Latest news with #BinaRai
India.com
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Who was India's first 'Lady Boss'? Rejected Mughal-e-Azam, used to charge fee more than heroes, not many remember her now, name is…
That was a time when a hero would get Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 Lakh for a film, but an actress like Bina Rai would be paid Ts 1.5 lakh. In that era, it was not just a fee, but the price of change in the industry. Bina Rai made her stardom on the basis of her hard work. Films were made and sold in her name. What was Bina Rai's real name? Bina Rai's real name was Krishna Sareen. Her father was an officer in the railways. After the partition of India and Pakistan, her family came to Kanpur and she continued her studies from here. After this, she took admission in Isabella Thoburn College in Lucknow. From here, her interest in acting started increasing. She started taking part in college plays and gradually her confidence started increasing. This film made Bina Rai a star overnight Bina Rai won the talent contest and received a prize of Rs 25,000. This amount was considered huge at that time. She was also signed for the film 'Kali Ghata'. She acted in this film with Kishore Sahu. Her beauty and acting in the film caught everyone's attention. But she got real recognition from the 1953 film 'Anarkali', in which she played the title role. The success of this film made Bina Rai a star overnight. The songs, dialogues and her acting in the film were so natural that people started considering her the real Anarkali. Why Bina Rai rejected Mughal-e-Azam? After the success of 'Anarkali', K. Asif offered her a role in his film 'Mughal-e-Azam', but Bina Rai refused to do this role. Later this role was given to Madhubala, and the film created history. After this, she appeared in many great films like 'Ghunghat' (1960), 'Taj Mahal' (1963), 'Genghis Khan', 'Pyar Ka Sagar', and 'Shagoofa'. She also received the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for the film 'Ghunghat'. When Bina Rai worked on her own terms Bina Rai's film career lasted for about 15 years. When her career was at its peak, she decided to get married and settle down. She married famous actor Premnath in 1952. After marriage, she gradually distanced herself from the film industry and started giving time to her family. She had two sons, one of whom, Prem Kishan, later appeared in films himself. When did Bina Rai die? Bina Rai said goodbye to this world on 6 December 2009. In the 1950s, where the film industry was run by men, Bina Rai worked on her own terms and ruled the hearts of people with her acting. This is the reason why people remember her even today. As an actress, she added colours to the black and white era.
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
She earned more than top Bollywood stars, even refused 'Mughal-e-Azam' but today few remember India's first 'Lady Boss'
Bina Rai, born Krishna Sareen on July 13, 1931, in Lahore, rose to become one of the most formidable names in Hindi cinema during the 1950s. Following the Partition, her family moved to Kanpur, where she completed her education before joining Isabella Thoburn College in Lucknow. It was during her college years that Bina Rai 's passion for acting began to flourish through theatre. Despite prevailing taboos around women entering the film industry, Rai remained determined to pursue her dream. When a newspaper advertisement announced a talent hunt by director Kishore Sahu, she saw it as an opportunity. Her family strongly opposed her decision, but Bina Rai's resolve was unshaken—she reportedly went on a hunger strike until they relented. Early Breakthrough and Rapid Stardom Rai emerged as the winner of the contest and received a then-impressive prize of Rs 25,000. She was immediately cast in Sahu's film Kali Ghata, where her striking screen presence and acting talent drew attention. But it was her role in Anarkali (1953) that turned her into an overnight sensation. Her portrayal in the title role, coupled with the film's memorable music and dialogues, made a lasting impression. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas Prices In Dubai Might Be More Affordable Than You Think Villas In Dubai | Search Ads Get Quote Undo The enormous success of Anarkali solidified her position in the industry. Her performance was so iconic that when filmmaker K. Asif approached her for the role of Anarkali in Mughal-e-Azam, she declined. She believed that the impression she had already created with Anarkali should not be repeated. The role later went to Madhubala, who also left an indelible mark with it. Commanding Stardom and Unmatched Fees At a time when leading male actors earned between Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh per film, Bina Rai commanded Rs 1.5 lakh—an unheard-of figure for a heroine then. This was not just a paycheck; it symbolised the value she brought to films. Her name, which became synonymous with 'Lady Boss', alone could attract audiences and guarantee a film's success, reflecting the sway she held in an era largely dominated by men. Bina Rai starred in several notable films following Anarkali, including Ghunghat (1960), for which she received the Filmfare Award for Best Actress. Other prominent works include Taj Mahal (1963), Genghis Khan, Pyaar Ka Sagar, and Shagoofa. Her roles often reflected grace and emotional depth, earning her admiration across audiences and critics alike. Life Beyond the Spotlight At the peak of her career, Bina Rai chose to step away from the arc lights. She married actor Premnath in 1952 and gradually distanced herself from the film industry to focus on family life. The couple had two sons, including Prem Kishan, who also ventured into films. Bina Rai passed away on December 6, 2009. Her career may have spanned only around 15 years, but her impact was enduring. She not only broke stereotypes by asserting her space in a male-dominated industry but also shaped the trajectory of female stardom in Hindi cinema. Her decision to work on her own terms, the fees she commanded, and the performances she delivered ensured her place among the most respected actresses of her time.
