Actress and dancer Bela Bose passes away at the age of 79

Yesteryear actress and classical dancer Bela Bose passed away on February 20. She was 79 years old. Bela who was trained in classical Manipuri dance form, worked in the industry from 1950 to 1980. The actress is best known for her movies like 'Jeene Ki Raah', 'Shikhar', 'Jai Santoshi Maa' to name a few. She acted in more than 200 Hindi and regional Indian films. Bela was one of the most well-known dancers of that era, along with Helen and Aruna Irani.

Her big break came when she was asked to do a dance number with Raj Kapoor in 'Main Nashe Mein Hoon', released in 1959. Her first leading role was in 'Sautela Bhai' in 1962 opposite Guru Dutt at age 21.

Bose was multi-talented. Apart from being a good actor and a great classical dancer, Bela also write poetry, was a skilled painter and a national level swimmer. The actress was married to actor and filmmaker Asis Kumar. She had served as the President of War Widows Association under the aegis of Smt. Mohini Giri.

She was a loving and inspiring mother and grandmother and not just her family but even her fans would feel her void. She is survived by her son, daughter and grandson.