Chand Usmani – Bollywood actress who marked her screen debut aside Shammi Kapoor in ‘Jeewan Jyoti’

Chand Usmani (1933-1989) was Shammi Kapoor’s heroine in his debut movie, Jeevan Jyoti (1953). The movie also marked her screen debut. Later she went on to do lead roles in hit comedy film – Baap Re Baap opposite Kishore Kumar and Amanat opposite Bharat Bhushan. She also played supporting roles in Rangeen Raten, Samarat Prithviraj Chauhan, Naya Daur, Prem Patra and Pehchan, and the later one earned her Filmfare award for best supporting actress. She was only 56 when she passed away in 1989. She was not active in movies that time, though she played a very few character roles in the 1980s. She was best known for playing sacrificing mother and wife on screen, like her contemporary Nirupa Roy.  

Chand Usmani was born into a Pashtun family in Agra. She stood second at ‘Kardar-Kolynos-Teresa Contest’ (Kolynos Toothpaste Smile) in 1949, and was overjoyed with her surprise win. Her passion towards films and acting prompted her to run away from home and reach the magical city of Mumbai, where she pursued her career. In year 1953 Mahesh Kaul gave her the first break in lead role opposite debutant Shammi Kapoor in ‘Jeevan Jyoti’. Though the movie flopped, her lead role as Kishori helped her to earn early recognition and a few more lead roles. With the arrival of new heroines, Chand moved to character roles. Yet she remained active in the industry till her death in late 1980s.

Chand Usmani – Some interesting and less-known facts

A still from Amanat movie

1. She bagged Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress trophy for 1970 film Pehchan. Her role as a prostitute whom Manoj Kumar accepts as sister earned her accolades.

2. She married Bollywood director Mukul Dutt, who directed hit films like Aan Milo Sajna. Aaj Ki Dhara (1979), Chhalia (1973) etc are a few more movies directed by him. The couple had one son.

3. She played the memorable role of Dilip Kumar’s sister in Naya Daur, and since then mostly played secondary roles on screen.

4. She had a long career in Bollywood for more than three decades. Yet she never hired a manager to look after her career, which she personally regretted later.

5. She is best known for essaying scarifying mother, sister and wife roles on screen – a symbol of true womanhood.

6. She shared screen space with Shabana Azmi for 1976 flick, Kadambari.

7. She was also seen in supporting roles in April Fool, Shagoon, Khamoshi, Khilona, Pukar, Saajan Ki Saheli, Yaarana etc.

8. Piya Piya Piya Mera Jiya Pukare from Baap Re Baap was filmed on her and Kishore Kumar. Kumar incorporated his signature yodelling in this song. Asha Bhosle rendered her voice for Chand.

9. Her last released work was Lohe Ke Haath (1990).