The Bollywood of the 70s and 80s was home to several unforgettable actresses whose charm could leave audiences mesmerised with just a glance.
Among them was Salma Agha, niece of legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor, whose screen presence quickly made her a household name. Her debut in Nikah, directed by BR Chopra, created waves not just for its storytelling but also for the controversies it sparked.
Nikah: A film that made history
Salma Agha’s breakthrough came with Nikah, a film addressing the sensitive issue of triple talaq. The movie faced 34 legal cases over alleged hurt religious sentiments, yet it became a massive commercial success, reportedly earning 125 times its production cost. Salma’s role alongside Raj Babbar and Deepak Parashar catapulted her to overnight stardom.
A debut that almost wasn’t
Interestingly, Salma was originally slated to debut in Raj Kapoor’s Hina opposite Rishi Kapoor. However, familial objections arose because she was Rishi Kapoor’s cousin, and the idea of on-screen romance with a relative was unacceptable. As a result, Jeba Bakhtiar was cast instead. Despite this, Salma’s career began with a bang when she starred in Nikah, showing the world her talent and elegance.
Captivating beauty and personal life
Salma Agha’s beauty was legendary, and she was often linked with several prominent personalities. Her personal life, however, was filled with highs and lows. She experienced love multiple times, though not all relationships lasted. Her first known romance was with a businessman from New York, which ended shortly. Later, she was involved with Pakistani actor Mehmood, though that too was brief.
Marriages and motherhood
Salma married thrice but struggled to find lasting happiness. Her first marriage in 1981 was to Pakistani actor Javed Sheikh; the couple separated after six years. Her second marriage was with squash champion Rahmat Khan in 1989, which brought her two children, daughter Zara Khan and son Ali Khan. However, they too parted ways in 2010. Despite these personal challenges, Salma maintained grace and dignity, balancing her professional success with her private struggles.
While she may no longer be a regular on the silver screen, Salma Agha remains a symbol of beauty, talent, and resilience. Her journey, marked by box-office triumphs and personal battles, continues to captivate both fans and cinephiles alike.
Highlights:
- Salma Agha rose to fame with Nikah, a film that earned 125 times its cost despite 34 legal cases.
- Originally set to debut in Hina opposite Rishi Kapoor, family objections prevented it.
- She married thrice, has two children, and remains one of Bollywood’s unforgettable beauties.