View source for Nargis

{{short description|Indian actress (1929–1981)}}
{{About|the Indian actress}}
{{EngvarB|date=August 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2024}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = Nargis
| native_name        = 
| image              = Nargis, Best Actress for Raat Aur Din.jpg
| image_size         = 
| caption            = Nargis in 1967
| birth_name         = Fatima Rashid
| birth_date         = {{Birth date|df=yes|1929|06|01}}
| birth_place        = [[Calcutta]], [[Bengal Presidency]], [[British India]]
| death_date         = {{death date and age|df=yes|1981|05|03|1929|06|01}}
| death_place        = [[Bombay]], [[Maharashtra]], India
| resting_place      = [[Bada Qabrastan Mumbai]]
| occupation         = {{hlist|Actress|politician}}
| years_active       = 1935–1936<br />1942–1968
| works              = [[Nargis filmography|Full list]]
| other_names        = {{plainlist|
* Nargis Dutt
* Nirmala Dutt
* Baby<ref name="Meena & Nargis">{{cite web |title=Why Nargis said 'Meena, Maut Mubarak Ho!' |website=The Times of India |date=2 December 2018 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-times/why-nargis-said-meena-maut-mubarak-ho/articleshow/66898473.cms |access-date=2 December 2018}}</ref>
* Baby Nargis<ref name="indianexpress.com"/>
}}
| spouse             = {{marriage|[[Sunil Dutt]]|1958}}
| children           = 3, including [[Sanjay Dutt]] and [[Priya Dutt]]
| mother             = [[Jaddanbai]]
| family             = [[List of Hindi film clans#Dutt family (of Sunil Dutt)|Dutt family]] (by marriage)
| awards             = {{ubl|[[Filmfare Award for Best Actress]] (1958)|[[National Film Award]] (1968)}}
| honours            = [[Padma Shri]] (1958)
| module             = {{Infobox officeholder
| embed              = yes
| office             = [[Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha|Member of Parliament]], [[Rajya Sabha]]
| termstart          = 3 April 1980
| termend            = 3 May 1981
| predecessor        = [[Vidya Prakash Dutt]]
| successor          = [[Asima Chatterjee]]
| nominator          = [[Neelam Sanjiva Reddy]]
| constituency       = [[List of nominated members of Rajya Sabha|Nominated (Arts)]]
}}
}}

'''Nargis Dutt'''<ref name="indianexpress.com"/><ref name=raj>{{cite web |url=http://rajyasabha.nic.in/publ/pandp/book2.htm |title=NOMINATED MEMBERS OF THERAJYASABHA |access-date=19 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501143356/http://rajyasabha.nic.in/publ/pandp/book2.htm |archive-date=1 May 2009}}</ref> (born '''Fatima Rashid''', also known as '''Nirmala Dutt'''; 1 June 1929 – 3 May 1981), known mononymously as '''Nargis''', was an Indian actress and politician who worked in [[Hindi cinema]]. Regarded as one of the greatest actresses in the history of [[Cinema of India|Hindi cinema]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sanjay Dutt writes a heartfelt note for mom Nargis Dutt on her 39th death anniversary {{!}} Entertainment - Times of India Videos |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/entertainment/hindi/sanjay-dutt-writes-a-heartfelt-note-for-mom-nargis-dutt-on-her-39th-death-anniversary/videoshow/75519137.cms |access-date=5 September 2021 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref> Nargis often portrayed sophisticated and independent women in a range of genres, from [[screwball comedy]] to literary drama. She was among the highest paid actresses of the 1950s and 1960s.<ref name="ever" />

In a career spanning three decades, Nargis made her screen debut in a minor role at the age of six with ''[[Talashe Haq|Talash-E-Haq]]'' (1935),<ref name="Ghosh">{{Cite web |last=Ghosh |first=Biswadeep |date=3 May 2019 |title=Nargis Dutt: The woman and the actress |url=https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/obituary/nargis-dutt-the-woman-and-the-actress |access-date=5 September 2021 |website=National Herald |language=en}}</ref> but her acting career actually began with the film ''[[Tamanna (1942 film)|Tamanna]]'' (1942).<ref name="The Economic Times">{{Cite news |title=Nargis Dutt: From a child actor to 'Mother India' |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/nargis-dutt-from-a-child-actor-to-mother-india/articleshow/47500212.cms?from=mdr |access-date=5 September 2021}}</ref> Nargis had her first leading role with ''[[Taqdeer (1943 film)|Taqdeer]]'' (1943). Nargis had her breakthrough with the romance film {{Lang|hi-latn|[[Andaz (1949 film)|Andaz]]}} (1949) and the musical ''[[Barsaat (1949 film)|Barsaat]]'' (1949). Following this she starred in [[Raj Kapoor|Raj Kapoor's]] crime drama ''[[Awaara]]'' (1951), which was a major critical and financial success. After a brief setback in the early 1950s, she reemerged with the comedy-drama ''[[Shree 420]]'' (1955) and the romantic comedy ''[[Chori Chori (1956 film)|Chori Chori]]'' (1956). Nargis starred in [[Mehboob Khan]]'s Oscar-nominated epic drama ''[[Mother India]]'' (1957), the [[List of highest-grossing Indian films|highest-grossing film in India]] at that point of time, for which she won [[Filmfare Award for Best Actress]]. Her last film was the drama ''[[Raat Aur Din]]'' (1967), for which she received the inaugural [[National Film Award for Best Actress]].

Nargis married her ''Mother India'' co-star [[Sunil Dutt]] in 1958. Together they had three children, including the actor [[Sanjay Dutt]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 June 2021 |title=The Nargis and Sunil Dutt love story: When he saved her from fire and she found the love of her life |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/the-nargis-and-sunil-dutt-love-story-when-he-saved-her-from-fire-and-she-found-the-love-of-her-life-101622508383898.html |access-date=5 September 2021 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> Along with her husband, Nargis formed the Ajanta Arts Culture Troupe which hired several leading actors and singers of the time and held stage shows at border areas. In the early 1970s, Nargis became the first patron of [[The Spastic Society of India]] and her subsequent work with the organisation brought her recognition as a social worker and later a [[Rajya Sabha]] nomination in 1980.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Nargis Dutt: Lesser known facts |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/photo-features/nargis-dutt-lesser-known-facts/photostory/47496947.cms |access-date=5 September 2021 |website=The Times of India}}</ref>

Nargis died in 1981 of [[pancreatic cancer]], only three days before her son Sanjay Dutt made his debut in [[Hindi films]] with the film ''[[Rocky (1981 film)|Rocky]]''.<ref name="The Economic Times"/> In 1982, the [[Nargis Dutt Foundation|Nargis Dutt Memorial Cancer Foundation]] was established in her memory by her husband Sunil Dutt. The award for Best Feature Film on National Integration in the Annual Film Awards ceremony is called the [[Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration|Nargis Dutt Award]] in her honour. In 2011, ''[[Rediff.com]]'' listed her as the greatest Indian actress of all time.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nargis' 86th Birthday |url=https://doodles.google/doodle/nargis-86th-birthday/ |access-date=5 September 2021 |language=en}}</ref>

==Early life==

Nargis was born on 1 June 1929 as Fatima Rashid<ref name="George1994" /> in [[Calcutta]], in the [[Bengal Presidency]] of [[British India]] (now [[Kolkata]], [[West Bengal]], India).<ref>{{cite news |title=On Nargis's 39th death anniversary, hre're some less-known facts |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/on-nargis-s-39th-death-anniversary-here-are-some-lesser-known-facts-about-the-legendary-actor/story-Su7OsWuGDN1PcoPqH0kiPI.html |work=Hindustan Times |date=3 May 2020 |access-date=16 March 2025}}</ref>

Her father Abdul Rashid, formerly Mohanchand Uttamchand ("Mohan Babu") a Mohyal Brahmin, was originally a wealthy heir from [[Rawalpindi]], [[Punjab Province (British India)|Punjab]] who had converted from Hinduism to Islam.<ref name="George1994">{{cite book |author=T. J. S. George |title=The life and times of Nargis |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=byBlAAAAMAAJ |access-date=8 March 2012 |date=December 1994 |publisher=Megatechnics |isbn=978-81-7223-149-1}}</ref><ref name="Roy1998">{{cite book |author=Parama Roy |title=Indian traffic: identities in question in colonial and postcolonial India |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xp82WhOGBnAC&pg=PA156 |access-date=8 March 2012 |date=6 September 1998 |publisher=University of California Press |isbn=978-0-520-20487-4 |page=156}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/oct/20dutt.htm |title=Nargis-Sunil Dutt: A real life romance |author=Shyam Bhatia |date=20 October 2003 |website=Rediff |access-date=3 June 2012}}</ref> Her mother was [[Jaddanbai]] was from [[Benares]] and was a [[Hindustani classical music]] singer, becoming one of the early pioneers of Indian cinema.<ref name="tehelka">{{cite web |url=http://www.tehelka.com/story_main43.asp?filename=hub071109bring_on.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405075115/http://www.tehelka.com/story_main43.asp?filename=hub071109bring_on.asp |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 April 2012 |title=India's Independent Weekly News Magazine |work=Tehelka |access-date=12 July 2012}}</ref> Nargis' mother had moved from [[Allahabad]] to [[Calcutta]] and later introduced Nargis into the movie culture unfolding in India at the time.<ref name="indianexpress.com" />

