The 60s was the period in Bollywood when romantic movies and songs were at their peak. It was when Rajendra Kumar, Manoj Kumar, Shammi Kapoor, Shashi Kapoor, Joy Mukherjee, Dharmendra, and Biswajeet became hugely successful as romantic heroes. During the same time, some leading ladies from Bollywood were also ruling the roost and to date continue to rule the hearts of millions of Bollywood fans.
From their special hairdos, and tight salwar kameez to extraordinary dancing, these ladies had created a trend that influenced the young girls so much that every other girl in India started following the same pattern of dressing and hair styling.
Waheeda Rehman
One of the most graceful dancers to grace the Indian screen Waheedaji started her career with Guru Dutt’s CID and since then never looked back. Her sweet voice, sharp features, elegance, and superb acting skills have left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Be it suspense thrillers like Bees Saal Baad or Kohra, love stories like Chaudhavin Ka Chand or Patthar Ke Sanam, or portrayal of strong roles like in Guide and Reshma Aur Shera, Waheeda Rehman has proved that she is a versatile actor.
Nanda
The daughter of Master Vinayak (a famous Marathi actor, producer, and director), Nanda started as a child artist and hence was also called Baby Nanda by many. Her charm and girl-next-door image made her the heartthrob of millions in those days. While even today she is mostly looked upon as a romantic actress, Nanda has worked in different Joyners including horror (Gumnaam), Hum Dono (Patriotic), and Ittefaq (suspense) apart from working in some big hits of her times like Jab Jab Phool Khile, The Train, Kala Bazar, Bhabhi, and Chhoti Bahen.
Asha Parekh
Yet another actress from the 60s whose dancing was one of the important parts of her performances on the screen. Be it “Raat ka sama” from Ziddi or “Koi matwala aya mere dware” from Love in Tokyo, Asha Parekh’s gracefulness was unmatched in classical dancing. Interestingly, she was equally good at Western dancing which is evident from her hit numbers like “Ah Ah Aaja” from Teesri Manzil and “Hum Dum Mere” from Mere Sanam.
She was one of the biggest stars of the 60s and has not given a single flop in her career. From Kati Patang, and Aan Milo Sajana to Dil Deke Dekho and Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke, Asha Parekh has a long list of hits to her credit.
Sharmila Tagore
She became a big name after her bikini photographs were on the cover page of a leading Bollywood magazine. Her career started under the wings of leading Bengali directors like Satyajit Ray but over the years she managed to balance both the realistic and commercial cinema fairly well. Her profile has a list of movies like Aradhana, Amar Prem, An Evening in Paris, Kashmir Ki Kali, Avishkaar, and many more.
Vaijayanthi Mala
This South Indian actress is one of the most successful Bollywood actors of all time. Just like Waheeda Rehman, her dancing was her main forte, but Vaijayanthi Mala went much beyond that. She brought glamour and more intelligent characters and even in those days demanded to be treated at par with her male counterparts. Be it Jewel Thief, Amrapali, Naya Daur, Madhumati, or Sangam, Leader, and Nagin, this actor-turned-politician has dazzled in all types of roles.
Madhubala
The eternal beauty queen of Bollywood, Madhubala died very young but whatever filmography she has left behind is enough to prove that she was an unbelievable mix of beauty and talent. Her twisted smile, expressive eyes, and to-the-point facial expressions have turned many songs and dialogues immortal. She was equally good in both romantic and tragic stories and also had wonderful comic timing.
Some of her superhit movies include Kala Pani, Mughal-E-Azam, Mr and Mrs 55, Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi, Phagun, Half Ticket, and Barsat Ki Raat.
Meena Kumari
Also known as the tragedy queen of Bollywood, Meena Kumari was a highly talented actress who made her characters immortal with her outstanding performances. Be it Dil Ek Mandir, Pakeezah, Andaaz, Mere Apne or Bahu Begum, Bhabhi Ki Chudiyan, Baiju Bawra, and Parineeta, she even eclipsed the male leads in her movies with stunning performances which even today are unmatched.
Mala Sinha
Mala Sinha was known for her unique acting style. The Bong actress worked in some amazing movies during the 60s including Ankhen, Mere Huzoor, Bahu Beti, Himalay Ki Godmein, Bahurani, Hariyali Aur Raasta, Dil Tera Deewana, and Jahan Ara.