She died in 2009 due to lung failure.
In the era of the 50s and 60s Bollywood, Leela Naidu was considered a top name in the film industry.
We come upon several names from the entertainment industry, who were adored by the public for their work and charms. For reasons unknown, their careers and lives ended up becoming a tragedy. One of those names is Leela Naidu, who was known as the epitome of beauty in her peak career.
In the era of 50s and 60s Bollywood, Leela Naidu was considered a top name in the film industry. At the tender of 14, she won the title of Miss India, in 1954. The achievement brought her a lot of recognition in the entertainment industry. During that period, she was included in the list of “10 most beautiful women in the world” by Vogue Magazine, for ten consecutive years.
She was born in Mumbai, in 1970 and acquired her education from Geneva, Switzerland. Leela debuted in the film industry in 1960, with the film Anuradha. The film is directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee and includes Balraj Sahni and Leela Naidu as the lead. They were supported by Asit Sen, Mukri, Abhi Bhattacharya, Nazir Hussain and others. It is produced by Hrishikesh Mukherjee and L B Thakur. The music is composed by Pandit Ravi Shankar on the lyrics of Shailendra.
Even though the film was a commercial failure, Leela Naidu was praised for her skills and performance. It went on to win the National Award for Best Feature Film. In the following years, she starred in films like Yeh Raaste Hain Pyar Ke, Umeed, Aabroo and The Guru. Satyajit Ray wanted to cast her in a film, The Journey, which was never made. She was supposed to be paired with Marlon Brando in the project.
In 1956, when she was 17, she tied the knot with Tilak Raj Oberoi, son of Mohan Singh Oberoi. They had twin daughters, Maya and Priya. They ended up divorcing. Then in 1969, she married the Mumbai-based poet Dom Moraes. After being together for 25 years, they decided to separate.
The former actress passed away on July 28, 2009, due to prolonged influenza and lung failure. She was survived by her daughter Maya and grandchildren.