Nargis' maternal half-brother, [[Anwar Hussain (actor)|Anwar Hussain]], was also a film actor.<ref name="Follywood Flashback">{{cite book |last1=Reuben |first1=Bunny |title=Follywood Flashback : A Collection of Movie Memories |date=1993 |publisher=Indus |location=New Delhi |isbn=9788172231064 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YrwaAQAAIAAJ&q=Suraiya+ |language=English |oclc=651858921}}</ref>

==Career==
{{Main|Nargis filmography}}
=== 1935–1948: Film debut and breakthrough ===
Fatima made her first film appearance in the 1935 film ''[[Talashe Haq]]'' when she was six years old, credited as Baby Nargis. Nargis ({{lang|ur|نرگس}} {{IPA|hns|ˈnərɡɪs|}}) is a [[Persian language|Persian]] word meaning [[Narcissus (plant)|Narcissus]], the [[daffodil]] flower. She was subsequently credited as Nargis in all of her films.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 June 2015 |title=Nargis Dutt's 86th Birth Anniversary: 10 things you would want to know about beautiful Nargis |url=https://www.india.com/education/nargis-dutts-86th-birth-anniversary-10-things-you-would-want-to-know-about-beautiful-nargis-1582385/ |access-date=8 August 2020 |website=India.com}}</ref><ref name="mint">{{cite news |title=Nargis |url=https://www.livemint.com/Leisure/VxGxrl4DUCCYWK6MtEjw1O/Nargis.html |work=[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]] |date=4 May 2013}}</ref>

Nargis appeared in numerous films after her debut. In 1943 at the age of 14, she appeared in [[Mehboob Khan]]'s ''[[Taqdeer (1943 film)|Taqdeer]],'' opposite Motilal.<ref name="nw">{{cite web |url=http://nrcw.nic.in/shared/sublinkimages/142.htm |title=NARGIS DUTT (1929--1981) |access-date=17 January 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070210101745/http://nrcw.nic.in/shared/sublinkimages/142.htm |archive-date=10 February 2007}}</ref> The film was a box office success, and she was extensively praised for her performance. ''[[Filmindia]]'' referred to it as "an excellent debut".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.citwf.com/film343283.htm |title= film Taqdeer (1943)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151006064717/http://www.citwf.com/film343283.htm|url-status=dead|website=Complete Index To World Film (C.I.T.W.F.) website|archive-date=6 October 2015|access-date=10 February 2023}}</ref> Following ''Taqdeer,'' Nargis starred in the 1944 film [[Anban (film)|Anban]]. Nargis next starred in the 1945 period drama ''[[Humayun (film)|Humayun]],'' opposite the leading actor of those times, [[Ashok Kumar]] and the mythological film ''[[Ramayani]].'' In 1946 she starred in [[Nargis (film)|Nargis]]. These films were moderately successful.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Ashish Rajadhyaksha|author2=Paul Willemen|author3=Professor of Critical Studies Paul Willemen|title=Encyclopedia of Indian Cinema|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SLkABAAAQBAJ&pg=PA82|access-date=8 October 2014|date=10 July 2014|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-135-94318-9|pages=82–}}</ref>

In 1948, she made her first collaboration with [[Raj Kapoor]], the drama [[Aag (1948 film)|Aag]], in which she portrays a homeless woman who becomes an actress. The film was not a major success and did average business at the box office. However this marked the first of more than a dozen films in which Raj Kapoor and Nargis appeared together. She also starred in highly successful tragedy film [[Mela (1948 film)|Mela]], the editor of ''[[Filmindia]]'', [[Baburao Patel]] praised her performance, but in her role of mother found her "unconvincing" and "synthetic", The reported box office gross for the film according to IBOS was ₹50 [[lakhs]] in 1948. The adjusted gross as of 2015 is roughly estimated at ₹340.44 [[crores]]. Her last film of the year was ''[[Anokha Pyar]],'' which was not a success.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nargis movies, filmography, biography and songs |url=https://www.cinestaan.com/people/nargis-23776 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607101600/https://www.cinestaan.com/people/nargis-23776 |url-status=live |archive-date=7 June 2019 |access-date=23 October 2020 |website=Cinestaan}}</ref>

=== 1949–1954: Rise to prominence, success and setback ===
[[File:PYAR.png|thumb|Nargis with [[Raj Kapoor]], in a poster for the 1950 film ''[[Pyar]]'']]
In 1949, Nargis starred in [[Mehboob Khan]]'s critically acclaimed drama ''[[Andaz (1949 film)|Andaz]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=154&catName=MTk0OQ==|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016234445/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=154&catName=MTk0OQ==|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 October 2013|title=Top Earners Box Office 1949|website=Box Office India website|access-date=12 June 2024}}</ref> The film saw her playing Neena, whose husband Rajan (Raj Kapoor) suspects of her having an affair with her friend Dilip (Dilip Kumar). It had a slow start at the box office, but as soon as positive word-of-mouth spread, it emerged as a major commercial success and the highest-grossing film of all time. The film was first hit in Kapoor's career, and a breakthrough for Nargis and Kumar.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Classics Revisited: Andaz |url=https://www.rediff.com/entertai/2002/mar/14dinesh.htm |first=Dinesh |last=Raheja |date=14 March 2002 |access-date=8 August 2020 |work=Rediff.com}}</ref> Following this she starred in ''[[Barsaat (1949 film)|Barsaat]]'', directed by Kapoor starred Nargis as a village belle and Kapoor as a poet. The film was the debut of [[Nimmi]], who would later become a well-known actress. Its release was already hyped due to the huge success of ''Andaz,'' and therefore it became another major box office success.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Barsaat Box office collection|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=154&catName=MTk0OQ==|website=[[Box Office India]]|access-date=2023-07-26|archive-date=16 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016234445/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=154&catName=MTk0OQ==|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Barsaat'' was the highest-grossing film of 1949, as well as of all time, breaking the record of ''Andaz''.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |first=Trisha |last=Gupta |date=25 August 2019 |title=A love for all seasons |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/opinion/columnists/trisha-gupta/a-love-for-all-seasons/articleshow/70824130.cms |access-date=8 August 2020 |website=Mumbai Mirror}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=1 June 2019 |title=Nargis Birth Anniversary: Mother India to Awara, 5 Memorable Performances of the Iconic Actress |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/nargis-birth-anniversary-mother-india-to-awara-5-memorable-performances-of-the-iconic-actress-2168015.html |access-date=23 October 2020 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref>

She followed this with roles in the 1950 films ''[[Meena Bazaar (film)|Meena Bazaar]],'' the romantic drama ''[[Jogan (film)|Jogan]], [[Jan Pahechan]],'' the musical drama ''[[Babul (1950 film)|Babul]],'' and ''[[Aadhi Raat]].'' Both Jogan and Babul were box office hits and her performance in Babul was specially noticed. Following this she starred in the drama films [[Hulchul (1951 film)|Hulchul]] and [[Deedar (1951 film)|Deedar]] (both 1951). Due to the success of ''Andaz'' and ''Barsaat'', Raj Kapoor was impressed by Nargis' onscreen charm and presence. He therefore chose her to play a character in ''[[Awaara]]'' (1951) (often written as ''Awāra''). Although it revolved around a father and his estranged son, Nargis played the pivotal role of a lawyer who knows the truth that Raj (played by Kapoor) and Raghunath (played by [[Prithviraj Kapoor]]) are son-father. Unlike the roles played by other actresses of those times, Nargis portrayed an outspoken woman-lawyer who criticises the people who regard woman as a "thing made for household chores". She was also seen donning a [[Swimsuit|swimwear]] in a scene from ''Awaara,'' a bold outfit for an Indian woman to wear in that era. The film was released on 14 December 1951, receiving universal acclaim for the performances of Prithviraj, Raj and Nargis. Not only in India, the film was a blockbuster overseas too, making Nargis and Raj well-known stars in countries such as Greece and the United States. Grossing {{Indian Rupee}}12.5 million in India, it became the highest-grossing film of all time, breaking the record of ''Barsaat''.<ref name="ScrollPopularCouples19">{{Cite web |last=Rao |first=Soumya |date=13 July 2019 |title=Raj Kapoor-Nargis to Deepika-Ranbir: A survey ranks the most popular Bollywood couples |url=https://scroll.in/reel/930290/raj-kapoor-nargis-to-deepika-ranbir-a-survey-ranks-the-most-popular-bollywood-couples |access-date=8 August 2020 |website=Scroll.in}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Filmfare Awards Winners 1958: Complete list of winners of Filmfare Awards 1958 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-awards/filmfare-awards-winners/bollywood/1958/101 |access-date=23 October 2020 |newspaper=The Times of India}}</ref>

