Starting in the 60s and all through the 70s Farida Jalal appeared in co-staring roles with all the top actors of the day; Dharmendra, Saira Banu, Dilip Kumar, Waheeda Rehman, Rajesh Khanna, Feroz Khan, Hema Malini, Amitabh Bachchan. She usually played the sister or wanna be girlfriend. In "Bobby" Opposite Rishi Kapoor she had the memorable role of the 'mentally unstable' fianc? who carries a doll. She was a competent actor that could always be called on to add naturalistic depth to a secondary role. I have never seen her really 'dance' in a Bollywood film and that was not her forte, Farida's strongpoint was and still is as a character actor.

 

She was never the 'glamour queen' which in the long run has helped in her longevity in Bollywood. In the 80s Farida graduated from sister and fiance roles to 'auntie', nanny, and mother parts. She is a sort of institution and mainstay of Bollywood and her ability and professionalism has carried her in a career spanning nearly 40 years that shows no sign of letting up.

 

Links:

Bollywood database, incomplete filmography

Bollywood a2z, incomplete filmography

In Fact, what actress has appeared in nearly every major Bollywood 'Hit' since "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge" in 1995? Farida Jalal would be the correct answer. She is more visible in present day Bollywood films than Johnny Lever and much less annoying. Here is a short list of recent 'classics' Farida Jalal has acted in: "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge"1995 (Kajol's mother), Ê "RAJA HINDUSTANI" 1996, "LOAFER (MAWAALI MLA)", "DIL TO PAGAL HAI" 1997(Madhuri's adopted mom), "KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI" 1998(Shahrukh's mom), "GAJA GAMINI", "ZUBEIDAA" 2000, "KAHO NAA PYAAR HAI" 2000, KABHI KUSHI KABHI GHAM 2001 .