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Mala Sinha
Actress · Singer

Mala Sinha

Indian actress
Born November 11, 1936 · Kolkata, West Bengal, India
89 years old5′2″ (1.58 m)Active 1946–2000Indian

Mala Sinha is a veteran Indian actress who became one of the most popular leading ladies of Hindi cinema during the 1950s, 1960s and early 1970s. Born as Alda Sinha in Kolkata, she began her journey in entertainment…

Biography

Mala Sinha is a veteran Indian actress who became one of the most popular leading ladies of Hindi cinema during the 1950s, 1960s and early 1970s. Born as Alda Sinha in Kolkata, she began her journey in entertainment as a child artist in Bengali films and later established herself as a successful actress across Hindi, Bengali and Nepali cinema.
Her breakthrough in Hindi films came through memorable performances in movies such as Pyaasa, Phir Subah Hogi and Dhool Ka Phool. Known for taking on emotionally demanding and strong female characters, she went on to appear in several acclaimed films, including Anpadh, Dil Tera Deewana, Gumrah, Jahan Ara, Himalay Ki God Mein and Aankhen.
Mala Sinha was widely recognised for her screen presence, expressive performances and versatility. Many of her roles portrayed women facing complex personal and social situations, helping her create a distinctive place in Indian cinema. Over a career spanning several decades, she worked with many of the leading actors and filmmakers of her era.
In recognition of her long contribution to the film industry, she received several honours, including the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018. Her work continues to be remembered as an important part of classic Indian cinema.

Notable works

Pyaasa1957Phir Subah Hogi1958Dhool Ka Phool1959Hariyali Aur Rasta1962Anpadh1962Dil Tera Deewana1962Gumrah1963Jahan Ara1964Himalay Ki God Mein1965Aankhen1968Geet1970Maryada1971

Awards & honours

  • Bengal Film Journalists' Association AwardBest Actress (Hindi) – Jahan Ara – 1965 – Winner
  • Bengal Film Journalists' Association AwardBest Actress (Hindi) – Himalay Ki God Mein – 1967 – Winner
  • Sikkim Samman AwardHonour – Contribution to Indian Cinema – 2004 – Recipient
  • National Film Awards (Nepal)Critics Award – Maitighar – 2005 – Winner
  • Screen AwardsLifetime Achievement Award – Career Contribution – 2007 – Recipient
  • Kelvinator GR8! Women AwardsLifetime Achievement Award – Career Contribution – 2013 – Recipient
  • LG Film AwardSpecial Honour – Maitighar – 2017 – Recipient
  • Filmfare AwardsLifetime Achievement Award – Contribution to Indian Cinema – 2018 – Recipient
  • Deenanath Mangeshkar Vishesh PurashkarContribution to Cinema – 2021 – Recipient
  • Filmfare AwardBest Actress – Dhool Ka Phool – 1960 – Nominated
  • Filmfare AwardBest Actress – Bahurani – 1964 – Nominated
  • Filmfare AwardBest Actress – Jahan Ara – 1965 – Nominated
  • Filmfare AwardBest Actress – Himalay Ki God Mein – 1966 – Nominated

Family

CPChidambar Prasad LohaniSpouse · married 1968; he died in 2024
ASAlbert SinhaParent · Father
PSPratibha SinhaChild · Daughter