In 1952, Nargis starred in the romance film ''[[Bewafa (1952 film)|Bewafa]]'', which was not a major success. Following this, she also starred in the psychological drama ''[[Anhonee (1952 film)|Anhonee]]''  Nargis was highly appreciated for enacting a dual role and her performance garnered critical acclaim.<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 November 2012 |title=The Hindu : Metro Plus Bangalore / Cinema : Anhonee1952 |url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/01/03/stories/2009010350821100.htm |access-date=2 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105104910/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/01/03/stories/2009010350821100.htm |archive-date=5 November 2012}}</ref> Furthermore, [[Rediff.com|rediff]] commented "The ethereal actress is equally adept at bringing out the conflicting qualities of both -- the gregarious courtesan Mohini as well as her dignified half-sister and heiress, Roop".<ref>{{Cite web |title=The 25 BEST Double Roles in Bollywood |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-the-best-double-roles-in-bollywood/20120531.htm |access-date=2 May 2023 |website=Rediff |language=en}}</ref> She then starred in the adventure film ''[[Amber (film)|Amber]]''. Out of her releases of 1952, only Anhonee was a success.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kohli|first=Suresh|title=Blast From The Past – Anhonee (1952)|url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/01/03/stories/2009010350821100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105104910/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/01/03/stories/2009010350821100.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 November 2012|access-date=3 December 2012|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=3 January 2009}}</ref> Following this was the 1953 film [[Dhoon]], which was not a major success. Her last film of the year was the romantic drama [[Aah (film)|Aah]], which too was not major success, despite this it is often regarded as a [[Cult film|cult classic.]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nargis Dutt Birth Anniversary: Lesser-known facts about the yesteryear actress |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/bollywood/nargis-dutt-birth-anniversary-lesser-known-facts-about-the-yesteryear-actress |access-date=2 May 2023 |website=Free Press Journal |language=en}}</ref> Her only film of 1954 was ''[[Angarey (1954 film)|Angarey]]''.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Martin Clayton|author2=Bennett Zon|title=Music and Orientalism in the British Empire, 1780s-1940s: Portrayal of the East|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3cRlzq6mAzAC&pg=PA337|year=2007|publisher=Ashgate Publishing, Ltd.|isbn=978-0-7546-5604-3|page=337}}</ref>

=== 1955–1958: Resurgence and stardom ===
Nargis revived her career with Raj Kapoor's social drama ''[[Shree 420]]'' (1955).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mid-day.com/articles/b-town-rewind-the-tale-of-the-first-bollywood-crore/15162064 |title=B-Town rewind: The tale of the first Bollywood crore - Entertainment |date=16 March 2014 |publisher=Mid-day.com |access-date=2015-09-18 |archive-date=16 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316114251/http://www.mid-day.com/articles/b-town-rewind-the-tale-of-the-first-bollywood-crore/15162064 |url-status=live }}</ref> In the film, Nargis portrays a school teacher who becomes Raj's (played by Kapoor) love interest. It was Nargis' last under Raj Kapoor's direction.<ref>{{cite book |last=Jhingana |first=Kanana |title=Cine Jagat Ki Rasmiyam |publisher=Atmaram & Sons |year=2010 |isbn=9788189373177 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tY0XKR2_JZUC}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Ausaja |first=S. M. M. |title=Bollywood in Posters |publisher=Om Books International |year=2009 |isbn=9788187108559 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vXLFDAAAQBAJ&dq=suraiya+actress&pg=PA1954}}</ref> Commenting on the performance, [[Rediff.com|rediff]] said that "The performances help the film's endorsement of ethical living and high thinking. Nargis' quiet demeanour in the film contrasted with Raj Kapoor's flamboyance". The film was a major blockbuster, emerging as the highest-grossing film in India at the time.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shree 420 (1955) |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/photos/nargis-dutt-birthday-special-barsaat-mother-india-late-actor-s-best-performances-759899/shree-420-1955 |access-date=5 September 2021 |website=pinkvilla.com |language=en |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408184905/https://www.pinkvilla.com/photos/nargis-dutt-birthday-special-barsaat-mother-india-late-actor-s-best-performances-759899/shree-420-1955 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

She once again collaborated with Kapoor for the box office success ''[[Chori Chori (1956 film)|Chori Chori]]'' (1956), which revolves around a girl (Nargis) who runs away from her house in order to marry a gold digger pilot ([[Pran (actor)|Pran]]), but ends up falling for a news reporter (Kapoor) whom she meets in a bus.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2013-05-29|title='Chori Chori', 'Half Ticket' - black and white classics now in colour|work=[[Business Standard India]]|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/chori-chori-half-ticket-black-and-white-classics-now-in-colour-113052900880_1.html|access-date=2021-10-27}}</ref> Described by [[ThePrint]] which praised the lead's chemistry.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Unnati |date=24 October 2021 |title=Forget Dil Chahta Hai, Raj Kapoor-Nargis starrer Chori Chori was the first road trip movie |url=https://theprint.in/features/reel-take/forget-dil-chahta-hai-raj-kapoor-nargis-starrer-chori-chori-was-the-first-road-trip-movie/755494/ |access-date=2 May 2023 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref> The film was also a major box office success emerging as one of the highest-grossing films of the year. In the same year, she did a special appearance in Kapoor's ''[[Jagte Raho]].'' The film was her last to co-star Raj Kapoor.<ref name="HTPassion20">{{Cite web |first=Nivedita |last=Mishra |date=1 June 2020 |title=On Nargis' 91st birth anniversary, a look at a star who symbolised passion onscreen |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/on-nargis-91st-birth-anniversary-a-look-at-a-star-who-symbolised-passion-onscreen/story-lLfqOlewzBkMYL0NSwOO4J.html |access-date=8 August 2020 |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Bhatia |first=Jagdish |title=Celebrities: A Comprehensive Biographical Thesaurus of Important Men and Women in India |publisher=Aeon Publishers |year=1952 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VqY5AQAAIAAJ&q=Celebrities:+A+Comprehensive+Biographical+Thesaurus+of+Important+Men+and+Women+in+India}}</ref>

