Anita Guha

Anita Guha Biography

Anita Guha was an Indian actress known for portraying mythological roles on silver screen. Perhaps her most popular role is for the movie, Jai Santhoshi Maa, regarded as one among the popular all-time blockbusters in the history of Hindi cinema. Her most noted films are all time classic movies of Hindi cinema, particularly – Aradhana (1969), Goonj Uthi Shehnai (1959), Purnima (1965), Pyar Ki Rahen (1959), Gateway of India (1957), Dekh Kabira Roya (1957) and Sanjog (1961). Her portrayal of Sita in Hindu mythological movies like Sampoorna Ramayana (1961), Shree Ram Bharat Milap (1965) and, Tulsi Vivah (1971) has made her an iconic figure onscreen.

She came to Mumbai during early 1950’s to participate in a beauty pageant. She was only 15 year old then. Later she stayed in Bollywood to do many iconic roles for movies. She debut big screen with Tangewali in 1955. Later she appeared in movies like "Dekh Kabira Roya" (1957) and Sharada (1957). In 1961, she was casted in the role of Sita in Sampoorna Ramayan, which made her household name. Though she gained popularity through this role, she got telecasted to similar mythological and Bhakti roles. In 1969 she played Rajesh Khanna's adoptive mother in the blockbuster hit Aradhana. But it was Jai Santhoshi Maa which brought her real credit. The movie not only collected huge amount at box office, but also gave tough competition to the historical film of Bollywood, Sholay released in the same year.

The low budget Santhosh Maa was a roaring hit at box office and declared as All-time blockbuster. She had never even heard of goddess Santoshi until she was offered the role and she played the guest appearance of Goddess Santhoshi. The shooting was completed in just 10-12 days. After the release of the movie, Goddess Santoshi became popular and people worshipped theaters as temples and left sandals outside doors before stepping in. But later she received similar kind of roles only, for which she really felt uncomfortable.

Her other noted roles include - "Kavi Kalidas (1959), "Jai Dwarkadesh" (1977) and "Krishna Krishna" (1986), “Sangeet Samrat Tansen" (1962), "Kan Kan Mein Bhagwan" (1963), "Veer Bhimsen" (1964). The popular track of Sanjog – Woh bhooli dastan was pictured on Anita. She was married to actor Manik Dutt; they had no children.

Published: N/A

Updated: March 26, 2014