Purnima was an Indian actress best known for her roles in films like Patanga, Thes, and Badal. She was born on March 2, 1932, in Bombay, India, and became a prominent figure in the Indian film industry.
Personal and Family Life
Purnima was born to Ram Sheshadri Ayangar, a Tamil Brahmin accountant, and a mother from a Muslim family in Lucknow. She was the youngest of six siblings, including sister Shirin Banu, who also worked in films. Purnima was married twice; her first husband, Bhagwan Das Varma, was a well-known producer-director, and she had a son, Anwar Hashmi.
Career
Purnima began her film career at a young age, making her debut in the Gujarati film ‘Radheshyam’ at just 16. Over her five-decade-long career, she acted in nearly 200 films, covering a variety of roles. She became well recognized for her performances in both Hindi and Gujarati cinema.
Death and Legacy
Purnima passed away on August 14, 2013, in Mumbai. She left behind a rich legacy in Indian cinema, with her family continuing to make significant contributions to the film industry. Her grandson, Emraan Hashmi, and granddaughter, Alia Bhatt, have both become successful actors in Bollywood.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| মুখ ও মুখোশ | 1956-08-03 | |
| मेरा गाँव मेरा देश | 1971-04-06 | Mausi – Villager Mad Lady |
| जाल | 1952-03-31 | Lisa |
| Budtameez | 1966-01-01 | Beena |
| Hum Se Badkar Kaun | 1981-03-06 | Radha |
| Jogan | 1950-02-24 | Anjani |
| बनफूल | 1971-12-31 | Nirmala |
| Badal | 1951-09-06 | |
| Ji Chahta Hai | 1964-01-01 | |
| यादगार | 1984-07-20 | |
| Patanga | 1949-01-01 | Purnima |
| Kaanch Ki Deewar | 1986-01-31 | Devi B. Singh / Thakur |
| Sreegouranga | 1933-07-07 | |
| प्रेम कहानी | 1975-02-07 | Mrs. Brijesh Narayan |
| फकीरा | 1976-09-06 | Vijay & Ajay’s Mother |
| Phaansi | 1978-03-04 | Rukmani |
| बैराग | 1976-02-01 | Saraswati Chandrabhan |
| Laparwah | 1981-01-01 | Shera’s Mother |
| College Girl | 1960-01-01 | Janaki |
| Kangan | 1959-01-01 | Kamla |
| सगाई | 1951-03-20 | Shehzadi |
| Dil Aur Mohabbat | 1968-01-01 | Parvati |
| हमजोली | 1970-01-01 | Roopa Rai |
| स्मगलर | 1966-01-01 | Lekha |
| Geetaa Mera Naam | 1974-03-24 | Chandu foster mom |
| Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki | 1978-03-02 | |
| सन्नाटा | 1966-01-01 |