Who Is Naseem Banu? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on July 4, 1916, Naseem Banu made a significant mark in the film industry, starring in numerous films from the late 1930s through the early 1960s. She was a leading actress during her time, known for her natural acting skills and captivating screen presence. Banu passed away on May 18, 2002, but her legacy lives on. As of 2025, she would have been 108 years old.
| Occupation | Actress |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 4, 1916 |
| Age | 85 Years |
| Birth Place | Delhi, British India (present-day India) |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | India |
| Date of death | 18 June, 2002 |
| Died Place | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
Popularity
Naseem Banu's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details about her height and weight during her acting career are not widely documented, Naseem Banu had a graceful presence that resonated well with audiences. She was known for her elegant style, which complemented her roles in various cinematic genres.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Naseem Banu was married to the famous actor, film director, and producer, Mehmood Ali, with whom she shared a deep bond both on and off screen. The couple had a family together, which included their daughter, who followed in their footsteps. Banu also had close relationships with several contemporaries and marked her influence in the industry through collaborations and friendships.
Naseem Banu (4 July 1916 – 18 June 2002) was an Indian actress. Starting her acting career in the mid-1930s she continued to act till mid-1950s. Her first film was Khoon Ka Khoon (Hamlet) (1935) with Sohrab Modi under whose Minerva Movietone banner she acted for several years.
Her high-point came with Modi's Pukar (1939) in which she played the role of Empress Nur Jahan. According to composer Naushad she got the sobriquet Pari-Chehra (fairy face) Naseem through the publicity advertisements of her films. She was the mother of actress Saira Banu and mother-in-law to the actor Dilip Kumar.
Net Worth and Salary
During her peak years, Naseem Banu earned a respectable income from her films, contributing to her net worth, which, adjusted for inflation, would reflect a substantial amount in today’s currency. While specific figures regarding her net worth at the time of her retirement aren't available, her investment in cinema and her family's legacy would indicate a familiarity with financial success in the industry.
Career, Business and Investments
Naseem Banu's career spanned several important decades in Indian cinema, where she starred in memorable films, leaving an indelible mark on the audience. After her acting career, she was involved in various activities, including philanthropic efforts and potential business ventures aimed at preserving the heritage of cinema.
Social Network
Though Naseem Banu did not benefit from today's social media platforms, her impact on the industry and audiences has been chronicled through biographies, documentaries, and fan pages that celebrate her life. In 2025, her legacy could be further explored through dedicated social media accounts and content that raises awareness about her contributions to Indian film history.
Naseem returned to Bombay and signed a contract with Sohrab Modi. She had started her career with Khoon Ka Khoon (Hamlet) (1935) and went on to make several films with Modi under the Minerva Movietone banner.
After acting in films like "Khan Bahadur" (1937), Talaq (Divorce) (1938), Meetha Zahar and Vasanti (1938) she started work in what became known as her most famous film Pukar in the role of Noor Jahan. To prepare for the film she went riding every day and learnt singing.
The film took over a year to complete and brought Naseem into prominence in a spectacular manner. One of her songs, "Zindagi Ka Saaz Bhi Kya Saaz Hai" became popular with the audiences.
The publicity of the film dealt on her beauty calling her Beauty Queen and Pari Chehra a name that was to endure over the years before passing on to her daughter Saira Banu. After the classic Pukar, the demand for Naseem as an actress increased and she was approached by several film studios to act with them.
But Sohrab Modi refused to release her from her contract. This caused some uneasiness between the two. Sheesh Mahal (1950), produced by Minerva show-cased her acting talents devoid of make-up and jewellery and clad only in simple sarees.
From Minerva Movietone, Naseem moved to Circo and then Filmistan studios where she performed in Chal Chal Re Naujawan with Ashok Kumar.
Education
Naseem Banu's educational background remains somewhat private. Like many artists of her time, she may not have had formal training in acting but displayed a natural talent that shone through her performances. Her education would have been influenced by familial connections in the arts, allowing her to flourish in her career.
Conclusion
Although Naseem Banu is no longer with us, her legacy in the film industry and the impact she made on Indian cinema continues to be celebrated. From her on-screen charisma to her personal life, Banu remains an emblem of talent and dedication. As we look forward into 2025, her story is a reminder of the rich history of Bollywood and the importance of preserving the narratives of its legendary figures.