In 1957, she appeared in Mehboob Khan's Oscar-nominated epic drama ''[[Mother India]]'', which won her the [[Filmfare Award for Best Actress]].<ref>{{Cite web |first=Tiasa |last=Bhowal |date=27 June 2018 |title=For Sanjay Dutt, Sanju Actress Buys Original Mother India Poster, Featuring Nargis |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/for-sanjay-dutt-sanju-actress-buys-original-mother-india-poster-featuring-nargis-1874169 |access-date=8 August 2020 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref> [[Baburao Patel]] of the film magazine, ''[[Filmindia]]'', in December 1957, described ''Mother India'' as "the greatest picture produced in India" and wrote that no other actress would have been able to perform the role as well as Nargis.<ref>{{cite book |last=Mishra |first=Vijay |title=Bollywood Cinema: Temples of Desire |year=2002 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-0-415-93015-4 |page=65}}</ref><ref name="TSGBetter18">{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Surendra |date=12 May 2018 |title=There hasn't been a better actress in India than Nargis |url=https://www.sundayguardianlive.com/culture/hasnt-better-actress-india-nargis |access-date=8 August 2020 |website=The Sunday Guardian Live}}</ref> ''Mother India'' is generally regarded as Nargis's best performance.<ref>{{Cite book |title=The Oxford history of world cinema |date=1996 |publisher=Oxford University Press |others=Geoffrey Nowell-Smith |isbn=0-19-811257-2 |location=Oxford |oclc=31243045}}</ref> [[Box Office India]] gave the film's [[Entertainment tax|net collection]] as ₹40 million and its gross as ₹80 million, the highest for an Indian film up until ''[[Mughal-e-Azam]]'' (1960),<ref>{{Cite web |title=50 years later, the 'Mother India' legend endures |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-50-years-later-the-mother-india-legend-endures-1129805 |access-date=2 May 2023 |website=DNA India |language=en}}</ref> while estimating that ''Mother India''<nowiki/>'s inflation-adjusted net would be equivalent to ₹1.173 billion in January 2008. Box Office India later estimated in 2017 that ''Mother India'' had over 100 million footfalls at the domestic box office, making it one of the [[List of highest-grossing Indian films|highest-grossing Indian films]] of all time when adjusted for inflation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bahubali 2 Is The Biggest Hindi Blockbuster This Century - Box Office India |url=https://boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=2988 |access-date=2 May 2023 |publisher=Box Office India}}</ref> Nargis won the [[Filmfare Best Actress Award]] in 1958 and became the first Indian to receive the Best Actress award at the [[Karlovy Vary International Film Festival]] in present-day [[Czech Republic]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Roy |first=Parama |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1525/9780520917682 |title=Indian Traffic |date=31 December 1998 |publisher=University of California Press |doi=10.1525/9780520917682 |isbn=978-0-520-91768-2 |s2cid=161807709}}</ref> Also in 1957, she acted in ''[[Pardesi (1957 film)|Pardesi]]'' (marketed as ''Journey Beyond Three Seas'' in English), which was an Indo-[[Soviet Union|Soviet]] [[Co-production (media)|co-production]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Thompson |first=Howard |date=11 April 1960 |title=Screen: Adventure Story:' Journey Beyond Three Seas' at the Cameo |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/04/11/archives/screen-adventure-story-journey-beyond-three-seas-at-the-cameo.html |access-date=8 August 2020 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> She married [[Sunil Dutt]] who played one of her son in ''Mother India''. After their marriage in 1958, Nargis gave up her film career to settle down with her family, after her last few films were released.<ref name="HT39thAnniversary20">{{Cite web |date=3 May 2020 |title=On Nargis's 39th death anniversary, here are some lesser-known facts about the legendary actor |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/on-nargis-s-39th-death-anniversary-here-are-some-lesser-known-facts-about-the-legendary-actor/story-Su7OsWuGDN1PcoPqH0kiPI.html |access-date=8 August 2020 |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> From 1951 to 1957, [[Box Office India]] ranked Nargis as the top actress.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 January 2013 |title=Boxofficeindia.com |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=top_actress |access-date=2 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115031434/http://boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=top_actress |archive-date=15 January 2013}}</ref>

=== 1960–1968: Final film appearances ===
She made her last film appearance in the psychological drama ''[[Raat Aur Din]]'' (1967), after being convinced to act for one last time after a long hiatus.<ref name="TSGBetter18" /> The film was well received and Nargis' performance as a woman who has [[dissociative identity disorder]] was critically acclaimed. For her performance in the film, she received a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress, and won the inaugural [[National Film Award for Best Actress]].<ref>Usman, Yasser ''Sanjay Dutt:  The crazy Untold Story of Bollywood's Bad Boy''. New Delhi:  Juggernaut Books (2018), p. 16</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sood |first=Samira |date=9 May 2020 |title=Raat Aur Din, directed by Satyen Bose, was the perfect swansong for Nargis |url=https://theprint.in/features/raat-aur-din-directed-by-satyen-bose-was-the-perfect-swansong-for-nargis/417081/ |access-date=8 August 2020 |website=ThePrint}}</ref>

Nargis was also nominated to the [[Rajya Sabha]] (upper house of [[Indian Parliament]]) from 1980 to 1981,<ref name=raj/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.screenindia.com/fullstory.php?content_id=4109 |title=Maharashtra govt in peril, governance takes backseat |website=[[Screen (magazine)|Screen]] |access-date=30 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070101121403/http://www.screenindia.com/fullstory.php?content_id=4109 |archive-date=1 January 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> but due to cancer she fell ill and died during her tenure.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2004/jun/01priya.htm |title=Nargis: A daughter remembers |work=Rediff.com |access-date=30 July 2017}}</ref>

==Personal life==
[[File:Sunil Dutt and Nargis Dutt.jpg|thumb|Nargis with her husband [[Sunil Dutt]]]]
Nargis had a long-time relationship with actor [[Raj Kapoor]], who was her co-star in the films ''[[Awaara]]'' and ''[[Shree 420]]''. Raj Kapoor was married and had children. After he refused to divorce his wife, Nargis ended their nine-year-long relationship.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?236030 |title=Clangorous Liaisons |first=Bhaichand |last=Patel |date=19 November 2007 |website=Outlook |access-date=2 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/rishi-kapoor-reveals-dad-raj-kapoors-alleged-affairs-with-his-heroines-1649632 |title=Rishi Kapoor Reveals Dad Raj Kapoor's Alleged Affairs With His Heroines |first=Gitanjali |last=Roy |date=17 January 2017 |website=NDTV Movies |access-date=30 July 2017}}</ref>

Nargis married actor [[Sunil Dutt]]; who was a [[Hindu]], on 11 March 1958. Prior to their marriage, Nargis converted to [[Hinduism]] and adopted the name Nirmala Dutt.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nargis fell in love with Sunil Dutt after his courageous and heroic act when fire broke out on the sets of Mother India |url=https://photogallery.indiatimes.com/yearendershow/20663032.cms |access-date=27 January 2024 |website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ndtv.com/video/special/sunil-dutt-nargis-a-romance-that-rose-from-ashes-847/249556 |title=Sunil Dutt, Nargis: a romance that rose from ashes |date=5 October 2012 |publisher=[[NDTV]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130331211200/http://www.ndtv.com/video/special/sunil-dutt-nargis-a-romance-that-rose-from-ashes-847/249556 |archive-date=31 March 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Reportedly, Dutt had saved her life from a fire on the sets of ''[[Mother India]]''.<ref name="Nargis family and death">{{cite news |last=Dhawan |first=M.L. |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030427/spectrum/main6.htm |title=A paean to Mother India |date=27 April 2003 |access-date=7 September 2008 |newspaper=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]]}}</ref> She had also reportedly helped Dutt's sister and mother.
After marrying Sunil, Nargis expressed her love and gratitude towards him by revealing that he was the first person to treat her like a normal human being and that he was always there for her during hard times. If he hadn't come into her life, she would've ended her life.<ref>{{Cite news |title=The Nargis and Sunil Dutt love story: When he saved her from fire and she found the love of her life |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/the-nargis-and-sunil-dutt-love-story-when-he-saved-her-from-fire-and-she-found-the-love-of-her-life-101622508383898.html |work=Hindustan Times |date=1 June 2021 |access-date=5 September 2021}}</ref> They had three children: [[Sanjay Dutt]], Namrata Dutt, and [[Priya Dutt]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/sanjay-dutt-recalls-mother-nargis-asked-him-to-spend-some-time-with-her-take-parents-for-granted-9097036/ |title=Sanjay Dutt recalls when mother Nargis asked him to spend some time with her: We take parents for granted |date=5 January 2024 |website=The Indian Express |access-date=10 March 2024}}</ref> Sanjay went on to become a successful film actor. Namrata married actor [[Kumar Gaurav]], son of veteran actor [[Rajendra Kumar]] who had appeared alongside Nargis and Sunil Dutt in ''Mother India''. Priya became a politician and a Member of Parliament ([[Lok Sabha]]).<ref name="Nargis family and death"/>

With her husband, Nargis formed the Ajanta Arts Cultural Troupe, which involved several leading actors and singers of the time, and performed at remote frontiers to entertain the Indian soldiers at border. It was the first troupe to perform in [[Dhaka]], after the liberation war of Bangladesh in 1971. Later, Nargis worked for the cause of [[Cerebral palsy|spastic]] children. She became the first patron of [[the Spastics Society of India]]. Her charitable work for the organisation got her recognition as a social worker.<ref name="Ajanta">{{cite web |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20040529/windows/main1.htm |title=Dauntless Dutt |date=29 May 2004 |website=The Tribune |access-date=30 July 2017}}</ref>

Nargis loved wearing white saris, speaking over the telephone and eating [[panipuri]]s sold on the streets. She was an excellent swimmer and enjoyed playing cricket with her brothers.<ref name="HT39thAnniversary20" /> The founder of the Spastic Society of India, Mithu Alur, stated in an interview that Nargis had a dream of pursuing [[medicine]] that she could never fulfill.<ref name="ThePrintFarMore20">{{Cite web |last=Krishnankutty |first=Pia |date=3 May 2020 |title=An actor, mother, social worker – Nargis Dutt was far more than Mother India |url=https://theprint.in/features/an-actor-mother-social-worker-nargis-dutt-was-far-more-than-mother-india/413313/ |access-date=8 August 2020 |website=ThePrint}}</ref>

