Geeta Nizami
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1926
- Actress
- dancer
Geeta Nizami | |
|---|---|
 Nizami in 1946 | |
| Born | Rashida Begum 1926 |
| Died | 2008 (aged 81–82) |
| Other names | Geeta Vedi |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1944–51 |
| Spouse(s) |
Barkat Nizami
(m. 1944; div. 1946)B. D. Vedi
(m. 1946; sep. 1948) |
| Relatives | Mumtaz Shanti (niece; through first marriage) |
Rashida Begum,[1] better known by stage name Geeta Nizami, was an Indian actress who worked in Hindi-language films. She was particularly known for her dancing skills.[2][3] Her notable films include Panna (1944), Gajre (1948), Beqasoor (1950) and Hulchul (1951).
Geeta Nizami began her acting career with a leading role in the war thriller Panna (1944). The film proved to be a runaway success and opened her to public recognition.[4] She subsequently appeared in a supporting role in the Muslim social drama Gaon Ki Gori (1945), which was one of the highest grossing films of the year.[5]
This initial success was followed by lead roles in the romance Sassi Punnu and the thriller Room No. 9 (both 1946); the latter being directed by her then-husband B. D. Vedi.[6][7] She played the titular character in Paroo (1947), a drama criticising prevalent casteism in Indian society, to mixed reviews.[8][9]
Geeta later shifted to supporting roles in high-profile productions, which included Gajre (1948),[10][11] Beqasoor (1950) and Hulchul (1951).[12][13] Her only film in lead role during this period was Karwat (1949), produced by B. R. Chopra and directed by Vedi. The film was a box office flop.[14][15][16]
Geeta migrated to Pakistan in 1952, where she continued working on stage.[17][18]
Personal life
Geeta Nizami was first married to film director Barkat Nizami (the uncle of actress Mumtaz Shanti), whom she divorced quickly.[19][20] In 1946, Geeta married film director B. D. Vedi in Kolhapur after converting from Islam[17] to Hinduism.[21] The couple was separated by 1948. She briefly used the name "Geeta Vedi" during this period.[22]
She reportedly shifted to the newly-created Pakistan in April 1952.[18][17] She died in 2008.[1]