By Tanveer Zaidi (Actor-Author-Educationist)
Deepti Naval, one of India’s most critically acclaimed yet underappreciated artists, has carved a unique niche in the arts. Renowned for her versatility, she has excelled as an actor, director, painter, photographer, and writer, making her a true multidimensional talent.
Born on February 3, 1952, in Amritsar, Punjab, Deepti Naval grew up in a creative and academic environment. Her father, Uday C. Naval, was a professor, and her mother, Himadri Ganghar, was a painter and teacher. The family moved to New York City in 1971 when her father secured a teaching position at the City University of New York. Deepti pursued fine arts at Hunter College, majoring in painting and minoring in English and psychology. Her diverse interests extended to American theater, photography, and astronomy, enriching her artistic vision.
Deepti’s entry into Indian cinema began with Shyam Benegal’s Junoon in 1978, followed by roles in Jallian Wala Bagh and Hum Panch. Her breakthrough came in Vinod Pande’s Ek Baar Phir (1980), where she played a neglected housewife seeking love outside her marriage. The film’s bold and sensitive narrative earned her critical acclaim.
In the 1980s, Deepti emerged as a prominent figure in Parallel Cinema, alongside stalwarts like Smita Patil and Shabana Azmi. She delivered nuanced performances in films reflecting the evolving roles of women in society. Her iconic pairing with Farooq Sheikh began with Sai Paranjpye’s cult classic Chashme Buddoor, a lighthearted story of three roommates vying for the same woman. Their chemistry continued to shine in memorable films like Saath Saath, Katha, Kissi Se Na Kehna, and Rang Birangi. After a hiatus, they reunited in Hema Malini’s Tell Me O Kkhuda (2011) and their final collaboration, Listen… Amaya (2013), before Sheikh’s untimely demise.
Deepti’s career is studded with remarkable performances in films like Prakash Jha’s Hip Hip Hurray, Saeed Akhtar Mirza’s Mohan Joshi Hazir Ho!, Ketan Mehta’s Mirch Masala, and Sudhir Mishra’s Main Zinda Hoon. Her ability to bring complex characters to life with authenticity earned her widespread respect.
However, her career faced challenges post-marriage to filmmaker Prakash Jha. Work offers dwindled, and she grappled with depression. Reflecting on this period at Sahitya Aaj Tak 2022, Deepti said, “I stopped getting roles when I got married. It was as if my talent had been completely washed out.” After separating from Jha, she found renewed purpose, establishing the Vinod Pandit Charitable Trust in memory of her late partner to support girls’ education.
In the 2000s, Deepti returned with socially significant films like Bawandar, Anahat, Freaky Chakra, and Nandita Das’s Firaaq. Her performance in Memories in March and Goldfish earned accolades at international film festivals, showcasing her depth as an actor.
Beyond cinema, Deepti Naval is an accomplished painter and photographer. Her evocative works, such as self-portraits and landscapes of the Kumaon region, have been exhibited widely. She also explored filmmaking, winning the Best Screenplay Award at the 2009 New York Indian Film Festival for Do Paise Ki Dhoop, Chaar Aane Ki Baarish. As a writer, she has published several books, including her memoir A Country Called Childhood (2022).
Remembering Farooq Sheikh
Farooq Sheikh, one of Indian cinema’s most beloved actors, left an indelible mark with his subtle and impactful performances. Known for his effortless charm and relatable portrayals, Sheikh gained fame with films like Chashme Buddoor, Umrao Jaan, and Saath Saath. A stalwart of Parallel Cinema, he shared the screen with legends like Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah.
Beyond films, Sheikh was celebrated for hosting the television show Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai, where his warmth and sensitivity shone through. A National Film Award winner for Lahore (2010), Sheikh exemplified the power of simplicity and authenticity in storytelling. His passing in 2013 left a void in Indian cinema.
The Iconic Duo: Deepti Naval and Farooq Sheikh
Deepti Naval and Farooq Sheikh’s on-screen chemistry remains unparalleled. Their natural performances brought authenticity to relationships portrayed in films like Chashme Buddoor, Saath Saath, Katha, and Listen… Amaya. As newcomers, they found comfort in each other’s company, creating a lasting legacy of heartfelt and relatable cinema.
Today, as we celebrate Deepti Naval’s artistic journey and Farooq Sheikh’s timeless legacy, we honor two icons who elevated Indian cinema with their honesty, talent, and passion. Their contributions will continue to inspire generations of artists and cinephiles.