==Illness and death==
On 2 August 1980, Nargis fell ill during a session of the Rajya Sabha, with the initial cause assumed to be [[jaundice]]. She was rushed home and admitted to [[Breach Candy Hospital]] in Bombay. After 15 days of tests, during which her condition kept worsening and she rapidly lost weight, she was diagnosed with [[pancreatic cancer]] in 1980 and underwent treatment for the disease at [[Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center]] in [[New York City]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Usman |first=Yasser |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fK5oDwAAQBAJ |title=Sanjay Dutt: The Crazy Untold Story of Bollywood's Bad Boy |date=2018 |publisher=Juggernaut Books |isbn=978-93-86228-58-1 |page=50}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Somaaya |first=Bhawana |date=25 May 2017 |title=Nargis and Sunil Dutt: A Love Story In the House of Heartbreaks |url=https://www.thequint.com/bollywood/2017/05/25/sunil-nargis-dutt-love-and-life |access-date=8 August 2020 |website=TheQuint}}</ref>

Upon her return to India, her condition deteriorated and she was admitted at Breach Candy Hospital. Nargis went into a coma on 2 May 1981 after she became seriously ill and died the next day, aged 51. Because she feared fire, she wanted to be buried in accordance with the Muslim customs. Her body was carried on a bier according to Hindu customs. Sunil and Sanjay offered [[Salah|Namaz]] along with other mourners.<ref>[[Yasser Usman|Usman, Yasser]] (2018). ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=fK5oDwAAQBAJ Sanjay Dutt: The Crazy Untold Story of Bollywood's Bad Boy]''. Juggernaut Books. p. 60. {{ISBN|978-93-86228-58-1}}</ref> She was buried at [[Bada Qabrastan Mumbai]].<ref name="Katiyar 1993">{{cite web |last=Katiyar |first=Arun |title=Sunil Dutt: A man of active conscience but simple beliefs |website=India Today |date=15 February 1993 |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/profile/story/19930215-sunil-dutt-a-man-of-active-conscience-but-simple-beliefs-810667-1993-02-14}}</ref>  Before her death, she had made it clear to Sunil that she wanted to be buried next to her late mother.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/nargis-insisted-on-muslim-burial-sunil-dutt-refused-to-cremate-her-despite-pushback-from-others-many-said-that-as-she-was-married-to-a-hindu-9958152/|title=Nargis insisted on Muslim burial, Sunil Dutt refused to cremate her despite pushback from others|newspaper=TheIndianExpress|access-date=22 April 2025}}</ref> On 7 May 1981, at the premiere of her son's debut film ''[[Rocky (1981 film)|Rocky]]'', one seat was kept vacant for her.<ref name="Nargis family and death" />

One year after her death, the [[Nargis Dutt Foundation|Nargis Dutt Memorial Cancer Foundation]] was established by [[Sunil Dutt]] in her memory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Will Sanjay Dutt's daughter carry on the legacy? |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/will-trishala-carry-on-family-legacy/20090915.htm |first=Arthur J |last=Pais |date=15 September 2009 |access-date=8 August 2020 |website=Rediff}}</ref> Although Nargis' death is attributed to pancreatic cancer, her daughter, Namrata Dutt Kumar, claimed her mother had successfully fought the cancer but died from a [[urinary tract infection]]. Nargis's son, Sanjay Dutt, added that her lowered immunity levels made her susceptible to the infection.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/nargis-and-sunil-dutts-love-story-is-nothing-less-than-a-fairy-tale-romance/1288220 |title=Nargis and Sunil Dutt's love story is nothing less than a fairytale romance! |work=Free Press Journal |date=1 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=24 March 2013 |title=Sanju negative |url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2013/sunday-edition/sanju-negative.html |access-date=8 August 2020 |website=The Pioneer}}</ref>

==Public image==
Nargis is regarded as one of the greatest and finest actress of [[Indian cinema]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Top heroines of Bollywood |work=[[India Today]] |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/cinema/100-years-of-indian-cinema/photo/top-actresses-of-bollywood-ever-367543-2012-05-01/17 |url-status=live |access-date=24 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128234730/https://www.indiatoday.in/cinema/100-years-of-indian-cinema/photo/top-actresses-of-bollywood-ever-367543-2012-05-01/17 |archive-date=28 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Bollywood Beauties - Then and Now |work=NDTV India |url=https://www.ndtv.com/photos/entertainment/bollywood-beauties-then-and-now-8682 |url-status=live |access-date=26 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101127234730/https://www.ndtv.com/photos/entertainment/bollywood-beauties-then-and-now-8682 |archive-date=27 November 2010}}</ref> ''[[Rediff.com]]'' placed her in its "Bollywood's Best Actresses of all time" list,<ref name="ever">{{cite web |author=Sen, Raja |work=Rediff.com |title=Bollywood's best actresses. Ever |date=6 March 2007 |url=https://specials.rediff.com/women07/2007/mar/06wslid9.htm |access-date=13 March 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070309122104/https://specials.rediff.com/women07/2007/mar/06wslid9.htm |archive-date=9 March 2007}}</ref> and later in 2011, listed her as the greatest actress of all time, stating: "An actress with range, style, grace and an incredibly warm screen presence, Nargis is truly a leading lady to celebrate."<ref>{{cite web |last=Sen |first=Raja |date=29 June 2011 |title=Readers Choice: The Greatest Actresses of all time |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-greatest-actresses-of-all-time/20110629.htm |access-date=19 September 2011 |work=Rediff.com}}</ref> In 2022, she was placed in ''[[Outlook India]]''{{'}}s "75 Best Bollywood Actresses" list.<ref>{{Cite web |title=75 Bollywood Actresses Who Ruled The Silver Screen With Grace, Beauty And Talent |work=Outlook India |access-date=16 August 2022 |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/75-bollywood-actresses-who-ruled-the-silver-screen-with-grace-beauty-and-talent-news-216694/amp |archive-date=16 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816142138/https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/75-bollywood-actresses-who-ruled-the-silver-screen-with-grace-beauty-and-talent-news-216694/amp |url-status=live}}</ref> One of the highest paid actress of the 1950s, Nargis appeared in ''[[Box Office India]]''{{'}}s "Top Actresses" list from 1948 to 1957, and topped the list for eight years (1951–1957).<ref>{{cite web |title=Top Actresses |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=top_actress |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120104144753/http://boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=top_actress |archive-date=4 January 2012 |access-date=24 September 2020 |publisher=Box Office India}}</ref> ''Box Office India'' later named her as the "Best Actress" of the 1950–1959 period.<ref>{{Cite news |title=TOP ACTRESS – DOWN THE YEAR 1940–2015 |work=Box Office India |url=https://boxofficeindiarecords.blogspot.com/2016/07/top-actress-down-year.html?m=1 |url-status=live |access-date=28 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129234730/https://boxofficeindiarecords.blogspot.com/2016/07/top-actress-down-year.html?m=1 |archive-date=29 November 2021}}</ref>

