- published: 18 Feb 2015
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Abhi Bhattacharya (1921–1993) was an Indian actor of Hindi and Bengali cinema, who is most remembered for his roles in films in 50s and the 60s, such as Yatrik (1952), Jagriti (1954), Anuradha (1960) and Subarnarekha (1965). In his illustrious career he worked with noted directors like Ritwik Ghatak, Guru Dutt, Bimal Roy and Satyen Bose.
He made his film debut in 1947, with Bombay Talkies film, Naukadubi based on a novel by Rabindranath Tagore, and directed by Nitin Bose. Later in life, around 1971, he turned to spirituality, through his association with Dadaji (whose name as a householder was Shri Amiya Roy Chowdhury). He wrote a book, narrating his realisations from experiences with Dadaji, titled Destiny with Dadaji. Late in his career he acted in many mythological films. He played a negative role in Memsaab starring Vinod Khanna and Yogita Bali and in 'Ishq par Zor Nahin' starring Biswajeet, Sadhna and Dharmendra. He played the role of Lord Vishnu in many films like Tulsi Vivah, Vishnu Puran, Hari Darshan & Kisaan aur Bhagwan and as Krishna in 'Mahabharat'.
Mala Sinha (born 11 November 1936, in Calcutta, India) is an ethnic Nepali language speaking Indian Gorkha actress who has worked in Hindi, Bengali and Nepali films. Recognised for her talent and beauty, she went on to become a popular leading actress in Hindi films from the early 1950s until the late 1970s. Sinha has starred in over a hundred film productions: popular ones include Pyaasa (1957), Dhool Ka Phool (1959), Anpadh, Dil Tera Deewana ( both 1962), Gumrah (1963), Himalaya Ki God Mein (1965) and Aankhen (1968).
Sinha's parents are originally from Nepal, but they moved to Calcutta, just before she was born. They named her Alda. Her friends at school used to tease her by calling her Dalda (a brand of vegetable oil), so she changed her name to Mala. In her childhood she learnt dancing and singing.
Although she was an approved singer of All India Radio, she has never done playback singing in films. But as a singer she has done stage shows in many languages from 1947 to 1975.