Reena Roy

Born: 7 January 1957

Reena Roy burst onto the Bollywood scene as a teenager in the early 1970s, quickly becoming one of the industry's most sought-after leading ladies. Her breakout came with Jaise Ko Taisa (1973) and the action-romance Zakhmee (1975), but it was 1976 that cemented her superstar status—she delivered two massive hits that year with the thrilling Kalicharan and the iconic horror-fantasy Nagin. Throughout the late 70s and early 80s, Roy dominated the box office with a string of memorable performances in films like Vishwanath (1978), Naseeb (1981), the romantic comedy Sanam Teri Kasam (1982), and the beloved Aasha (1980). She even won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress for her powerful role in Apnapan (1977), though she declined it on categorical grounds. Her reign as a top-tier actress lasted until 1983 when she stepped away from the limelight. What made Reena Roy special was her versatility—whether it was a horror film, action thriller, family drama, or romantic comedy, she brought an effortless grace and emotional depth to every role. After taking time away for her personal life, including a marriage to cricketer Mohsin Khan and relocating to Pakistan, Roy made a dignified comeback in 1993 with Aadmi Khilona Hai and went on to take selective supporting roles in films like Refugee (2000). Beyond her acting career, Roy has built a lasting legacy by establishing an acting school alongside her sister Barkha, passing on her craft to the next generation, while occasionally appearing on television shows like Indian Idol.