Born Afsar Unissa Begum, Chitra got the idea to enter films while she was on vacation in Bombay (she was living in Hyderabad at the time). She made her debut in Filmkar Ltd.’s costume picture Maan (1954) where she played the heroine opposite Ajit. Film offers poured in and she starred in numerous fantasies, thrillers, and action films throughout the 50s and 60s. After starring opposite Azad in the thinly veiled Tarzan films Zimbo (1958) and Zimbo Comes to Town 1960) the two were teamed up in several more jungle epics including Tarzan and Captain Kishore (1964), Tarzan and Delilah (1964), Tarzan Aur Jalpari (1964), and Tarzan Aur Circus (1965) as well as several other action films. Among her many fantasy pictures are Sakhi Hatim (1955), Son of Ali Baba (1955), Lal-e-Yaman (1956), Sair-e-Paristan (1958), Maya Jaal (1962), Patel Nagri (1962), Khufia Mahal (1964), Magic Carpet (1964), Main Hoon Jadugar (1965), Noor Mahal (1965) in which she played a triple role, and Jadoo (1966)
Never married, the actress was interviewed in a 1990 issue of The Illustrated Weekly of India magazine and remarked about the then current state of Indian films: “I must tell you I have never indulged in bad habits like going to the races. Horses frighten me. I’m also frightened by the way today’s heroines look on the screen. Why are all of them throwing off all their clothes?”17 May 1937 Hyderabad Died – 11 January, 2006
The popular song of the movie ‘Zimbo’ based on Chitra, which was sung by Asha Bhosle, could be seen on YouTube. The veteran actress who contributed a lot to the film industry is no longer between us. She died on 11th January 2006 after his prolonged illness. After her death, her memories have been preserved by her alive husband.
