Tragic Loss: Actress Who Filed Case Against Mother, Was Related to Kajol, Dies of Cancer Before Husband Perishes in Fire
Revere the legendary actress who graced the screen for almost four decades. She appeared in over 80 films and received numerous accolades. Her legacy includes a legal battle with her mother over financial mismanagement and she is also the aunt of talented actress Kajol. Sadly, she battled cancer and ultimately passed away after an illustrious career. To add to her trials, her husband tragically lost his life in a fire accident at their apartment in 2004.
She is none other than Nutan Samarth Bahl, a celebrated actress who made a lasting impact on Hindi cinema. With a career spanning nearly forty years and appearances in over 80 films, Nutan earned multiple accolades. Regarded as one of the finest actresses of her era, she was known for her authentic portrayals in women-centric roles, embodying complex characters effortlessly. In 1974, she was honored with the Padma Shri, the nation’s fourth-highest civilian award.
Born in Bombay to filmmaker Kumarsen Samarth and actress Shobhana Samarth, Nutan began her acting journey at the age of 14 with the film “Hamari Beti” in 1950. Her talent was evident in films like “Seema” (1955) and continued with iconic roles in movies such as “Sujata”, “Bandini”, “Milan”, and “Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki”, among others.
Despite her professional success, Nutan faced personal controversies. Rumors of an affair with actor Sanjeev Kumar surfaced during their collaborations, leading to a public confrontation where she slapped him on set upon hearing the gossip. In an interview with Stardust in 1972, Nutan dismissed the rumors, expressing her displeasure with the speculation.
Nutan married Naval Lt Commander Rajnish Bahl in 1959 and they had a son, Mohnish Bahl, in 1961. Committed to her family, Nutan chose to step back from her acting career after marriage, emphasizing the importance of family life.
However, her relationship with her family became strained over time, resulting in a legal battle with her mother over financial mismanagement. Nutan later admitted that taking her mother to court was a painful but necessary decision to secure her family’s future. Their estrangement lasted nearly two decades, even leading to avoidances on flights.
Nutan’s health declined after being diagnosed with breast cancer, which eventually spread to her liver. In her final years, she sought solace in spirituality, distancing herself from the public eye. Nutan passed away on February 21, 1991, after a courageous battle with cancer.
In a tragic turn of events in 2004, her penthouse in Colaba caught fire, claiming the life of her husband Rajnish. Despite her illustrious career, Nutan’s life was a mix of triumphs and heartaches, leaving behind a legacy as one of Hindi cinema’s most revered actresses.
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