Birth Date:07 January 1957
About Me
Reena Roy: The ‘Nagin’ of Bollywood and Her Incredible Journey of Resilience!
Reena Roy is a name that defines the peak of 1970s and early 80s Bollywood glamour. From being the "Zaroorat Girl" to becoming the highest-paid actress of her time, her journey is a classic tale of cinematic success, a high-profile cross-border marriage, and a resilient comeback as a single mother.
Biography: The Rise of Saira Ali
Early Life and Struggle
Born Saira Ali on January 7, 1957, in Mumbai, Reena Roy came from a diverse background; her father was a Muslim actor, Sadiq Ali, and her mother was a Hindu actress, Sharda Rai. Following her parents' divorce, her mother renamed her Roopa Rai, which was later changed to Reena Roy by the film industry. Reena entered the film world as a teenager to support her mother and three siblings, eventually becoming the family's primary breadwinner.
The Marriage That Shook the Subcontinent
In 1983, at the absolute zenith of her career, Reena Roy made the shocking decision to quit films. She married Pakistani cricketer Mohsin Khan and moved to Pakistan.
• The Sabbatical: She became a "Perfect Bahu" in Pakistan, stepping away from the limelight for nearly a decade.
• The Return: After her marriage ended in divorce in the early 1990s, she returned to India.
• Motherhood: Reena fought a long legal battle for the custody of her daughter, Jannat. After winning custody, she renamed her daughter Sanam Khan, and since the early 2000s, Reena has largely stayed away from films to focus on Sanam’s upbringing and education.
Filmography: From 'Nagin' to 'Aasha'
Reena Roy’s filmography is a mix of bold debut roles, blockbuster multi-starrers, and female-oriented dramas.
The Breakthrough Years (1972–1976)
• Zaroorat (1972): Her debut film earned her the nickname "The Zaroorat Girl" due to its bold content.
• Jaise Ko Taisa (1973): Her rain dance in the song "Abke Sawan" opposite Jeetendra became an overnight sensation.
• Kalicharan (1976): This film established her as a top-tier star and began her legendary on-screen pairing with Shatrughan Sinha.
• Nagin (1976): Playing a shape-shifting female serpent seeking revenge, Reena became a household name. The film was a massive blockbuster and remains a cult classic.
The Superstar Era (1977–1983)
During this period, she was often the highest-paid actress in India, frequently appearing in the "Top Actresses" lists.
• Apnapan (1977): She won the Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award for playing a selfish mother, though she famously declined the award, arguing that her role was the lead.
• Aasha (1980): The song "Sheesha Ho Ya Dil Ho" immortalized her as a tragic musical icon.
• Naseeb (1981): A multi-starrer blockbuster where she shared the screen with Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini.
• Sanam Teri Kasam (1982): A hit musical comedy opposite Kamal Haasan.
The Comeback (1993–2000)
After her return to India, she transitioned into mature, supporting roles.
• Aadmi Khilona Hai (1993): Her official comeback film.
• Refugee (2000): Her last major big-screen appearance, where she played the role of Amina Mohammad.
Awards and Recognition
• Filmfare Award: Best Supporting Actress for Apnapan (1977) — Declined.
• Filmfare Nomination: Best Actress for Nagin (1976) and Aasha (1980).
• Acting School: Today, she runs an acting school in Mumbai along with her sister, Barkha Roy, passing on her legacy to the next generation.
Reena Roy's films' availability: You can watch Reena Roy's films on B4U Movies Channels of India, UK, USA, Canada, and UAE. You can check country-specific schedule pages here.
- B4U Movies India
- B4U Kadak India
- B4U Movies UK
- B4U Movies USA
- B4U Movies Canada
- B4U Plus UAE
