Bombay Talkies, playing romantic leads in such hit films as Kangan, Bandham and Jhoola opposite Ashok Kumar, one of India's top male stars; an intellectual actress and feminist, often took roles that challenged the caste system; moved into character parts with the patriotic film, Shaheed (1948); was especially known for portrayal of mothers in such films as Awaara (1951); appeared in over 80 films, concluding with Dil Tujhko Diya (1985); came to US in later years to be near her family.