Mala Sinha, born on November 11, 1936, and known as Mala Sinha, is a prominent Indian actress of Nepalese descent. Her illustrious career in Bollywood spans several decades, from the 1950s to the early 1970s, during which she became one of the most popular and respected female stars in the industry. With a diverse filmography that includes iconic movies such as "Pyaasa," "Dhool Ka Phool," "Anpadh," "Himalaya Ki God Mein," "Aankhen," and "Maryada," Mala Sinha left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.

Early Life:
Mala Sinha was born into a Nepalese Christian family to parents Albert Sinha. Originally named Alda, she underwent a name change to Mala due to playful teasing by her school friends, who affectionately called her "Dalda," reminiscent of a popular vegetable oil brand in India.

Career:
Mala Sinha's journey into the world of entertainment commenced at a young age when she appeared as a child artist in Bengali films like "Jai Vaishno Devi," "Shri Krishan Leela," "Jog Biyog," and "Dhooli." Her talent caught the eye of Bengali film director Ardhendu Bose, who cast her as the heroine in his film "Roshanara" (1952), marking her cinematic debut.

Her foray into the Hindi film industry came with the movie "Badshah" opposite Pradeep Kumar. Although her initial films did not achieve significant success, her portrayal in Kishore Sahu's "Hamlet" earned her critical acclaim, despite the film's commercial performance.

A pivotal moment in her career arrived when Guru Dutt cast her in "Pyaasa" (1957), a film that remains a classic in Indian cinema. Mala Sinha's poignant performance as the woman choosing wealth over love left an indelible mark and established her as a formidable actress.

"Dhool Ka Phool" (1959), Yash Chopra's directorial debut, elevated her status in the industry, solidifying her position as a prominent dramatic actress. Subsequently, she delivered hits in films like "Parvarish," "Phir Subah Hogi," "Main Nashe Main Hoon," "Love Marriage," "Bahurani," "Anpadh," "Aasra," "Dil Tera Deewana," "Gumrah," "Aankhen," "Hariyali Aur Rasta," and "Himalaya Ki God Mein," among others.

Mala Sinha was known for her equal billing alongside male co-stars and her willingness to work with newcomers, as long as her role was substantial. Her contributions to Indian cinema earned her recognition and respect, with her name often appearing ahead of the male leads in film credits.

Notably, she ventured into the Nepali film industry in 1966, acting in the Nepali film "Maitighar" when it was still in its nascent stage. She married C. P. Lohani, her co-star in the film, and continued her acting career even after marriage.

Mala Sinha's versatility extended to Bengali films as well, where she acted alongside Uttam Kumar and Kishore Kumar. One of her memorable films was "Jahan Ara" (1964), in which she portrayed Mumtaz Mahal's eldest daughter.

As she gracefully transitioned into character roles with advancing age, Mala Sinha left an enduring legacy in Indian cinema. Her last film appearance was in "Zid" (1994). Despite her immense contributions to the film industry, she did not achieve the same level of success for her daughter, Pratibha.

Mala Sinha's impressive career, remarkable acting talent, and dedication to her craft continue to be celebrated, and she remains an iconic figure in the history of Indian cinema.