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Leela Chitnis was one of the first educated female actors in India. Being a daughter of an English professor, she had obtained a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. (Image: Wikimedia Commons) She began her career in theatre, but subsequently turned to films, performing variety of roles, even as an extra, in order to support her four sons following her divorce. (Image: Wikimedia Commons) While she started her career as leading lady, she was particularly noted for playing the martyr mother roles. (Image: Facebook) Leela Chitnis had a recognizable pairing with Asok Kumar, and their chemistry was widely praise in films like Azad (1940), Bandhan (1940), and Jhoola (1941). Reportedly, Ashok Kumar had candidly confessed that she had taught him how to express himself with his eyes. (Image: Wikimedia Commons) In 1941, she became the first Indian film star to endorse Lux soap. Before, the brand had only top Hollywood actress in its campaigns. Her ad paved the way for other Bollywood celebrities to become brand ambassadors, altering the Indian advertising and celebrity endorsement landscape. (Image: IMDb) She retired from acting in 1980s and moved to the United States to be closer with her children. She passed away in 2003 at the age of 93. (Image: Wikimedia Commons) Leela Chitnis stands as a timeless icon of resilience, intellect, and pioneering spirit from Indian cinema’s golden era. (Image: IMDb)
