Early Years and Family History: Zohra Sehgal was born into a traditional Muslim family. Her father, Mumtazullah Khan, was a landowner, and her mother, Natiqua Begum, came from a Pathan family. She was the third of seven children. Zohra was sent to Queen Mary’s Girls College in Lahore for her education, which was an unusual step for girls in her community at the time.
Early Career and Hardships: Zohra Sehgal’s journey into the performing arts began when she joined Uday Shankar’s ballet company in 1935. This was a bold move, considering her conservative background. She traveled extensively with the troupe, performing in Japan, Europe, and the United States. This experience broadened her horizons and laid the foundation for her future career.
In 1942, Zohra married Kameshwar Sehgal, a scientist, painter, and dancer eight years her junior. The interfaith marriage (she was Muslim, and he was Hindu) was unconventional and met with resistance, but the couple remained together until Kameshwar’s death in 1959.
Career Breakthroughs and Successes: After India gained independence, Zohra Sehgal and her husband moved to Bombay (now Mumbai), where they established the Indian People’s Theatre Association (IPTA) and continued their work in dance and theater. Zohra also worked with the Prithvi Theatre for fourteen years, acting in numerous productions.
Later Years and Stardom: Zohra Sehgal’s career experienced a resurgence in her later years. She became a beloved figure in Indian cinema and television, known for her sharp wit, vibrant personality, and enduring energy. Despite her advanced age, she continued to work, appearing in films and television series, and participating in stage performances.
Real Name: Sahibzadi Zohra Mumtazullah Khan Begum
Date of Birth: April 27, 1912
Birth Place: Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, British India
Residence: Lived in various places throughout her life, including India and the UK. She spent her later years in New Delhi, India.
Profession: Actress, Dancer, Choreographer
Nationality: Indian
Religion: Islam
Partner: Kameshwar Sehgal (m. 1942; d. 1959)
Father: Mumtazullah Khan
Mother: Natiqua Begum
Horoscope: Taurus
Age: Passed away at the age of 102 on July 10, 2014
Height: 155 cm
Body Type: Slim
Eye Color: Dark Brown
Hair Color: Black (turned grey/white with age)