Neetu Singh, fondly known as Baby Neetu, has blossomed into one of India's most vibrant actresses. Her evolution from the charming child star in 'Do Kaliyan' to the captivating lead in 'Khel Khel Mein' was remarkably smooth. Few child actors have transitioned to adult roles with such grace.
In one moment, Baby Neetu was portraying a desi version of Disney's 'The Parent Trap', and in the next, she was all grown up, donning leather skirts and boots as Randhir Kapoor's co-star in 'Rickshawalla'. This reflects Neetu's adaptable nature, as her ambitious mother took her from one magazine office to another, eager for her daughter to land adult roles as soon as possible.
Neetu's credentials were impressive; she was the only child star in Hindi cinema to have played a double role in a film centered entirely around her, which was 'Do Kaliyan'. As she transitioned into adulthood, Neetu Singh embodied the playful spirit and warmth of a young woman.
In Mumbai, producers often cast her as the innocent yet clever character, often forced to act petulantly due to the trends of the time. Just as her career began to take off, a significant event occurred—she fell deeply in love with Rishi Kapoor while filming 'Zehreela Insaan'. From that point on, Neetu's career trajectory changed dramatically as she became enveloped in love, following Rishi Kapoor in numerous films.
Neetu's happiest moment came on her wedding day. After a long courtship, when Rishi Kapoor finally married her, she chose to step back from her acting career to embrace her new role as Mrs. Rishi Kapoor. She became a stabilizing presence in her husband's life and a beloved member of the Kapoor family.
Her co-stars remember her fondly as a non-competitive, enthusiastic spirit who brightened the sets with her presence. Critics often feel that Neetu never fully realized her acting potential, as many of her roles were either too brief or lacked depth.
Many fans argue that her best performance was in 'Do Kaliyan', but she also delivered memorable roles in films like Basu Chatterjee's 'Priyatama', where she portrayed a newlywed struggling to adapt to her husband's middle-class lifestyle. However, it was Asha Sachdev who garnered most of the praise in that film.
Neetu often played supporting roles to other leading ladies, such as Moushumi Chatterjee in 'Zehreela Insaan' and Raakhee in 'Doosra Aadmi', yet she approached every role with joy. Her vibrant energy was infectious, whether she was stealing scenes alongside Moushumi Chatterjee in 'Jyoti Bane Jwala' or charming Amitabh Bachchan in 'Parvarish'.
Despite not always being given substantial roles, Neetu's impressive list of co-stars includes legends like Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, and Jeetendra. Her last leading role was in the film 'Chorni', which unfortunately did not showcase her comedic talents effectively.
Neetu Singh has a dedicated fan base that appreciates her unique charm and spontaneity, including the renowned actor-director Kamal Haasan. Her second act began with 'Do Dooni Chaar', where she played Rishi Kapoor's wife, followed by the less successful 'Besharam' as a police officer. Her most recent appearance was in 'Jug Jug Jeeyo', leaving her fans with fond memories.
