Priyanka
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Bollywood has seen many stars rise to fame, only to fade into obscurity. Some names remain legendary, while others are forgotten despite their contributions. One such actor, Bharat Bhushan, once stood tall among greats like Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, and Rajkumar. Known for his iconic roles as ‘Baiju Bawra’ and ‘Kabir,’ his life took a tragic turn that left many heartbroken.
Early Life and Entry into Bollywood
Bharat Bhushan was born on June 14, 1920, in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. Coming from a wealthy landlord family, his father, a well-known lawyer, wanted him to follow the same profession. To fulfill this dream, Bharat was sent to Aligarh for higher studies. However, his passion for cinema led him away from law. After completing his graduation, he moved to Kolkata, which was then the hub of the Indian film industry.
In 1941, he got his first break in the film Chitralekha. However, despite working in several films over the next decade, success remained elusive. It wasn't until 1952 that a film changed his life forever—Baiju Bawra.
Becoming a Superstar with ‘Baiju Bawra’
With the powerful voice of Mohammed Rafi and Bharat Bhushan’s heartfelt performance, Baiju Bawra became a blockbuster. The film turned him into a household name overnight. Following this, he starred in numerous successful films, including:
- Barsaat Ki Raat (with Madhubala)
- Sawan
- Bhai Chara
- Janmashtami
His success allowed him to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle, complete with a bungalow, expensive cars, and a massive bank balance.
Personal Life: Two Marriages and Tragic Loss
Bharat Bhushan was married twice. His first wife, Sarla, tragically passed away while giving birth to their second daughter. Later, he married Ratna, but happiness did not last long.
A Wrong Decision That Ruined His Career
Despite being a talented actor, Bharat Bhushan made a crucial mistake—he ventured into film production on the advice of his brother, Ramesh. Unfortunately, most of his films flopped, and his financial downfall began. After producing Dooj Ka Chand, he suffered huge losses, forcing him to sell his properties, including his bungalows and cars.
From a Superstar to a Struggling Actor
As financial troubles worsened, Bharat Bhushan found himself jobless. To survive, he had to accept junior artist roles. His downfall was so drastic that Amitabh Bachchan once saw him standing in a queue at a bus stop, waiting like a common man. Some even claim that he worked as a security guard, though his daughter denied this.
A Lonely End
During his financial struggles, Bharat Bhushan developed heart disease but lacked the funds for proper treatment. One night, at the age of 72, he suffered severe chest pain. He was rushed to the hospital, but the doctors failed to recognize him. In his final moments, not a single Bollywood celebrity came to bid him farewell.
Bharat Bhushan’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of the fleeting nature of fame in the film industry. From superstardom to poverty, his journey remains one of Bollywood’s most tragic tales.
