This fearless actress dared to bare all on the big screen, leaving audiences stunned! Despite being part of some of Bollywood’s most controversial films, she managed to pull off even the most daring scenes with incredible poise.
Can you guess who this bold beauty is?
Simi Garewal is Bollywood’s most refined and daring actress, celebrated for her fearless acting and urbane screen presence. She debuted with Raat Ki Baat in 1962 and quickly became a known name in the industry. But it was her performance in Mera Naam Joker (1970) that established her in Indian cinema.
Breaking Barriers with Bold Scenes
In Raj Kapoor’s Mera Naam Joker, Simi featured as a boarding school teacher. The movie included a daring but tastefully photographed nude bathing scene that represented the awakening of sexual urges of the protagonist. To preserve artistic elegance, Raj Kapoor shot the scene from afar, so that it didn’t look vulgar.
Simi Garewal followed up with a step beyond with her sensational performance in Siddhartha (1972), an Indo-American film adaptation of Hermann Hesse’s 1922 novel. She featured as Kamala, a courtesan, who teaches the hero the joys of love. The movie, co-starring Shashi Kapoor, was appreciated worldwide and even won the Silver Lion Award at the Venice Film Festival. Nevertheless, it was banned in India owing to its crass content but received mixed reviews abroad.
Personal Life & Relationships
Beyond her acting career, Simi’s personal life has also been the subject of interest. At just 17, she was in a serious relationship with Shatrusalyasinhji, the Maharaja of Jamnagar. Their romance lasted three years before ending. She was also linked to Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, but their relationship ended when he married Sharmila Tagore.
A Legacy in Bollywood
Simi is also personally associated with Bollywood royalty. She is Pamela Chopra’s first cousin, and thus is the aunt of Aditya and Uday Chopra. Her work for Indian cinema, first as an actress and subsequently as a TV show host, continues to remain unparalleled.
