Farida Jalal, a household name and iconic face in Indian cinema and television, turns 75 today. As we celebrate this important milestone, it’s pertinent to reflect on her illustrious journey and the still unexplored facets of her acting prowess which she herself acknowledges. The venerable actress has been a beacon of talent in enduring Hindi film classics such as ‘Aradhana’, ‘Naya Raasta’, ‘Amar Prem’, ‘Sabse Bada Rupaiya’, and ‘Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge’, to name a few. Her career, spanning over five decades, reflects a rich tapestry of roles ranging from the romantic leads of yesteryears to the more recent archetypical roles of mothers, sisters, and grandmothers in blockbusters like ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham…’, ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’, and ‘Student of the Year’.
In a candid reflection a couple of years back, Farida Jalal shared her thoughts with Hindustan Times, expressing a sense of unfulfillment amidst an otherwise stellar career. She conveyed a poignant desire for a broader canvas for her talent, “I have much more to give, much more to do before I say goodbye. My potential is yet to be tapped.” She lamented the industry’s penchant for pigeonholing her into repetitive roles, which she found disheartening and painful.
Jalal highlighted the striking disparity in the diversity of roles between male and female actors, citing the versatile work of her male colleagues such as the late Om Puri, Anupam Kher, Paresh Rawal, and Amitabh Bachchan, who had the opportunity to portray villains, comedians, lawyers, and doctors. This comparison underscored her yearning for being considered for an equally diverse range of characters. Her frank admittance to feeling a twinge of envy underscores a deeper conversation about gender disparities in the film industry, especially for elder actors.
Despite her personal grievances concerning the limitations of her casting, Jalal’s love for her profession and the film industry remains undiminished. With the film industry undergoing scrutiny over allegations of nepotism, groupism, and drug abuse, Jalal staunchly defended her artistic homeland. She expressed her gratitude for her achievements and experiences within Bollywood, maintaining that it is one of the safest and most welcoming places she has known.
Transitioning from the silver screen, Farida Jalal also found immense success on the small screen, particularly with her endearing portrayal of the mischievous grandmother Sushma Mehra—the magical ‘nani’ in the hit TV series ‘Shararat’. The series, which followed the lives of three generations of fairy women attempting to blend in with humans, resonated with audiences and became a cherished part of Indian pop culture. Her role as Nani, imbued with superpowers and an undying youthful spirit, made her a beloved figure and added another memorable character to her expansive portfolio.
On the milestone of her 75th birthday, the industry and audiences remember Farida Jalal not just for her immense contributions but also for what could have been—an expansive range of characters she never got to play. Her call to be seen beyond the mold of motherly figures opens up a dialogue about the need for richer, more varied roles for women, especially those with proven talent and decades of experience like Jalal. It stands as a testament to Jalal’s calibre that even at this juncture, when most actors would be content in nostalgia, she looks forward to what could still be, to that untapped potential waiting to be unleashed. The longevity and diversity of her career contribute to the collective nostalgia and love the audiences hold for her, and her legacy continues to be a beacon for many in the Indian entertainment industry.
