Long before film studios turned glamorous and female stardom became an accepted reality Shobhna Samarth had already carved her place in Indian cinema. At a time when women were not allowed to step out without permission she walked into films with a confidence that unsettled many and inspired countless others. Known for her beauty poise and unwavering spirit she shared the screen with the biggest heroes of her era and commanded the same respect. As the industry remembers her on her 109th birth anniversary her journey feels even more remarkable. Born on 17 November 1916 in Bombay (then British India) Shobhna belonged to a culturally rich yet financially modest family. Her mother Ratanbai Shilotri was already active in Marathi cinema and trained in singing while her father Prabhakar Shilotri worked in a bank. Her real name was Saroj Shilotri. Life took a difficult turn when her father passed away forcing Shobhna and her mother to move into her maternal uncle’s home in Bombay. She studied at a convent school but soon realised that education alone would not ease the family’s financial burden. Why did she enter films despite social pressure? Shobhna’s uncle was strictly against the idea of her working in films. At that time acting was considered unsuitable for women. Female roles were often played by men and many who worked in films were judged harshly. The profession offered neither financial stability nor social acceptance. Yet Shobhna chose to follow her instincts. She stepped into the cinema not for glamour but out of necessity—and eventually transformed it. Which films shaped her early recognition? Shobhna made her debut in 1935 with Nigah-e-Nafrat released in Urdu and Marathi and later in Hindi. Even though the film did not perform well her presence was instantly noticed. She continued to work in films like Do Deewane (1936) Kokila (1937) Nirala Hindustan (1938) and Pati Patni (1939). But her breakthrough arrived with the 1943 classic Ram Rajya where she played the role of Sita. The film made her a national name and remains one of her most celebrated performances. How did her personal life shape a film legacy? Shobhna married filmmaker Kumarsen Samarth and together they raised four children—Nutan Tanuja Chatura and Jaideep. Nutan and Tanuja went on to become some of the most successful actresses of their time from the 1950s to the 1980s. The legacy continued with Tanuja’s daughter Kajol who later became one of Bollywood’s most beloved stars. What caused the bitter rift with daughter Nutan? One of the most talked-about chapters of Shobhna’s life was her disagreement with Nutan over financial matters. Nutan accused her mother of misusing funds from their production company. She argued that she should pay tax only for her 30% share while the remaining tax should be Shobhna’s responsibility. Shobhna disagreed refusing to sell any property or change the financial arrangement.The dispute escalated to court and created a deep rift. For nearly 20 years mother and daughter did not speak. Their relationship gradually healed in 1983 but fate allowed them only a short reunion; Nutan passed away soon after. Shobhna Samarth’s story is not just about films; it’s about courage in an era that offered women very little. Her legacy lives on through generations who followed her path on screen and beyond. Highlights Shobhna Samarth broke barriers in an era when women were not encouraged to work in films. Her role as Sita in Ram Rajya became one of the defining performances of early Indian cinema. A long legal dispute caused a 20-year rift between Shobhna and Nutan before they reconciled.