Legendary Bollywood actress Zohra Sehgal, born into a conservative Muslim family, defied societal norms by marrying a Hindu man eight years her junior in 1942, a decision that led to significant challenges including fleeing Lahore amidst rising tensions.
A Love Story That Defied Conventions
Long before she became a household name in films like “Cheeni Kum” and “Veer Zaara,” Zohra Sehgal was a celebrated dancer. It was at Uday Shankar’s dance school in Almora where she first met Kameshwar Sehgal in 1940. He was a talented painter from Indore, eight years younger than her.
Zohra instantly fell for Kameshwar’s artistic talent and charm. She recalled being “bowled over” by a Burmese hut he had painted. Despite the age gap and differing backgrounds, their feelings were mutual, leading to a two-year courtship.
The Bold Decision to Marry
In 1942, amidst the Quit India Movement, Zohra and Kameshwar had a civil marriage in Allahabad. This was a remarkably brave step for Zohra, especially given her upbringing in a conservative Muslim family.
Her grand niece, Ayesha Raza Mishra, later revealed the family’s shock at Zohra’s choices. Not only was Kameshwar from a different faith and younger, but he was also a dancer – professions that were not always seen as conventional for a woman from her background at that time.
Fleeing Rising Tensions in Lahore
After their wedding, Zohra and Kameshwar established “Zoresh,” a performing arts institute in Lahore. What started as a symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity soon faced immense pressure as pre-Partition tensions escalated.
The couple, now with a baby, were forced to leave Lahore almost overnight due to the volatile situation. They relocated to Bombay (now Mumbai), where Zohra’s journey into acting truly began with Prithvi Theatres.
A Tribute to Kameshwar’s Spirit
Zohra Sehgal often spoke fondly of her late husband, Kameshwar. In a 2012 interview, she described him as a “versatile talent” – a painter, homeopath, dancer, and cook.
Kameshwar passed away in 1959. Zohra continued her illustrious career, living to the remarkable age of 102, passing away in 2014. Her life story remains a testament to resilience, passion, and defying societal expectations.
- Zohra Sehgal married Kameshwar Sehgal, a Hindu man eight years her junior, in 1942.
- Her decision to marry outside her conservative Muslim family and faith was considered groundbreaking for the time.
- The couple founded a performing arts institute in Lahore but had to flee to Bombay due to pre-Partition tensions.
- Zohra’s later career flourished in acting after joining Prithvi Theatres in Bombay.
Zohra Sehgal’s life journey highlights not only her artistic brilliance but also her courage in forging her own path in challenging times.
