Achala Sachdev

Biography

Achala Sachdev was a versatile and much-loved Indian film actress, best known for playing dignified and affectionate motherly roles in Hindi films. Born in Peshawar, she moved to Lahore and later to Delhi, where she began her career in radio. She eventually transitioned into films in the early 1930s and quickly carved a niche for herself with her graceful screen presence and commanding performances.

Career

Achala Sachdev made her film debut in the 1930s, but her major recognition came in the 1950s and beyond. Throughout her career, she appeared in more than 130 films. She is remembered for her roles in classic movies like:

"Waqt" (1965) – where she played the iconic mother singing "Ae Meri Zohra Jabeen," a performance that became synonymous with maternal elegance in Indian cinema.

"Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge" (1995) – in which she played Kajol's grandmother, reintroducing her to a new generation of audiences.

Other notable films include Kabhi Kabhie (1976), Mera Naam Joker (1970), and Kala Pani (1958).

Throughout the 1950s to the 1980s, Achala became the go-to actress for roles requiring emotional strength, poise, and dignity.

Legacy

Achala Sachdev’s contribution to Indian cinema lies in her ability to bring authenticity to every character she portrayed. Whether as a loving mother, a grandmother, or a strong matriarch, her performances resonated across generations. Though she retired from the limelight in later years and lived a quiet life in Pune, she remained a cherished figure in Bollywood history until she died in 2012.