Not only one of the most important oeuvre of Hindi film cinema, she also had an inimitable career off screen. Along with her husband Sunil Dutt, Nargis formed the Ajanta Arts Cultural Troupe, performing at remote frontiers bringing a cheer to the war torn hearts. She was the first patron of The Spastics Society of India and her tireless work for social change was quite commendable.

On her death anniversary, she should be remembered as a woman who did everything on her own terms, never losing sight of reality, while being desired and emulated by millions.

PS: For those rejoicing the recent stupendous success of women oriented films, here’s a little reminder; Mother India still ranks as one of the greatest box office successes of all time.

(The writer is a journalist, screenwriter and content developer who believes in the insanity of words, in print or otherwise.)

(This article is from The Quint’s archives and is being republished to mark Nargis’ death anniversary.)