UPSC Prelims 2002·GS1·art-and-culture·performing arts

Who was the first Indian actress to receive the Padma Shri Award?

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Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. ASamita Patil
  2. BNargis DuttCorrect
  3. CMeena Kumari
  4. DMadhubala

Explanation

The correct answer is B, Nargis Dutt. She was a legendary figure in Indian cinema known for her iconic role in the film Mother India. In 1958, the Government of India honored her with the Padma Shri, making her the first actress from the Indian film industry to receive this prestigious civilian award. Nargis Dutt was also the first film actress to be nominated to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament. Other actresses listed, such as Smita Patil, received the award much later, while Meena Kumari and Madhubala never received it during their lifetimes.
art-and-culture: Who was the first Indian actress to receive the Padma Shri Award?

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