Kalpana Kartik was that typical golden girl of Indian cinema who emerged bright but shone so briefly. Born as Mona Singha on September 19, 1931, in Lahore, she entered the realm of films during the 1950s and left her mark within a few years. Acting in six iconic movies, she is best remembered for her on-screen and off-screen alliance with the legendary actor Dev Anand.
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From Miss Shimla to Bollywood Stardom.
Mona Singha was born to a Punjabi Christian family in pre-partition India. Her father was Tehsildar in Batala, and she was the youngest of seven siblings. When partition happened, her family shifted to Shimla. It was at St. Bede’s College that she made a name for herself, Miss Shimla. This title of glory was a precursor to her entry into films.
The film visionary and elder brother to Dev Anand, Chetan Anand, saw the makings of a star. On a trip to Shimla with his wife, Uma Anand, Mona’s cousin, the family was persuaded by Chetan Anand to let Mona join the world of cinema. Thus, she was rechristened Kalpana Kartik and shifted to Bombay (now Mumbai) to be part of the Navketan Films banner launched by the Anand brothers.
A Memorable Debut and Rise to Fame
Kalpana Kartik first appeared on screen in 1951 with Baazi, directed by Guru Dutt and produced by Navketan Films. The crime thriller did very well and began a fruitful partnership between Kalpana Kartik and Dev Anand, who were beautiful on the silver screen. The sizzling chemistry between them did not take long to turn them into one of the most sought-after famous duos in Bollywood.
Kalpana continued in five more films, out of which are Aandhiyan (1952), Humsafar (1953), Taxi Driver (1954), House No. 44 (1954), and Nau Do Gyarah (1957). Taxi Driver proved to be a watershed, as far as Navketan Films was concerned, as it was for Kalpana. It is indeed a box office hit, not because of any record-breaking status but because it marks the beginning of a personal bond between Kalpana and Dev Anand. When shooting Taxi Driver, the two secretly married at lunch hour in a sequestered place without any media or public glare.
Behind the Camera: A New Chapter
Following Nau Do Gyarah, in 1957, Kalpana Kartik wrote in her diary: ‘Finished my last film.’ And that was it. She stopped acting, turned away from the limelight, and began to work behind the camera instead of facing the camera. She worked as an associate producer for much of Dev Anand’s career. The films she worked with him on include Tere Ghar Ke Samne, Jewel Thief, Prem Pujari, and Heera Panna. All released between 1963 and 1973.
Although Kalpana Kartik’s film career was brief, her contribution to Indian cinema in the 1950s is very relevant. She had worked with some of the best directors of her time, such as Guru Dutt and Chetan Anand. And it is still cherished for its artistic and entertainment values.
A Life Away from the Limelight
After her marriage, Kalpana Kartik preferred to live in seclusion from her family. In 1956, she delivered a son named Suneil Anand, who later went on to act himself. The couple also had a daughter named Devina. Even though Kalpana Kartik had cemented her place in Bollywood. She never deviated from her roots and was always observed practising the Christian faith.
She has opted for retirement as an actress at the very pinnacle of her career. Many more of her contemporaries pursued even greater fame, but she wanted a life only for herself and her family. She relinquished all that stood for a long, courageous practice of mere flesh and blood.
At The End : A Star Who Chose Silence
Kalpana Kartik is a story of grace, talent, and quiet determination. She left behind the movies themselves, but most of all, her life reflected the strength of her character. Her romance with Dev Anand, both in and out of the cinema, is perhaps the most enduring love story that Bollywood has known. Yet, today, after a life apart from cinema. Her contributions are cherished and warmly recalled by viewers in awe of the golden era of Hindi films.
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