Kiran Bala Govil ( Sachdev; 9 July 1944 – 18 November 2022), known professionally as Tabassum, was an Indian actress, talk show host and

YouTuber A YouTuber is an online personality and/or influencer who produces videos on the video-sharing platform YouTube, typically posting to their personal YouTube channel. The term was first used in the English language in 2006. Influence Influent ...

, who started her career as child actor Baby Tabassum in 1947. She later had a television career as the host of first TV talk show of

Indian television The television industry in India is very diverse and produces thousands of programs in many of the Indian languages. More than half of all Indian households own a television. As of 2016, the country had over 857 channels of which 184 were pay ...

, '' Phool Khile Hain Gulshan Gulshan''. It ran on National broadcaster

Doordarshan Doordarshan (abbreviated as DD; Hindi: , ) is an Indian public service broadcaster founded by the Government of India, owned by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and one of Prasar Bharati's two divisions. One of India's largest bro ...

from 1972 to 1993, wherein she interviewed film and TV personalities.

Early life and background

Tabassum was born in

Mumbai Mumbai (, ; also known as Bombay — the official name until 1995) is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra and the ''de facto'' financial centre of India. According to the United Nations, as of 2018, Mumbai is the second- ...

, then known as Bombay, in 1944 to Ayodhyanath Sachdev, an

Indian freedom fighter The Indian independence movement consisted of efforts by individuals and organizations from a wide spectrum of society to obtain political independence from the British, French and Portuguese rule through the use of a many methods. This is a l ...

, and Asghari Begum, a freedom fighter, journalist and author. She explained how she was named in an interview in 2014:

My father named me 'Tabassum', keeping my mother's religious sentiments in mind. My mother kept my name 'Kiran Bala', keeping my father's religious sentiments in mind. My name on all official documents was 'Kiran Bala Sachdev'. After marriage, it became 'Kiran Bala Govil'. 'Tabassum' is my screen name; it means ''muskhurahat'' (
smile A smile is a facial expression formed primarily by flexing the muscles at the sides of the mouth. Some smiles include a contraction of the muscles at the corner of the eyes, an action known as a Duchenne smile. Among humans, a smile expresses ...
).

Career

Tabassum made her film debut as a child actor with ''Nargis'' (1947) followed by ''Mera Suhaag'' (1947), ''Manjhdhar'' (1947) and ''

Bari Behen ''Bari Behen'' is a 1949 Hindi drama film directed, written and produced by D. D. Kashyap, starring Suraiya, Rehman, Ullhas and Pran.Deedar'' (1951), directed by

Nitin Bose Nitin Bose (26 April 1897 – 14 April 1986) was an Indian film director, cinematographer and screenwriter of the nation's film industry. He was born in Calcutta and died in the same city. In the 1930s and early 1940s, he worked with New Theatre ...

, she played the childhood role of

Nargis Nargis Dutt (born Fatima Rashid; 1 June 1929 – 3 May 1981) was an Indian actress and politician who worked in Hindi cinema. Regarded as one of the greatest actresses in the history of Indian cinema, she made her screen debut in a minor role ...

; the hit song ''Bachpan Ke Din Bhula Na Dena'' sung by

Lata Mangeshkar Lata Mangeshkar () (born as Hema Mangeshkar; 28 September 1929 – 06 February 2022) was an Indian playback singer and occasional music composer. She is widely considered to have been the greatest and most influential singers in India. Her cont ...

and

Shamshad Begum Shamshad Begum (Hindi: शमशाद बेगम, IAST: ''Śamśād Bēgam''; 14 April 1919 – 23 April 2013) was an Indian singer who was one of the first playback singers in the Hindi film industry. Notable for her distinctive voice and ...

was picturised on her. Also, in the next year, she appeared in another important film ''

Baiju Bawra Baiju Bawra (Lit. "Baiju the Insane", born as Baijnath Mishra) was a dhrupad musician from medieval India. Nearly all the information on Baiju Bawra comes from legends, and lacks historical authenticity. According to the most popular legends, he ...

'' (1952) directed by

Vijay Bhatt Vijay Bhatt (born Vrajlal Jagneshwar Bhatt; 12 May 1907 – 17 October 1993) was a producer-director-screenwriter of Hindi cinema, who made such films as '' Ram Rajya'' (1943), ''Baiju Bawra'' (1952), ''Goonj Uthi Shehnai'' (1959) and '' Himal ...

, where she appeared in the childhood role of

Meena Kumari Meena Kumari (born Mahjabeen Bano; 1 August 1933 – 31 March 1972) was an Indian actress and poet, who worked in Hindi films. Popularly known as ''The Tragedy Queen'', she was active between 1939 and 1972. Kumari is widely considered one of ...

