Happy Birthday, Mala Sinha: When This One Statement Took A Toll On Her Booming Career

In her illustrious career that lasted 44 years, Mala Sinha played every character — from being the actor’s sister to their ageing mother. As an actress, she has worked with many big names in the industry including Raj Kapoor, Guru Dutt, Kishore Kumar, Manoj Kuma, Dev Anand, Raj Kumar, Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan and many other actors. With her smile and beauty, she cast a spell among the audience with her songs, including Aap Ki Nazron Ne Samjha and Dheere Dheere Chal Chand are considered to be classics. The actress was one of the highest-paid actresses in the 60s and 80s. Despite her popularity, her career ended abruptly after just one incident in 1978. She is turning 87 today, November 11. Let’s take a look at Mala Sinha’s sudden fall in her career.

According to the reports, in the year 1978, there was an income tax raid at Mala Sinha’s house in Mumbai. During the raid, bundles of cash amounting to Rs 12 lakh were recovered from her bathroom. In those years, the amount was considered to be huge. She was even produced before the court for the case. Mala Sinha was reportedly afraid of her money being confiscated and took a drastic step on the recommendation of her lawyer and father, Albert Sinha.

The court asked the actress to prove that the money was earned through fair means and that she was not into any illegal transactions and not evading income tax. Mala Sinha reportedly claimed that she had earned the money by working as an escort. Her statement sent shockwaves to her fans and the entire film industry.

An actress of her stature openly admitting to prostitution was scandalous at the time. Mala Sinha was allowed to keep the money by the court but after her scandalous statement, she lost many projects. Her one bold statement cost her entire career in cinemas.

Mala Sinha’s daughter Pratibha Sinha also made it to the big screen and she is best known for films like Deewana Mastana, Military Raaj and Pokiri Raja.