Motilal Rajvansh: The Icon Whose Performance Won Praise from Mahatma Gandhi

Born on 4 December 1910 in the peaceful valleys of Shimla, Motilal Rajvansh grew up dreaming of wearing the Navy uniform. But destiny had charted a different path for him. When he reached Mumbai to appear for the Navy entrance exam, he suddenly fell ill and couldn’t take the test. Little did he know that this failure would redirect his life and carve a unique, golden chapter in the history of Indian cinema.

One day, while watching a shoot at Sagar Studio, Motilal caught the attention of producer K.P. Ghosh—a tall frame, royal personality, and an unmistakable spark. That was it! He was instantly offered the lead role in the film "Shaher Ka Jadoo", marking his debut as a hero. At the age of 24, Indian cinema found an actor who would later be hailed as the first true master of natural acting.

A String of Hit Films

Motilal instantly won audiences over with his impeccable comic timing and effortless performance. Some of his major films include Doctor Madhulika, Kulvadhu, Jagirdar, Hum Tum Aur Woh, Armaan, King, Do Ghadi Ki Mauj, Lagna Bandhan, Jeevan Lata, Do Deewane, Dilawar, Kokila, and Mehboob Khan’s Taqdeer.

In 1940, the back-to-back releases of Diwali and Holi strengthened the foundation of a career that went on to span over fifty films.

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A Name Linked with Shobhna Samarth

According to media reports, Motilal Rajvansh shared a close bond with the celebrated actress Shobhna Samarth. She was married to Kumarsen Samarth, but as their relationship went through a rough patch, her closeness with Motilal grew. Shobhna Samarth was the mother of actresses Tanuja and Nutan, and grandmother of Kajol and Tanishaa.

The Role That Immortalised Him

The 1952 film "Mr. Sampat" became the turning point of Motilal’s career. The character left such a strong impact that both audiences and the film industry were mesmerised.
Amitabh Bachchan once said: “Had Motilal been alive today, he would have overshadowed the entire industry. His versatility surpassed all of us.”
Even when Naseeruddin Shah was asked to name his “all-time top actors,” he mentioned just three names—Balraj Sahni, Yakub, and Motilal.

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Devdas: The Immortal Chunnibabu

In Bimal Roy’s Devdas (1955), Motilal played the unforgettable role of Chunni Babu, a performance that remains iconic even today. He won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for this role. Years later, in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Devdas, Jackie Shroff shaped his own character inspired by Motilal’s Chunni Babu.

The Dream to Direct—and the Heartbreak

Motilal always dreamt of making his own films. In 1945, he directed Pehli Nazar, but it failed to create an impact. In 1965, he made Chhoti Chhoti Baatein with Nadira, investing his heart, money, and time into it. The film flopped… leaving a deep emotional scar on him.

A Royal Life, but a Lonely End

Motilal lived like a king—horse races, card games, stylish living—he embraced life passionately. Yet, when he passed away, he didn’t have a single rupee left. His true legacy was his films, his smile, and his vibrant style of living.
His famous song still echoes in people’s hearts— “Zindagi khwab hai, khwab mein jhooth kya, bhala sach hai kya… Zindagi khwab hai.”

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Praised by Mahatma Gandhi

In the 1940 film Achhut, Motilal portrayed an ‘untouchable’ man with such brilliance that Mahatma Gandhi (Mahatma Gandhi) and Vallabhbhai Patel (Vallabhbhai Patel) praised his performance.

Motilal belonged to a wealthy, aristocratic family, and his lifestyle reflected that elegance. His natural acting style made him truly unique.

Motilal ji is no longer with us, but his contribution, his magic, and his artistry will forever live in the hearts of cinema lovers. The Bollyy  family bows in deep respect and pays heartfelt tribute to Motilal Rajvansh on his birth anniversary.

FAQ

Q1. When and where was Motilal Rajvansh born?

Motilal Rajvansh was born on 4 December 1910 in Shimla, India.

Q2. Did Motilal Rajvansh initially want to join the Navy?

Yes, he dreamed of wearing the Navy uniform and had prepared to appear for the Navy entrance exam.

Q3. Why didn’t Motilal Rajvansh join the Navy?

He fell ill just before the entrance exam in Mumbai, which prevented him from taking the test and led him to a different career path.

Q4. How did Motilal Rajvansh enter Indian cinema?

After missing the Navy exam, Motilal Rajvansh redirected his life toward acting, eventually becoming one of Indian cinema’s most iconic actors.

Q5. What impact did Motilal Rajvansh have on Indian cinema?

He introduced a natural and effortless acting style that was widely praised, leaving a lasting legacy and earning admiration from audiences, critics, and even Mahatma Gandhi.

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