Nargis's sarees were a major style statement in the 1950s.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bollywood Fashion Through The Ages |website=The Indian Express |date=14 October 2016 |url=https://theculturetrip.com/asia/india/articles/bollywood-fashion-through-the-ages/ |access-date=2 August 2019 |archive-date=2 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190802021351/https://theculturetrip.com/asia/india/articles/bollywood-fashion-through-the-ages/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2013, an ''[[Eastern Eye]]'' poll named her as the sixth greatest Bollywood star of all time.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/trending/google-doodle-remembers-nargis-dutt/ |title=Amitabh Bachchan crowned greatest Bollywood star in UK poll |date=27 July 2013 |accessdate =21 September 2019 |website=India Today}}</ref><ref name="indianexpress.com">{{cite web |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/trending/google-doodle-remembers-nargis-dutt/ |title=Bollywood actor Nargis Dutt remembered in today's Google Doodle |date=1 June 2015 |website=The Indian Express}}</ref> ''[[Yahoo!]]'' placed her 3rd in its "Ten most iconic beauties of Hindi cinema" list,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://in.lifestyle.yahoo.com/photos/10-iconic-and-eternal-beauties-of-bollywood-slideshow/actress-photo-1339137407.html |title=10 iconic and eternal beauties of Bollywood |date=8 June 2012 |work=Yahoo! India Lifestyle |access-date=12 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120611042029/http://in.lifestyle.yahoo.com/photos/10-iconic-and-eternal-beauties-of-bollywood-slideshow/actress-photo-1339137407.html |archive-date=11 June 2012}}</ref> In 2000, she was honoured with "Best Actress of the Millennium" by [[Hero Honda]] and film magazine [[Stardust (magazine)|Stardust]].<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Nation |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2000/20000109/nation.htm |access-date=2 January 2022 |website=The Tribune}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Readers Choice: The Greatest Actresses of all time |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-greatest-actresses-of-all-time/20110629.htm |access-date=2 January 2022 |website=Rediff |language=en}}</ref> and was listed in the 25 greatest Asian actors in history by [[CNN]] in 2010.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=5 March 2010 |title=Big B in CNN's top 25 Asian actors list |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/big-b-in-cnn-s-top-25-asian-actors-list/story-GqRqW6b2VmEf6F3JUcY8JI.html |access-date=24 January 2022 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> In 2021, ''[[Time Out (magazine)|Time Out]]'' placed her 2nd in its "Ten best Bollywood actresses" list.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The ten best Bollywood actresses |url=https://www.timeout.com/film/the-ten-best-bollywood-actresses |access-date=28 September 2022 |website=Time Out |date=8 December 2021 |language=en}}</ref> Her films ''Awaara'' and ''Mother India'' were voted some of the greatest films ever made in polls by ''[[British Film Institute]]'' and ''[[News18]]''.<ref name="bfipoll">{{Cite web |year=2002 |title=Top 10 Indian Films |url=http://www.bfi.org.uk/features/imagineasia/guide/poll/india |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110515101729/http://www.bfi.org.uk/features/imagineasia/guide/poll/india/ |archive-date=15 May 2011 |access-date=29 April 2021 |website=British Film Institute}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=17 April 2013 |title=100 Years of Indian Cinema: The 100 greatest Indian films of all time |url=http://www.news18.com/photogallery/movies/100-years-of-indian-cinema-the-100-greatest-indian-films-of-all-time-903065.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130425234818/http://ibnlive.in.com/photogallery/13200-56.html |archive-date=25 April 2013 |access-date=29 April 2021 |website=[[News18]] |page=36}}</ref>

==Artistry and legacy==
===Acting style and reception===
Nargis was known for her female characters that stood "shoulder-to-shoulder" with the male characters.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Audacity and hope: Meena Kumari, Suraiya, Madhubala, Nargis |work=Hindustan Times |access-date=10 September 2022 |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/75th-independence-day/bollywood/meena-kumari-nutan-madhubala-nargis |archive-date=4 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204142138/https://www.hindustantimes.com/75th-independence-day/bollywood/meena-kumari-nutan-madhubala-nargis |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Joshi |first1=Sumit |title=Bollywood Through Ages |publisher=Best Book Reads |isbn=9781311676696 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WHQWCgAAQBAJ&dq=suraiya+actress&pg=PT272 |language=en}}</ref> Along with [[Madhubala]], she also had large fan following in [[Greece]].<ref name="greece">{{Cite web |title=When Greece fell in love with Nargis |url=http://scroll.in/article/811860/greeks-fell-in-love-with-nargis-and-madhubala-in-the-1950s-and-are-still-singing-not-in-hindi |access-date=24 September 2021 |website=Scroll.in |date=17 July 2016 |language=en}}</ref> She is regarded among the finest and most versatile actresses of Indian cinema. She was especially noted for her portrayal of strong, independent woman in her films.<ref name="iconic actress" />

{{multiple image
| footer_align = center
| footer = Nargis was noted for playing independent and versatile characters, such as in ''[[Awaara]]'' (left) and ''[[Chori Chori (1956 film)|Chori Chori]]'' (right). In the former, she played a law student.<ref name="ever" />
| total_width = 300
| image1 = 
| alt1 = 
| image2 = 
| alt2 = 
}}

Samriddhi Patwa of ''[[Filmfare]]'' termed Nargis an "iconic actresses" and noted, "Known for her portrayal as a sophisticated and independent woman in her films, Nargis is regarded as one of the greatest actresses in the history of Indian cinema."<ref name="iconic actress">{{cite news |date=1 June 2023 |title=6 Best Performances by the iconic actress Nargis |work=Filmfare |url=https://m.filmfare.com/features/nargis-dutt-birthday-anniversary-6-best-performances-by-the-iconic-actress-58888.amp |access-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813063740/https://m.filmfare.com/features/nargis-dutt-birthday-anniversary-6-best-performances-by-the-iconic-actress-58888.amp |archive-date=13 August 2023}}</ref> Writing for ''[[Indian Express]]'', Sampada Sharma stated, "With her work, Nargis left an impression that still remains unmatched."<ref>{{cite news |date=1 June 2023 |title=Nargis: The actor who breathed life into modern Indian women in the 1940s |work=The Indian Express |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/nargis-birth-anniversary-breathed-life-into-modern-indian-woman-1940s-forever-be-mother-india-8639042/lite/ |access-date=12 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230816063740/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/nargis-birth-anniversary-breathed-life-into-modern-indian-woman-1940s-forever-be-mother-india-8639042/lite/ |archive-date=16 August 2023}}</ref> M.L. Dhawan from ''[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]]'' said, "In almost all her films Nargis created a woman who could be desired and deified. The charisma of Nargis's screen image lay in that it oscillated between the simple and the chic with equal ease."<ref>{{cite news |last=Dhawan |first=M.L. |date=9 December 2007 |title=Queens of hearts |newspaper=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]] |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20071209/spectrum/main6.htm |access-date=22 September 2011}}</ref> Surendra Kumar of ''[[The Sunday Guardian]]'' stated, "She was a versatile actor who could carry off serious roles, light roles and even comic roles with the same élan. She could be urbane and sophisticated, as in ''Awaara'', ''Chori Chori'' and ''Andaz''; simple and ordinary, as in ''Sri 420''; and every inch a traditional village woman, as in ''Mother India''."<ref name="TSGBetter18" /> Dinesh Raheja of ''[[Rediff.com]]'' said, "Whereas most actors have one definitive forte, Nargis won over the 1950s audiences and critics with strikingly versatile characterisations."<ref>{{cite news |title=Nargis, a blithe spirit |work=Rediff.com |url=https://m.rediff.com/entertai/2002/nov/19dinesh.htm |access-date=17 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821063740/https://m.rediff.com/entertai/2002/nov/19dinesh.htm |archive-date=21 August 2020}}</ref>

{{quote box|align=left|width=31em|bgcolor=lightgrey|quote="Multiple personality disorder isn´t something that you see often in films. Nargis´ chilling portrayal brought out all the horror of a person suffering from such a malady. Her face changes when from the docile wife Varuna she turns into the cabaret dancer Peggy. You get the feeling that all her living-life-to-the hilt act is but enforced mirth. The best thing is that her madness isn´t your routine filmi melodrama but a slow descent towards the mouth of hell. She´s a must watch in ''Awaara'' and ''Andaz'' as well."|source=—''[[Filmfare]]'' on Nargis's performance in ''[[Raat Aur Din]]'' (1967)<ref name="NargisFilmfare" />}}

===Legacy===
A scene from the 1949 film ''[[Barsaat (1949 film)|Barsaat]]'', featuring Raj Kapoor holding Nargis in one arm and a violin in the other, was chosen as the basis for the logo of [[R. K. Films]].<ref name="TSGBetter18" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=27 August 2018 |title=Was It a Painting That Inspired the Iconic RK Studio Logo? |url=https://www.thequint.com/neon/rk-studio-logo-barsaat-trivia |access-date=8 August 2020 |website=TheQuint}}</ref> Praising her and Kapoor's pair, ''[[Indiatimes|India Times]]'' wrote: "Whenever Raj Kapoor and Nargis came together on screen, sparks flew. Their chemistry was electrifying and it crackles with raw passion in Raj Kapoor's ''Awaara''. Nargis's wild and carefree sensuality pulsates and Raj Kapoor's scruffy hair-rebellious persona only adds fuel to the fire".<ref>{{cite news |last=Kanwar |first=Rachna |date=3 October 2005 |title=25 Must See Bollywood Movies |work=The Times of India |url=http://movies.indiatimes.com/Special_Features/25_Must_See_Bollywood_Movies/articleshow/msid-1250837,curpg-25.cms |url-status=dead |access-date=27 May 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516063740/http://movies.indiatimes.com/Special_Features/25_Must_See_Bollywood_Movies/articleshow/msid-1250837,curpg-25.cms |archive-date=16 May 2008}}</ref> In November 1956, Nargis was sent to the [[Soviet Union]] by the Government of India, as a part of delegate - consisting of [[Raj Kapoor]], [[Suraiya]] and [[Kamini Kaushal]], where her films were screened.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDoy5ELBHN0 Raj Kapoor, Suraiya, Nargis and Kamini Kaushal in Baku (Azerbaijan, November, 1956)]. YouTube (28 October 2015). Retrieved 8 November 2018.</ref> ''[[Filmfare]]'' later included Nargis's performances in ''Raat Aur Din'' and ''Mother India'' in its list of "80 Iconic Performances" of Bollywood, placing them 65th and 36th respectively.<ref name="NargisFilmfare">{{cite journal |url=https://tanqeed.com/filmfare-top-80-iconic-performances-old-article-2010/ |title=80 Iconic Performances |journal=Filmfare Via Tanqeed.com |date=4 June 2010 |access-date=27 November 2018}}</ref>

