Ratna Bhushan

Ratna Bhushan (born Ratna) was an Indian actress who appeared mainly in both Hindi cinema and Marathi cinema for over three decades. While she is celebrated for her roles in iconic Hindi musicals like Barsaat Ki Raat, she was also a leading lady in the Marathi film industry during its formative years in the 1960s.

Career Early work and breakthrough (1950s–1960)

Ratna began her career in the mid-1950s, appearing in supporting roles during the height of the 'Golden Age of Hindi Cinema'. Her breakout role came in the 1960 musical blockbuster Barsaat Ki Raat, directed by P. L. Santoshi. Portraying the character "Shabab," she played the vibrant sister of Shama (played by the popular actress Shyama) and a close companion to the character Shabnam, (played by the legendary actress Madhubala). The film's massive success, particularly its qawwali sequences, brought Ratna significant national visibility.

Stardom in Marathi Cinema Throughout the 1960s, while continuing her work in Mumbai, Ratna established herself as a notable lead actress in Marathi cinema. She was frequently cast in social dramas and family entertainers that are now considered classics. Notable among these were Putra Vhava Aisa (1961), which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Marathi, and the comedy Javai Maza Bhala (1962). Her ability to move between the linguistic nuances of Hindi and Marathi made her a versatile asset to filmmakers in Western India.

Later years and character roles As she transitioned into the later stages of her career in the 1970s and 1980s, Ratna moved into character roles, often playing maternal figures or elegant matriarchs. She appeared in popular commercial films such as Pyar Jhukta Nahin (1985) alongside Mithun Chakraborty and Padmini Kolhapure. In the same year, she played a major role as Mrs. Bennet (named Sushila) in the cult Doordarshan series Trishna (an adaptation of Pride and Prejudice). Her final credited roles appeared in the late 1980s, marking a career that spanned nearly 35 years in the industry.

Personal life In 1967, Ratna married the actor and producer Bharat Bhushan. The two had shared the screen in several films, most notably Barsaat Ki Raat. Ratna's marriage to Bharat Bhushan took place during a period when the actor was facing severe financial decline due to the failure of his production ventures and a shift in audience tastes. Ratna was widely noted in film circles for her steadfast loyalty, staying by his side as they moved from a luxurious bungalow to a small tenement in Malad. She remained married to him until his death in 1992. She was notably devoted to her family during their later years. She remained a steadfast support for Bharat Bhushan as he faced severe financial decline, moving with him from their once-luxurious bungalows to a small tenement in Malad. Ratna's step-granddaughter is the film actress Anuradha Patel. She is remembered in film history not only for her contributions to the Marathi and Hindi screen but also for her devotion to Bharat Bhushan during his most difficult financial years, a story often cited as one of the most poignant examples of loyalty in the Indian film industry.

Selected filmography Year Film Language Role 1959 Kal Hamara Hai Hindi Supporting role 1960 Barsaat Ki Raat Hindi Shabab 1961 Putra Vhava Aisa Marathi Lead role 1962 Javai Maza Bhala Marathi Lead role 1964 Dooj Ka Chand Hindi 1965 Bharat Milap Hindi 1978 Gangaa Saagar Hindi 1984 Shravan Kumar Hindi 1985 Pyar Jhukta Nahin Hindi 1986 Naasamajh Hindi