Iconic fashion statements were featured in the 70s Bollywood. Polka prints gained popularity after a polka blouse was sported by Dimple Kapadia in Bobby. Similarly, the hippie style was introduced into trend after the look of Zeenat Aman in the song Hare Rama Hare Krishna was seen. Both style statements from the 1980s and 1990s were ideally included in the 1970s Bollywood. Besides fashion, some amazing filmy talents and iconic movies were also known during the 1970 era. The actresses had a generally short-lived career in the films. However, some Bollywood actresses of the 70s are still in the limelight.
1. Jaya Bachchan
The famous actress Jaya Bachchan presented Indian audiences with many blockbuster movies during her time, including Guddi, Abhiman, Mili, Sholay, and Zanjeer. Actor Amitabh Bachchan, as well as his son Abhishek Bachchan and daughter-in-law Aishwarya, are also renowned. Jaya Bachchan ventured into politics and became a Member of Parliament in Rajya Sabha from the Samajwadi Party. People still remember Jaya for one reason or another, as she managed to capture the limelight.
2. Jaya Prada
The skills of Jaya Prada were showcased in both the South and Bollywood industries, making her one of the most popular actresses of her time.
3. Rakhee Gulzar
Rakhee, one of the most talented actresses, worked in the Bollywood industry for four decades and won three Filmfare Awards and one National Film Award.
4. Sharmila Tagore
Sharmila Tagore is considered one of the boldest actresses of her time. She has worked in Bollywood as well as the Bengali cinema. She won two national film awards and two Filmfare awards due to her impeccable performances in the film. She also led the censor board from 2004 to 2011.
5. Tina Ambani
Tina Ambani had acted in many famous Bollywood movies. She is married to business tycoon Anil Ambani. She is also the chairperson of the Mumbai-based Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Harmony Art Foundation, and Harmony for Silvers Foundation.
6. Hema Malini
Numerous blockbuster Hindi movies were acted in by Hema Malini, who was popularly known as the dream girl of Bollywood. Her acting career was started with Sapno Ka Saudagar, and lead roles were played by her in many other superhit movies. In addition to being a successful actress, she is also a skilled writer, director, dancer, producer, and politician. Hema Malini is married to actor Dharmendra and was considered one of the highest-paid actresses of her time.
7. Vyjayanthimala
Vyjayanthimala was one of the most popular actresses of her time, known for her exceptional talent in Bharatanatyam dance, dance choreography, Carnatic singing, and political leadership as a parliamentarian.
8. Tanuja Mukherjee
Tanuja Mukherjee, popularly known as Tanuja, acted in many renowned Hindi and Bengali movies, earning her numerous accolades for her impeccable acting skills. Her daughter, Kajol, is also a famous Bollywood actress.
9. Mumtaz
Mumtaz, whose real name is Mumtaz Madhvani, was once the most sought-after actress in the Bollywood industry. She won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her performance in the movie Khilona in 1971.
10. Rekha
Rekha, whose original name is Bhanurekha Ganesan, is considered one of the finest actresses of Hindi Cinema. Her Bollywood career was started with Sawan Bhadon in 1970, and she has acted in more than one hundred eighty Hindi movies. The spotlight has always been on Rekha for good or bad reasons. Her personal life had been under public speculation due to failed marriages with industrialist Mukesh Aggarwal and Vinod Mehra.
Mukesh Aggarwal, her ex-husband, had committed suicide due to depression, and she was even called ‘witch’ by many people. However, the allegations were soon proven false by Rekha. She was also rumored to be in a relationship with Amitabh Bachchan. Currently, she is a member of Rajya Sabha and is often spotted at award shows. She is still glamorous and can make any man go weak in his knees.
11. Mala Sinha
Mala Sinha’s acting prowess made her the most popular actress of her time. She starred in numerous Hindi, Bengali, and Nepali movies and was regarded as the top leading actress in Bollywood movies. She was born in Kolkata.
12. Zeenat Aman
Zeenat Khan, who later became Zeenat Aman, gained popularity for her bold looks in the 70s and 80s as a model turned actress. She played the lead role in many blockbuster Hindi movies, including Satyam Shivam Sundaram and Don.
13. Shabana Azmi
Shabana Azmi amazed the audiences with her impeccable acting skills by playing many women-centric roles that were out of the box and reformist. She has won several accolades, including Filmfare Awards, for her roles in numerous Hindi and Bengali films. Additionally, Shabana Azmi catches the media’s attention frequently as she is a committed social activist.
14. Neetu Singh
Neetu Singh gained fame in Bollywood due to her bubbly personality and remarkable acting skills. Her son, Ranbir Kapoor, is also a popular actor in Bollywood, and her late husband, Rishi Kapoor, was a famous actor as well.
