Nargis , an iconic figure in Indian cinema , is celebrated for her exceptional talent, beauty, and grace. Her versatility shone through in roles ranging from the resolute mother in ‘Mother India’ to the spirited urban girl in ‘Andaz,’ securing her a distinguished place in Bollywood . Despite her flourishing career, her personal life was marked by turbulence, particularly due to her complex relationship with Raj Kapoor.
However, her real love story unfolded when Sunil Dutt came into her life, igniting a romance that would become legendary in the annals of Indian cinema. According to Kishwer Desai’s book, 'Darlingji - The True Love Story of Nargis and Sunil Dutt ,' Nargis was in a fragile state when she met Sunil Dutt in 1957. The emotional strain from her relationship with Raj Kapoor, coupled with familial misunderstandings, had pushed her to the brink of despair.
It was during the filming of ‘Mother India’ that Sunil Dutt heroically saved her from a fire on set, marking the beginning of their deep bond. As they both recovered from their injuries, their friendship blossomed into love. Kishwer Desai’s book, which is based on Nargis’ personal diaries, reveals the depth of her gratitude and affection for Sunil.
She believed that his entry into her life saved her from ending it prematurely. "If it were not for him, perhaps I would have ended my life before the 8th of March," Nargis wrote. Sunil’s words, "I want you to live," resonated deeply with her, giving he.
