Nargis Dutt Biography: Age, Husband, Nationality, Children, Height, Death, Net Worth, Movies, Awards

Fatima Rashid (Nargis Dutt) popularly known as Nargis, was a legendary Indian actress and politician who dominated Hindi cinema in the 1940s and 1950s.

She is widely regarded as one of the greatest actresses in Indian film history, celebrated for her natural acting style, emotional depth, and iconic performances in classics like Awara, Shree 420, and especially Mother India, where her portrayal of the resilient Radha became a symbol of Indian motherhood.

After retiring from acting, she served as a Rajya Sabha member and was actively involved in social work and cancer awareness.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Fatima Rashid (Nargis Dutt)
• Stage Name: Nargis
• Born: June 1, 1929
• Died: May 3, 1981
• Age: 51 years old
• Birthplace: Kolkata, West Bengal, India
• Nationality: Indian
• Ethnicity: Punjabi and Hindustani roots
• Occupation: Actress, Politician
• Height: 5’4″ (163 cm)
• Religion: Islam
• Parents: Abdul Rashid and Jaddanbai
• Siblings: Anwar Hussain, Akhtar Hussain
• Spouse: Sunil Dutt (m. 1958–1981)
• Children: Sanjay Dutt, Priya Dutt, Namrata Dutt
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $500,000

Early Life and Education

Fatima Rashid, known professionally as Nargis, was born on June 1, 1929 in Kolkata, India. She was the daughter of Abdul Rashid (a Mohyal Brahmin who converted to Islam) and Jaddanbai, a pioneering singer, actress, and filmmaker. She had two brothers, Anwar Hussain and Akhtar Hussain, who also entered films.

She attended Queen Mary School in Mumbai and showed early interest in medicine but was drawn into cinema due to her family background.

Her ethnicity reflects mixed Punjabi and Hindustani roots with a Muslim family background and her original religion was Islam.

Career

Nargis Dutt entered films as a child artist at age six in Talash-E-Haq (1935), credited as Baby Nargis. She made her lead debut as a teenager in Taqdeer (1943) and rose rapidly to stardom through collaborations with Raj Kapoor in hits like Barsaat (1949), Awara (1951), and Shree 420 (1955), forming one of Bollywood’s most iconic on-screen pairs.

She also delivered memorable performances opposite Dilip Kumar in films such as Andaz (1949) and Deedar (1951).

Her career peaked with the landmark Mother India (1957), which earned international acclaim, an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film, and cemented her legacy as the epitome of Indian womanhood.

She won the Filmfare Best Actress Award for the role and later received the inaugural National Film Award for Best Actress for Raat Aur Din (1967).

She was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1958, served in the Rajya Sabha, and left a lasting impact on Hindi cinema through her dignified presence and powerful performances before largely retiring after marriage.

Awards and Nominations

• Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Mother India (1958, Won)
• National Film Award for Best Actress – Raat Aur Din (1968, Won – inaugural recipient)
• Padma Shri (1958)
• Best Actress – Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (Mother India)
• Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration named in her honour

Social Media

Nargis Dutt does not have any social media accounts.

Personal Life

Nargis Dutt, who was 51 years old and 5’4″ tall at the time of her death, married actor Sunil Dutt in 1958 after they fell in love on the sets of Mother India.

The couple had three children: Sanjay Dutt, Priya Dutt, and Namrata Dutt. She had an earlier long-term relationship with Raj Kapoor that ended before her marriage.

She battled pancreatic cancer and passed away on May 3, 1981 at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai; she was buried on May 7, 1981 as per her wish for a Muslim burial.

Net Worth

Nargis Dutt’s net worth at the time of her passing is estimated to be around $500,000.

Her earnings came primarily from her successful acting career in Hindi cinema during its golden age, along with later political and social contributions.

Filmography

• Talash-E-Haq (1935, child artist)
• Taqdeer (1943)
• Humayun (1945)
• Andaz (1949)
• Barsaat (1949)
• Awara (1951)
• Deedar (1951)
• Shree 420 (1955)
• Chori Chori (1956)
• Mother India (1957)
• Raat Aur Din (1967)
• Mela (1948)
• Babul (1950)
• Anhonee (1952)