Meet Amitabh Bachchan's heroine who collapsed on the set but still wanted to finish her work, had done over 250 films, her name is...
In the world of showbiz, where most actors come with the dream of being the lead to attain stardom, there are a few artists at the back, not craving the spotlight, but are the ones who become irreplaceable. They might not be in the forefront, but they define the core of the film and tie the whole film together. Often seen in supporting characters of a mother, father, grandparents or friends, these characters are just as important as the lead.
One such story is of a leading supporting actress, Leela Mishra. Etcged in the memory of the audience for her popular role of 'Mausi Ji' in Sholay. Leela Mishra had a huge career trajectory, she had done over 250 films in her career opposite some leading actors of Bollywood like Amitabh Bachchan.
Besides her promising craft and dedication, what stood out was her strong principles. Filmmaker Sai Paranjpye shared about how Leela ji always stood firm on her payments. She had a flat ₹1000 rate per day, no matter how small. When Leela ji was approached about the shoot for Shatranj Ke Khiladi by the legendary Satyajit Ray, her confusion was evident. She did not even know who he was, and in typical Leela ji honesty, simply wanted to know first, 'Mujhe meri roz ki fees to milegi na?'
Even from a young age when she acted as an elder , she was a popular figure across generations. She carved an inimitable niche for herself as a warm yet strong matriarch in various roles . From Hema Malini's Basanti ki Mausi , to innumerable roles as a mother, a variety of roles made her beloved by millions . At the age of seventy , she continued working with the same passion , and received awards and attained accolades for her efforts .
Leela ji was inspiring on every level. When Leela ji was making her last film, Daata, co-starring with Mithun Chakraborty, Prem Chopra, and Padmini Kolhapure, there was an even greater tragedy on set. Leela ji had a paralytic stroke during production, and the entire crew, including our director, went into a panic. But later, even when she was taken to Mumbai to resume and assess the seriousness of the health issue, she was not worrying about her health. infact she was only worried about if she could finish her job. Unfortunately, Leela ji passed away soon thereafter, and as Paranjpye stated in her career, this was the one role she was not able to even finish her remaining scene.
Leela Mishra lacked formal education and instead made do with it by sheer intuitive brilliance. Sai Paranjpye, who had the honour to direct her in Katha and Chashme Buddoor, always said she had played her position as a 'hidden gem'; she had unmatched understanding of emotion, timing, and character. Her discipline, timing, punctuality, and sincerity made her an all-time favourite to directors.
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