Manorama

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Started work in films since childhood Manorama was a trained classical singer and a dancer. She used to perform stage shows in Lahore for the reputed Red Cross. Recalling her childhood once in an interview Manorama said, “I was a good stage dancer and did stage shows for Red Cross society. Once I was performing in one such concert, filmmaker Roop K. Shorey spotted me and offered me a children role in his film Khazanchi (1941). It was Shorey who rechristened me from Erin to Manorama.” She added, “I was only nine year old when I did my first film. The film was a major hit. Other hit films like Khandaan (1942), and Poonji (1943) made me star. I was earning Rs 10,000/- per month!

Manorama married Bollywood villain Rajan Haskar While in Mumbai at actor Chander Mohan’s house, Manorama came in contact with Bollywood actor Rajan Haskar. Haskar helped Manorama get roles in films. Among the roles she fetched was a lucrative role opposite superstar Dilip Kumar. In the film Ghar Ki Izzat, she played sister of Dilip Kumar in the film Soon friendship between Rajan Haskar and Manorama developed and soon love blossomed. They married in 1947. The marriage was fine for ten years. They gave birth to one daughter But then cracks began to spring and after attempts to save the marriage proved impossible hence they divorced.

Indo-Pak partition ruined Manorama ’s career in Lahore film industry When everything was going smooth suddenly the Indo-Pak partition ruined Manorama’s film career in Lahore film industry. Hence she escaped to Mumbai. In Mumbai famous actor Chander Mohan gave her shelter. However in Mumbai she felt restless and wanted to go back to Lahore. She booked a ticket to return to Lahore but Chander Mohan stopped her. Manorama informed, “I am obliged to Chander Mohanji because if I had caught the train then I would be not alive as the train was attacked by fanatics who massacred everyone travelling in the train.” The great filmmaker Bimal Roy established Manorama as comedienne Bollywood welcomed Manorama with open hands but after her hit film Ghar Ki Izzat (1947) she took brief interval as she was married. After the delivery of her daughter when Manorama made a comeback, she was noticed by the great filmmaker Bimal Roy who saw exceptional potential in her for comedy. Hence he gave her an interesting comic role in his film Parineeta (1953). The movie was a huge hit and it established Manorama as a comedienne. After this she never looked back and gave many hit films like Chacha Zindabad (1959), Lajwanti (1958), Kundan (1955), Dulhan (1958). In 60’s she continued as comedienne Dus Lakh (1966), Johar in Kashmir (1966), Janwar (1965), Half Ticket (1962), Bombay to Goa (1971) etc. Manorama turned to vamp roles in late 60’s With Do Kaliyaan (1968) starring Mala Sinha and Biswajit Manorama changed track to vamp roles. What made her look villainous were her large bulging eyes with dazzling eyelashes and unique style of delivering mean dialogues. Her other vamp roles include Ek Phool Do Maali (1969), Mastana (1970), Mehboob Ki Mehndi (1971) and of course her best role in Seeta Aur Geeta! Manorama swiched to TV serials in 90’s In the 90’s Manorama switched to TV serials and did many serials like Dustak, Balaji Tele films serials Kashti and Kundali. She also played Hiten Tejwani's grandmother's role in the serial Kutumb. She bowled over Hollywood film critics in her film Water In Deepa Mehta's Water (2005), one of her last films, Manorama played the bold character of Madhumati, the apprehensive and vulgar widow who heads a widows' ashram in Varanasi. She took the Hollywood critics by surprise by her magnificent performance.