Tanuja Samarth’s Bollywood journey wasn’t without its challenges. She entered the industry as a child artist in a film directed by her mother, and years later, she became a lead actress, making her mark on Indian cinema. However, behind the glamour, Tanuja’s path was filled with struggle, resilience, and unexpected turns, including a famous slap incident that became part of her early film career.
Early Life and First Film at Just 16 Years Old
Born into the famous Samarth family, Tanuja was destined to be in the limelight. Her mother, Shobhana Samarth, was an actress, and her elder sister, Nutan, was a leading star of her time. It was inevitable that Tanuja would also follow in their footsteps.
Tanuja’s first appearance in films came as a child artist in Hamari Beti (1950), a movie directed by her mother where she played the childhood role of her sister Nutan’s character. However, it wasn’t until 10 years later that she made her formal Bollywood debut at the age of 16 in Chhabili (1960). The decision was driven largely by financial necessity, as her family’s condition worsened, forcing her into the industry at a young age.
From Switzerland to Bollywood: A Sudden Shift
Tanuja’s early life was marked by a love for languages. To fulfill her desire for learning, she was sent to study at St. George’s School in Switzerland. But her education there was cut short due to the deteriorating financial situation back home, and she returned to India to start her second innings in Bollywood.
Tanuja’s initial years were marked by relatively minor roles, but she slowly began to leave a mark on audiences. Her breakthrough came with Hamari Yaad Aayegi (1961), where her talent as a lead actress was recognized. This film established her as a rising star, and it wasn’t long before she was cast in several notable projects.
The Famous Slap Incident: When Tanuja Faced Reality
During the shooting of her debut film Chhabili, Tanuja encountered a unique challenge that led to an unforgettable incident. In one scene, she was supposed to cry, but the young actress found herself unable to bring out the required emotion. Instead, she kept laughing.
Director Kedar Sharma, frustrated with her unprofessional behavior, slapped her hard on the set. Shocked, Tanuja rushed home to tell her mother about the incident. Instead of offering sympathy, her mother, Shobhana Samarth, slapped her again and dragged her back to the set. Shobhana then told the director, “Now she is crying, you can start shooting.” Tanuja’s tears resulted in a perfect shot, and this incident became one of the defining moments of her early career.
Breakthrough with Haathi Mere Saathi and Other Iconic Films
One of the biggest turning points in Tanuja’s career came with the 1972 blockbuster Haathi Mere Saathi. Interestingly, the role was initially meant for Sharmila Tagore, but Tanuja ended up getting the part alongside Rajesh Khanna. The movie’s success turned her into a household name and opened doors to many more prominent films.
In addition to Haathi Mere Saathi, Tanuja delivered strong performances in films like Jewel Thief, Anubhav, Izzat, and Do Chor. She shared the screen with leading actors of her time, leaving a lasting impression with her versatile acting skills. Her iconic scenes in songs like “Raat Akeli Hai” and “Yeh Dil Na Hota Bechara” are still fondly remembered by audiences.
Personal Life and Marriage to Shomu Mukherjee
Tanuja’s personal life was as colorful as her films. She married filmmaker Shomu Mukherjee, and together they had two daughters, Kajol and Tanisha. However, after Tanisha’s birth, Tanuja and Shomu parted ways, though they never officially divorced. Despite the separation, Tanuja remained focused on raising her daughters, who later became successful in their own right.
A Career of Limited Films but Lasting Impact
Unlike many of her contemporaries, Tanuja didn’t appear in hundreds of films. She acted in just around 35 films throughout her career. However, the impact she made with those films was significant. From black-and-white cinema to the vibrant colors of the modern era, Tanuja transitioned smoothly, becoming a memorable figure in the industry.
Her journey from a child artist to a leading actress, her struggles and determination, and the iconic roles she played, all contribute to her lasting legacy in Indian cinema.
