This star was the first actress to become Miss India, was called an ugly child, Rajendra Kumar and Shammi Kapoor wanted to marry her, her husband was burned alive,

With a career spanning nearly four decades, Nutan featured in over 80 films and even won five Filmfare Awards for Best Actress. Scroll down to read her name.

Several Bollywood actresses make their way into the film industry through beauty pageants. From Sushmita Sen and Aishwarya Rai to Priyanka Chopra, many actresses have shone at beauty pageants like Miss World. However, do you know that there was one actress who won the title of Miss India, yet was called unattractive? Yes, you read that right! However, when she featured in films, her beauty, smile, and simplicity won the hearts of the audience. She was one of the most celebrated actresses in Bollywood. We are talking about Nutan Samarth Bahl.

With a career spanning nearly four decades, Nutan featured in over 80 films and even won five Filmfare Awards for Best Actress. Not only that, but Nutan was also the first actress to bag the title of Miss India. She won the pageant in 1951 at the age of 16. Before that, Nutan was also honored with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, recognizing her contributions to the film industry. Nutan was also the first actress in the industry to wear a swimsuit for her film Dilli Ka Thug.

While today people love Nutan and hail the actress, there was a time when she struggled in her life. According to reports, Nutan filed a case against her mother, Shobhana, over allegations of mismanaging her finances.

Nutan discussed the inner battle that led to her choice in an interview with fashion photographer Gautam Rajadhyaksha. She said, “It was a very hard decision for me to take. Yes, I had expected the reaction, ‘How can a daughter take her mother to court?’ But that didn’t make the conflict any easier to bear. Yet, I had to do it to protect the future of everyone concerned.”

Do you know that big actors such as Rajendra Kumar and Shammi Kapoor wanted to marry Nutan? Rajendra even asked for Nutan’s hand from her mother, but she said no.

In 1959, Nutan tied the knot with Indian Navy Lieutenant Commander Rajnish Bahl. The couple had a son, whom they named Mohnish Bahl, who also became a renowned actor. In 1990, Nutan was diagnosed with breast cancer. The iconic actress couldn’t survive the disease. She passed away at the age of 54. Tragically, Rajnish Bahl lost his life in a fire accident in his apartment in 2004.