==Accolades==

===Civilian award===
{{See also|Civilian award}}
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year
! Award
! Work
! Result
! Ref.
|-
| 1958
| [[Padma Shri]]
| [[List of Padma Shri award recipients (1970–1979)|Contribution in the field of Arts]]
| {{honoured}}
|<ref>{{cite web |title=Padma Awards Directory (1954–2014) |url=https://mha.gov.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/Year_Wise_main_25042017.pdf |work=Ministry of Home Affairs - India |date=21 May 2014 |access-date=23 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180209002842/http://mha.gov.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/Year_Wise_main_25042017.pdf |archive-date=9 February 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
|}

===Film Awards===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year
! Award
! Category
! Work
! Result
! Ref.
|-
| [[5th Filmfare Awards|1958]]
| [[Filmfare Awards]]
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Actress|Best Actress]]
| rowspan="2"|''[[Mother India]]''
| {{won}}
|<ref name="Filmfare">{{cite web |url=https://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards/winners |title=Filmfare Awards Winners From 1953 to 2018 |publisher=Filmfare Awards |access-date=30 May 2018}}</ref>
|-
| 1958 
| [[Karlovy Vary International Film Festival]]
| [[Best Actress Award (Karlovy Vary IFF)|Best Actress]]
| {{won}}
|<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.kviff.com/en/history/1958 |title=KVIFF &#124; History |website=kviff.com |access-date=30 December 2021 |archive-date=18 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818220225/http://www.kviff.com/en/history/1958 |url-status=dead}}</ref> 
|-
| [[15th National Film Awards|1968]]
| [[National Film Awards]]
| [[National Film Award for Best Actress]] 
| rowspan="2"|''[[Raat Aur Din]]''
| {{won}}
|<ref name="15thaward">{{cite web |url=http://dff.nic.in/images/Documents/100_15thNfacatalogue.pdf |title=15th National Film Awards |publisher=Directorate of Film Festivals |access-date=2 September 2020 |archive-date=25 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725232952/http://dff.nic.in/images/Documents/100_15thNfacatalogue.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| [[16th Filmfare Awards|1969]]
| [[Filmfare Awards]]
| Best Actress
| {{nom}}
|<ref name="indiatimes1968">{{cite web |title=Winners – Filmfare Awards 1968 |url=http://filmfareawards.indiatimes.com/articleshow/366813.cms |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710162530/http://filmfareawards.indiatimes.com/articleshow/366813.cms |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 July 2012 |work=Filmfare |access-date=15 December 2010}}</ref>
|-
| 2001 
| [[Stardust Awards]]
| Best Actress of the Millennium
| {{N/A}}
| {{honoured}}
|<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2000/20000109/nation.htm#2 |title=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India – Nation |website=The Tribune |access-date=2 June 2015}}</ref>
|}

==Tributes and honors==
[[File:Nargis Dutt 1993 stamp of India.jpg|thumb|upright|Nargis on a stamp of India, in 1993]]

Streets in [[Bandra]], Mumbai and Model Colony, [[Pune]], are named Nargis Dutt Road in her memory.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Varun |date=25 December 2017 |title=Priya Dutt's Bandra flat sets real estate record |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-priya-dutt-s-bandra-flat-sets-real-estate-record-2570279 |access-date=8 August 2020 |website=DNA India}}</ref> A postal stamp of face value 100 paise was issued by [[India Post]] was issued in Nargis' honour on 30 December 1993.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indianphilatelics.com/stamps/commemorative-stamps/1992-1995/item/10708-nargis-dutt-click-for-stamp-information.html |title=Nargis Dutt |website=Indian Philately |publisher=Thakkar Numismatic & Art Foundation |access-date=30 May 2018 |archive-date=2 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202155207/http://www.indianphilatelics.com/stamps/commemorative-stamps/1992-1995/item/10708-nargis-dutt-click-for-stamp-information.html |url-status=dead }}{{better source needed|Not [[WP:RS]]|date=August 2020}}</ref> The [[National Film Awards]] honoured Dutt by instituting the [[Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration]] upon her achievement in [[Hindi film|Hindi Cinema]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/07/01/stories/2005070106120200.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001062709/http://www.hindu.com/2005/07/01/stories/2005070106120200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 October 2007 |title=An award in a different genre |date=7 January 2005 |page=2 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=30 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=3 May 2019 |title=Remembering Nargis Dutt: Rare photos of the Mother India actor |url=https://indianexpress.com/photos/entertainment-gallery/nargis-death-anniversary-old-throwback-archives-family-sunil-dutt-sanjay-raj-kapoor-films-5705074/ |website=The Indian Express |access-date=11 November 2020}}</ref> Her name was removed from the awards in 2024, for unknown reasons.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 February 2024 |title=Indira Gandhi, Nargis Dutt's names dropped from National Film Awards categories |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/story/indira-gandhi-nargis-dutts-names-dropped-from-national-film-awards-categories-2501516-2024-02-13 |website=India Today |access-date=21 February 2024}}</ref>

Nargis was inducted into the [[Walk of the Stars]], at [[Bandstand Promenade|Bandra Bandstand]], where her autograph was preserved under the name Nargis Dutt.<ref>{{cite news |last=Thirani |first=Neha |title=Mumbai Gets Its Own Walk of Fame |url=http://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/26/mumbai-gets-its-own-walk-of-fame/ |access-date=29 September 2019 |newspaper=The New York Times |date=26 March 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/beyond-business/walking-with-the-stars-112040100022_1.html |title=Walking with the stars |last=Saraswathy |first=M. |date=1 April 2012 |work=Business Standard India |access-date=24 November 2019}}</ref> In 2015, [[Google]] celebrated Nargis's 86th birthday with a doodle and noted, "Nagris lifted her ghoonghat headpiece and blazed the silver screen with her portrayal of strong women protagonists".<ref>{{Cite news |title=Google Doodle celebrates Nargis' 86th birthday |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/internet/google-doodle-celebrates-nargis-86th-birthday/article7268943.ece |date=1 June 2015 |access-date=8 August 2020}}</ref> In 2016, Bhaichand Patel wrote about Nargis in his book "Bollywood's Top 20: Superstars of Indian Cinema".<ref name="patel">{{cite book |last1=Iyengar |first1=Niranjan |author-link1=Niranjan Iyengar |editor1-last=Patel |editor1-first=Bhaichand |title=Bollywood's Top 20 Superstars of Indian Cinema |publisher=Penguin Books |isbn=978-0-670-08572-9 |date=2012 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6yQYcxZ8wmsC&q=suraiya+jamal+shaikh |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Muslim female icons of Bollywood |work=The Nation |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/17-Jun-2016/muslim-female-icons-of-bollywood |url-status=live |access-date=26 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219234730/https://www.nation.com.pk/17-Jun-2016/muslim-female-icons-of-bollywood |archive-date=19 December 2022}}</ref> In 2023, an exhibition at [[Kiran Nadar Museum of Art]] in [[Noida]], named "Sitaare Zameen Par", had portraits of Nargis that were captured by JH Thakkar.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Romancing the icons of Hindi cinema's golden years |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/standpoint/story/romancing-the-icons-of-hindi-cinemas-golden-years-2332038-2023-02-08 |work=India Today |author=Sharmi Adhikary |access-date=21 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810234730/https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/movies/standpoint/story/romancing-the-icons-of-hindi-cinemas-golden-years-2332038-2023-02-08 |archive-date=10 August 2023}}</ref> Her souvenirs were auctioned online, along with that of other actresses, in the same year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Timeless souvenirs of Indian celluloid to be auctioned online from November 23 to 25 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/indian-celluloid-souvenirs-to-be-auctioned-on-nov-23/article67537622.ece |work=The Hindu |author=Soma Basu |access-date=28 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240306234730/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/indian-celluloid-souvenirs-to-be-auctioned-on-nov-23/article67537622.ece |archive-date=6 March 2024}}</ref>

