Biography
Who is Rakhee Gulzar?
Early life and background
Rakhee Gulzar was born in a Bengali family at Ranaghat in West Bengal on August 15, 1947. Her father previously operated a shoe business in Meherpur before settling in West Bengal following the partition of India. She attended a local girls' school for her early education.
At the beginning of her film career, she dropped her original surname and was credited simply as Raakhee. She later adopted her husband's pen name as her surname after her marriage.
Acting career and breakthrough
Rakhee Gulzar made her cinematic debut in the Bengali film Bodhu Boron in 1967. She secured her first Hindi film role in the crime thriller Jeevan Mrityu opposite Dharmendra in 1970. Her career gained significant momentum with roles in films like Sharmeelee and Daag: A Poem of Love.
For her performance in Daag, she won her first Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress. She subsequently secured her first and only Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her portrayal in the heroine-dominated drama Tapasya in 1976.
Major film roles and recognition
Rakhee Gulzar established herself as a leading actress of Hindi cinema through acclaimed collaborations with major actors and directors. She starred in Yash Chopra's romantic drama Kabhi Kabhie in 1976 and later appeared in box-office hits such as Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Trishul, and Kaala Patthar.
As her career progressed into the late 1980s and 1990s, she successfully transitioned into strong character roles, playing elderly mothers and matriarchs in films like Ram Lakhan, Baazigar, Karan Arjun, and Border. In 2003, she won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for her work in the mystery thriller Shubho Mahurat.
Personal life and family
Rakhee Gulzar experienced a brief arranged marriage to journalist and film director Ajay Biswas during her teenage years. She later married poet, lyricist, and author Gulzar in 1973. The couple shares a daughter, Meghna Gulzar, who pursued a career as a film director and writer.
After her daughter turned one year old, Rakhee and Gulzar separated. Aside from her primary acting work, she occasionally contributed to films in other capacities, including costume designing for Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha and dress assistance for Dil Kya Kare.
Birthday and age
Rakhee Gulzar was born on August 15, 1947, which makes Rakhee 79 years old today. That birthday falls under the Leo sign. Rakhee shares the date with 33 other famous people.
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