A journalist in Kolkata came across her photograph profiled in a photo studio and got it printed in the magazine. Tell her that and she credits Filmfare for being her ticket to stardom. If her women-oriented roles earned her the title of ëDaring Divaí, her dreamy ësensuousnessí mesmerised millions, including filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt. From Ashok Kumar to Amitabh Bachchan she has romanced all. Satellite screens regularly give glimpses of her as in the romantic Anpadh, with the classic melody Aap ki nazron ne samjha, her fight as an unwed mother in Dhool Ka Phool, her unapologetic stance as the gold-digger in Pyaasa or her royal adas in Jahan Ara.

Sheís happier travelling back and forth to the mountains of Nepal and to her husband Chidambar Prasad Lohaniís ëresort like homeí there. Mala Sinha, at 80 plus, has no desperation to cling on to past memories or trophies. But today, the sprawling residence is home to countless strays and pets, which daughter/actor Pratibha devotedly tends to. The foyer with vintage furniture may have played host to several celebrations. Inside too, there are no ostentatious signs of stardom.

Mala Sinhaís bungalow sits right there on the bustling Turner Road in Bandra yet it remains impervious to the world outside.

Mala sinha aap ki nazron ne samjha