==In popular culture==
===Biographies===
* In 1994, [[T. J. S. George]] wrote the first biography on Nargis, titled ''The Life and Times of Nargis''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kidwai |first=Rasheed |date=9 July 2018 |title=Reel vs real: The politics behind the life and crimes of Sanjay Dutt |work=Business Standard India |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/reel-vs-real-the-politics-behind-the-life-and-crimes-of-sanjay-dutt-118070900115_1.html |access-date=14 August 2020}}</ref> 
* In 2007, Nargis' daughters Priya and Namrata published a book about the lives of their parents, titled, ''Mr. and Mrs. Dutt: Memories of our Parents''.<ref name="hin">{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/lr/2007/10/07/stories/2007100750160200.htm |title=To Mr. and Mrs. Dutt, with love |access-date=14 August 2020 |date=7 October 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011194035/http://www.hindu.com/lr/2007/10/07/stories/2007100750160200.htm |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=11 October 2007}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first=Neelesh |last=Misra |date=27 September 2007 |title=My father was let down, he was a lone warrior: Priya |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/my-father-was-let-down-he-was-a-lone-warrior-priya/story-OiHUS3aNgVzkysqSu5rF6M.html |access-date=14 August 2020 |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=30 September 2007 |title=A family's life story, touchingly told |work=Business Standard India |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/beyond-business/a-family-s-life-story-touchingly-told-107093001002_1.html |access-date=14 August 2020}}</ref> Also that year, ''Darlingji: The True Love Story of Nargis and Sunil Dutt'' was released by [[Kishwar Desai]].<ref>{{Cite web |first=Kuldip |last=Salil |date=17 November 2007 |title=Brought Back to Life |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/opinion/brought-back-to-life/cid/1026498 |access-date=14 August 2020 |website=The Telegraph (India)}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=28 October 2007 |agency=Press Trust of India |title=Book reveals true love story of Nargis and Sunil Dutt |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Book-reveals-true-love-story-of-Nargis-and-Sunil-Dutt/articleshow/2497599.cms |access-date=14 August 2020 |website=The Times of India}}</ref>

===In film===
* [[Priyanka Chopra]] parodied Nargis, Madhubala and [[Meena Kumari]] in the 2007 film ''[[Salaam-e-Ishq]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Salaam-E-Ishq: Stars shine in mediocre film |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/jan/26salaam.htm |author=Verma, Sukanya |work=Rediff.com |date=26 January 2007 |access-date=28 November 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005091022/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/jan/26salaam.htm |archive-date=5 October 2013}}</ref>
* In [[Aditya Chopra]]'s 2008 film ''[[Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi]]''{{'}}s song "[[Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte]]", [[Kajol]] dressed herself as Nargis, as a tribute to her look in ''[[Shree 420]]''{{'}}s song "Pyar Hua Iqrar Hua".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008) |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/cast/id/56215 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906012215/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/cast/id/56215 |archive-date=6 September 2015 |access-date=27 February 2014 |website=Bollywood Hungama}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=286&catName=MjAwMC0yMDA5 |title=Music Hits 2000–2009 (Figures in Units) |publisher=Box Office India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100624132928/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=286&catName=MjAwMC0yMDA5 |archive-date=24 June 2010}}</ref>
* In 2018, actress [[Manisha Koirala]] played Nargis, in her son's biopic ''[[Sanju]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shah |first=Aashna |title=Sanjay Dutt Biopic: Presenting Manisha Koirala As Nargis |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/sanjay-dutt-biopic-presenting-manisha-koirala-as-nargis-1796363 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180526080842/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/sanjay-dutt-biopic-presenting-manisha-koirala-as-nargis-1796363 |archive-date=26 May 2018 |access-date=25 May 2018 |website=ndtv.com |date=4 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=12 June 2018 |title=Manisha Koirala shares her many looks as Nargis in Sanju, says she has imbibed her soul |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/manisha-koirala-shares-her-many-looks-as-nargis-in-sanju-says-she-has-imbibed-her-soul/story-KFDfJpmQRgwM0J6MsRXreP.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612100611/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/manisha-koirala-shares-her-many-looks-as-nargis-in-sanju-says-she-has-imbibed-her-soul/story-KFDfJpmQRgwM0J6MsRXreP.html |archive-date=12 June 2018 |access-date=13 June 2018 |work=Hindustan Times}}</ref> The film is ranked as one of the [[List of Bollywood films of 2018#Box office collection|highest grossing Indian films of 2018]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/photo-features/most-talked-about-biopics-you-just-cannot-miss/Sanjay-Dutt-biopic-Manisha-Koirala-looks-like-a-perfect-replica-of-Nargis-Dutt/photostory/62377660.cms |title=Sanjay Dutt biopic: Manisha Koirala looks like a perfect replica of Nargis Dutt – Most talked about biopics you just cannot miss |website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/celebrities/manisha-koirala-as-nargis-dutt-sanjay-dutt-biopic |title=Manisha Koirala Is Bang on as Nargis in Sanjay Dutt Biopic |date=5 January 2018}}</ref> 
* [[Feryna Wazheir]], portrayed Nargis in the 2018 film ''[[Manto (2018 film)|Manto]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/feryna-wazheir-to-play-nargis-in-manto/articleshow/57855625.cms |title=Feryna Wazheir to play Nargis in 'Manto' |first=Rachana |last=Dubey |date=28 March 2017 |website=The Times of India |access-date=8 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/feryna-wazheir-to-portray-young-nargis-dutt-in-nandita-dass-manto/articleshow/58118840.cms |title=Feryna Wazheir to portray young Nargis Dutt in Nandita Das's Manto |last1=Lohana |first1=Avinash |date=11 April 2017 |website=Mumbai Mirror |access-date=14 December 2018}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
* {{Cite book |last=George |first=T. J. S. |author-link=T. J. S. George |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=byBlAAAAMAAJ |title=The Life and Times of Nargis |date=1994 |publisher=Harper Collins |isbn=978-81-7223-149-1}}
* {{Cite book |last=Desai |first=Kishwar |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bq9bJQAACAAJ |title=Darlingji : The True Love Story Of Nargis and Sunil Dutt |date=2007 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers India |isbn=978-81-7223-697-7}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Dutt Kumar |first1=Namrata |first2=Priya |last2=Dutt |author-link2=Priya Dutt |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xfxYMQAACAAJ |title=Mr. and Mrs. Dutt: Memories of Our Parents |date=2007 |publisher=Roli Books |isbn=978-81-7436-455-5}}
* {{cite report |url=https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/162675369.pdf |title=Fire and Rain, The Tramp and The Trickster: romance and the family in the early films of Raj Kapoor |first=Rachel |last=Dwyer |author-link=Rachel Dwyer |year=2013 |volume=2 |issue=3 |journal=The South Asianist Journal |publisher=Centre for South Asian Studies, University of Edinburgh |issn=2050-487X}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Nargis (actress)}}
{{Portal|Bollywood|Biography}}
* {{IMDb name|id=0004291}}
* {{YouTube|nTC6HsW53sI|Nargis}} – 1991 documentary directed by [[Priya Dutt]] and produced by [[Films Division of India]]

{{National Film Award for Best Actress}}
{{FilmfareBestActressAward}}
{{Padma Shri Award Recipients in Art}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Nargis}}
[[Category:1929 births]]
[[Category:1981 deaths]]
[[Category:Actresses from Prayagraj]]
[[Category:Actresses from Kolkata]]
[[Category:Deaths from pancreatic cancer in India]]
[[Category:Indian film actresses]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Shri in arts]]
[[Category:Nominated members of the Rajya Sabha]]
[[Category:Converts to Hinduism from Sunni Islam]]
[[Category:Indian former Sunni Muslims]]
[[Category:Indian Hindus]]
[[Category:Actresses in Hindi cinema]]
[[Category:Actresses in Urdu cinema]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian actresses]]
[[Category:Best Actress National Film Award winners]]
[[Category:Politicians from Kolkata]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian women politicians]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian politicians]]
[[Category:Indian actor-politicians]]
[[Category:Women in West Bengal politics]]
[[Category:Politicians from Prayagraj]]
[[Category:Punjabi women]]
[[Category:Filmfare Awards winners]]
[[Category:Women members of the Rajya Sabha]]
[[Category:Sanjay Dutt]]