Bollywood’s early days were a man’s world. Actors like Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, and Ashok Kumar were at the top, enjoying fame and big paychecks. Then, a remarkable woman stepped onto the scene. She didn’t just break through; she changed the game entirely. This actress became a superstar and, surprisingly, earned more than her male co-stars. Her reign was strong through the 1940s and 1950s. She was a true pioneer.
This trailblazing star was Suraiya. She started her acting journey very young, at just 12 years old. According to a report from Indian Express, Suraiya was the first actress to command higher fees than the leading men of her time. She would earn a hefty sum of 1 to 2 lakh rupees for each film role. That was an incredible amount for an actress back then.
Suraiya’s talent wasn’t limited to just acting. She was also a gifted singer. Her career began with a childhood role as young Mumtaz in the film ‘Taj Mahal’. It was composer Naushad who first spotted her singing ability. He gave her a chance to sing in the 1942 film ‘Sharda’. Throughout her career, Suraiya lent her voice to an impressive 338 songs.
Her personal life was as dramatic as any film plot. Suraiya’s name became linked with actor Dev Anand. They shared the screen in seven movies. Their romance blossomed between 1948 and 1951. Dev Anand even borrowed 3,000 rupees from a friend to buy her a diamond ring. However, their love story faced a big hurdle. Suraiya’s family was strictly against the relationship because she was Muslim and Dev Anand was not.
– फोटो : सोशल मीडिया
One day, Suraiya’s grandmother spotted the diamond ring on her hand. She immediately snatched it off and forbade Suraiya from seeing Dev Anand. Heartbroken, Dev Anand reportedly threw the ring into the sea. A year later, he proposed to her again. But this time, Suraiya sadly turned him down.
After her separation from Dev Anand, Suraiya’s career reportedly hit a rough patch in the 1950s. Yet, she made a powerful comeback. In 1954, her film ‘Mirza Ghalib’ became a massive success. The film even caught the attention of India’s then-Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. He famously praised Suraiya, telling her, “You have brought Mirza Ghalib’s soul back to life.” Her journey showed true resilience, from breaking financial norms to navigating a tough personal life and ultimately, cementing her place in history.