Nargis Dutt ()

Synopsis:
A Documentary on Nargis Dutt.
The documentary starts with the scene of a hospital where the cancer-stricken queen of Indian silver-screen passed her last days. The following scene was her legendary character in 'Mother India' of Mehboob in which Sunil Dutt, her spouse, played as her son. Indian music maestro Naushad Ali paid glowing tributes to Nargis Dutt.
Her brothers Anwar Hussain and Akhtar also discussed the life of Nargis whose original name was Fatima born on June 1, 1929. Her home was an abode of music and poetry. From Allahabad, her family shifted to Kolkata and then Mumbai at a seaside abode. Literature was her love in studies. Jiddan Bai, her mother, was a singer and encouraged her in her pursuits in performing arts.
Baby Rani was her child star name in the talkies. Mohan Babu (Rasheed), her father, on his way to medical studies in England dropped to hear the song of Jiddan Bai became a permanent resident of the house by marrying her. Great director Mehboob gave her the name Nargis.
She performed with Raj Kapoor as well as Dilip Kumar, with light role as well as tragedy, with the same talent and skill. Dilip saw no one with the same versatility adding that she worked without any feeling of burden in a delightful manner before camera.
Lata said that Nargis proved that Indian woman was an ideal wife and an ideal mother. Raj Kapoor said that he still remembered her looks and face when he first met her. He said that she was not only enacted as mother India, she in fact was Mother India. She even risked her life in a fire scene in the film. Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru appreciated her performance. Indira Gandhi nominated her for Rajiya Sabha. Sunil Dutt also had been an MP and her son Sanjay Dutt now intends to enter politics.
While doing work for labourers and health services Nargis lost wait in the process. She developed multiple complications and finally died of cancer on May 3, 1989. Many centres function in many parts of India under Nargis-Dutt Foundation. Her performance in 'Awara' and 'Barsat' was as superb as the music of Shankar J Kishan and mellifluous voice of Lata Jee. A cameraman said that she never grudged if I took more time in preparing a scene. She was the most popular member of Indian troupe in Soviet Union and later participated in an Indo-Soviet production 'Pardesi'. 'Jeewan hay agar zehar to peena hi parhay ga' is a reality she depicted in life as well as in 'Mother India.'

Indian president awarded her Patima Shri Award and she also earned international awards.

Director: Priya Dutt

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