The Original Divas of Bollywood: Sharmila Tagore

Sharmila Tagore is a name which is synonymous with grace, beauty and, her trademark, winged eyes.

However, there's more to this actress than just the above traits. She is not only an actress but a doting wife, mother, homemaker, ex- Censor Board Chief and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. She was one of the very first actresses who made being a sex symbol trendy before making her transition as a serious actor.

The Beginning

Sharmila Tagore began her career with Satyajit ray's Bengali film 'Apur Sansar' in 1959 at the tender age of 14. Her Bollywood debut was the film 'Kashmir Ki Kali' opposite Shammi Kapoor, as a beautiful and innocent flower-seller in the heavenly Kashmiri landscape, after which there was no looking back.

Claim to Fame

Sharmila Tagore really burst on the scene when she appeared in a bikini in the film 'An Evening in Paris' becoming the first Indian actress to do so.

The Oomph Factor

Sharmila's oomph factor lies in her ethereal charm and elegance,topped with her infectious dimpled smile. In the older days, her winged eye-liner look hugely added to her aura, not to mention that it was a major trendsetter.

The Calling

Acting came calling to her when she was spotted by renowned filmmaker Satyajit Ray while she was still studying in school, all of 13. Her father was persuaded to let her act, which he did only because the film was a combination of well-regarded Ray and renowned author Bibhutivibhushan Bondopadhyay whose story it was.

Did You Know?

In the film Parineeta, Sharmila Tagore's son, Saif Ali Khan rides on the same train Tagore rides on in Aradhana.

Sharmila Tagore Now

At present, Sharmila Tagore is busy taking care of her ailing husband keeping aside everything else. She retired from the Censor Board in March and was last seen in the movie 'Break Ke Baad'.

Starting off as a gawky teenager in her first film, who had to be shouted at by the director, to the legend that she is considered today, Sharmila Tagore's career has indeed, been a remarkable one. Despite setting the trend of being sexy in Indian cinema, Sharmila Tagore went on to grab performance oriented roles, proving her versatility. After opening the road to future divas of Bollywood, Sharmila embarked on her own journey in the glittering B-town which was not only successful but highly distinguished.e