In the golden era of Hindi cinema, few actresses dared to break the mold like Nadira. Known forever as the ‘Mud Mud Ke Na Dekh Girl’ from her iconic song in Shri 420, Nadira captivated audiences with her fearless performances and unapologetic boldness. Her journey from a tomboy in Israel to a silver screen sensation in Mumbai is a tale of grit, glamour, and groundbreaking roles.
Born Florence Ezekiel on December 5, 1932, in Palestine (now Israel) to a Jewish family, Nadira’s real name was Farhat Ezekiel. A spirited child, she preferred roughhousing with boys—playing football and gilli-danda—over traditional girly pursuits. When her family faced hardships and relocated to Mumbai, young Farhat hustled for survival, unaware she was on the cusp of stardom.
Fate intervened in 1952 when legendary director Mehboob Khan was casting for Aan, a lavish tale of royalty. The role of the spoilt princess was eyed for Nargis, but her commitments to Raj Kapoor’s Awaara left it vacant. Mehboob, nursing his disappointment, spotted Farhat’s striking beauty and fiery spirit. He rechristened her Nadira and paired her opposite Dilip Kumar for her debut. Nadira’s portrayal of the confident, headstrong princess stunned viewers, shattering the image of demure heroines. Aan became a blockbuster, launching her into the limelight.
Success snowballed. In 1953, Nagin brought her musical fame. Films like Waris, Dak Babu (1954), Raftaar, and Jalan (1955) followed. But 1956’s Shri 420 sealed her legend. As the seductive Maya, her song ‘Mud Mud Ke Na Dekh’ became an anthem, earning her the nickname that defined her career. Nadira shone in Pakeezah too, embracing complex characters that others shied away from.
Unlike conventional leading ladies, Nadira thrived in negative shades— the temptress ensnaring heroes with her allure. Movies such as Chhoti Chhoti Baatein, Kala Bazaar, Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai, Julie, and Sagar showcased her versatility. She shared screen space with titans like Ashok Kumar, Shammi Kapoor, and Dev Anand.
Even in the 1980s and 90s, Nadira remained relevant, appearing in Swayanvar, ChaalBaaz, Aas Paas, Dahshat, Raaste Pyar Ke, Maula Baksh, Laila, Jhoothi Shaan, Mahbooba, Godfather, and Josh. Television gigs in Ek Tha Rusty and Margarita kept her in the public eye.
Nadira’s personal life was turbulent. Her first marriage to poet Naksh Lailapuri ended in divorce, and her second to Motilal Rajvansh lasted just a week. On February 9, 2006, the trailblazer bid farewell at 73. Yet, her saucy glances, bold persona, and contributions endure, reminding us of Hindi cinema’s fearless pioneer.