Leela Chitnis

Name: Leela Chitnis
Birth Name: Leela Nagarkar
Date of Birth: 9th September 1909
Place of Birth: Dharwad, Bombay Presidency, British India (present-day Karnataka, India)
Date of Death: 14th July 2003 (aged 93)
Place of Death: Danbury, Connecticut, U.S.
Occupation: Film Actor, Theatre Actor
Years Active: 1930s-1980s
Spouse: Gajanan Yashwant Chitnis

Leela Chitnis (née Nagarkar) was born on 9th September 1909 in Dharwad, Karnataka. She was a prominent Indian actress in the film industry from the 1930s to the 1980s. Known for her diverse roles, she began as a romantic lead and later gained acclaim for her portrayals of virtuous and maternal figures.

Early Life:

Leela Chitnis was born into a Marathi-speaking Brahmin family. Her father was a professor of English literature. She received education and joined Natyamanwantar, a progressive theater group producing plays in Marathi. With the group, she performed lead roles in comedies and tragedies, showcasing her early talent and versatility.

Career:

Chitnis started her film career with minor roles, gradually rising to prominence. Notable early works include "Gentleman Daku" (1937) and "Kangan" (1939), where she challenged societal norms through her portrayals. She later became synonymous with maternal roles, portraying suffering and resilient mothers in films like "Shaheed" (1948) and "Guide" (1965).

Personal Life:

Leela Chitnis married Dr. Gajanan Yeshwant Chitnis and had four children. Despite facing personal challenges, including divorce, she continued her career and eventually moved to the United States in her later years.

Leela Chitnis passed away on 14th July 2003 in Danbury, Connecticut, U.S., leaving behind a legacy of versatility and resilience in Indian cinema.