. She also worked in the popular film Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon starring Joy Mukherjee and Asha Parekh. She also starred in the beautiful song 'Aji qibla mohtarma'. After a gap, she reentered films in adult roles, working as a character actress. Tabassum young

Tabassum hosted the first talk show of Indian television, ''Phool Khile Hain Gulshan Gulshan'', which ran for 21 years from 1972 to 1993. Produced by Doordarshan Kendra Mumbai, it was based on interviews of film celebrities and became immensely popular.Conjugations: Marriage and Form in New Bollywood Cinema
Sangita Gopal, pp. 3, University of Chicago Press, 2012, , "... Further, Hindi film became far more integrated with other forms of media – as exemplified by the proliferation of film magazines such as Filmfare, Stardust, and Cine Blaze, as well as the phenomenal popularity of television shows such as ''Chitrahaar'' and ''Phool Khile Hain Gulshan Gulshan''..." This also led to a career as stage compere. She was also the editor of ''Grihalaxmi'', a Hindi women's magazine for 15 years and wrote many joke books. In 1985, she directed, produced and wrote her first film, ''Tum Par Hum Qurban''. In 2006, she returned to television, as an actress in '' Pyaar Ke Do Naam: Ek Raadha, Ek Shyaam'', produced by

Rajshri Productions Rajshri Productions Pvt. Ltd. is a film production and distribution company based in Mumbai, India, established in 1947, which is primarily involved in producing Hindi films. The most successful films produced by the company include ''Dosti'' ( ...

. She became a judge in a reality stand-up comedy show ''

Ladies Special ''Ladies Special'' is an Indian television series that airs on Sony Entertainment Television. It premiered on 25 May 2009 along with a host of other new TV shows, as part of a major revamp by Sony TV. The show is about the lives of a group of l ...

'' (2009) on

Zee TV Zee TV (stylised as ZEE TV) is a Hindi general entertainment pay television channel in India. It was launched on 2 October 1992, as the first privately owned TV channel in the country. It is owned by Zee Entertainment Enterprises. Zee TV also ...

Tabassum continued to work as an interviewer for television and was doing a TV show on TV Asia USA and Canada titled ''Abhi Toh Main Jawaan Hoon'' based on the Golden Era of Hindi Cinema. In 2016, she launched her channel on YouTube, titled "Tabassum Talkies" which consists of nostalgic talks, interviews of celebrities, shayaris, jokes and more. Subsequently she returned to television with "Tab Aur Ab" in 2020.

Personal life

Tabassum was married to Vijay Govil, elder brother of television actor

Arun Govil Arun Govil ( ; born 12 January 1958) is an Indian actor who works in Hindi films and television. He is best known for portraying the role of Lord Rama in Ramanand Sagar's epic Television Series '' Ramayan'' and King Vikramāditya in ''Vikram ...

. Their son Hoshang Govil had brief career as a lead in three films ''Tum Par Hum Qurbaan'' (1985), which was produced and directed by Tabassum and introduced

Johnny Lever Johnny Lever (born John Prakash Rao Janumala; 14 August 1957) is an Indian actor and popular comedian who is known for his works in Hindi cinema. He is one of the first stand-up comedians in India. He is the recipient of numerous accolades, inc ...

for the first time on screen as a comedian, ''Kartoot'' (1987) and ''Ajeeb Dastaan Hai Yeah'' (1996) produced by Zee TV and directed by

J Om Prakash Jay Om Prakash (24 January 1926 – 7 August 2019) was an Indian film producer and director. He directed films like ''Aap Ki Kasam'' (1974), ''Aakraman'', ''Aashiq Hoon Baharon Ka'', ''Aakhir Kyon?'' (1985) with Rajesh Khanna as the lead her ...

(grandfather of Hrithik Roshan). In 2009, her granddaughter Khushi (daughter of Hoshang) made her film debut with ''Hum Phir Mile Na Mile''.

Death and tributes

Tabassum suffered from gastrointestinal issues in her last days. She was admitted in hospital but passed away on 18 November 2022, after suffering two successive cardiac arrests. She was 78. Various celebrities including

Amitabh Bachchan Amitabh Bachchan (; born as Amitabh Shrivastav; 11 October 1942) is an Indian actor, film producer, television host, occasional playback singer and former politician known for his work in Hindi cinema. He is regarded as one of the most succe ...

Twinkle Khanna Twinkle Khanna (also known as Tina Jatin Khanna; born on 29 December) is an Indian author, columnist, interior designer, film producer and a former film actress. In 2015, she released her first non-fiction book, " Mrs Funnybones" which was decl ...

Adnan Sami Adnan Sami Khan (born 15 August 1971) is an Indian singer, musician, music composer and pianist. He performs Indian and Western music, including for Hindi, Kannada, Telugu and Tamil movies. He has been awarded with Padma Shri (India's fourth hi ...

Asha Parekh Asha Parekh (born 2 October 1942) is a retired Indian actress, film director, and producer who appeared in many commercially successful films throughout her career. She was the highest paid actress of her time and was one of the most successful ...

Waheeda Rehman Waheeda Rehman (born 3 February 1938) is an Indian actress and dancer. Regarded as one of Hindi cinema's finest actresses, Rehman's accolades include a National Film Awards, National Film Award and three Filmfare Awards. Rehman was honoured wi ...

Deepti Naval Deepti Naval (born 3 February 1952) is an Indian-born American actress, director, and writer, predominantly active in Hindi cinema. Her major contribution has been in the area of art cinema, winning critical acclaim for her sensitive and 'clos ...

and others condoled her death. Milk brand

Amul Anand Milk Union Limited (AMUL) is an Indian dairy state government cooperative society, based in Anand, Gujarat. Formed in 1946, it is a cooperative brand managed by Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd. (GCMMF), which today i ...

gave Tabassum a tribute with a special doodle.

Filmography

Source(s):

Films

* ''Nargis'' (1947) * ''Mera Suhaag'' (1947) * '' Manjhdhar'' (1947) * ''

Bari Behen ''Bari Behen'' is a 1949 Hindi drama film directed, written and produced by D. D. Kashyap, starring Suraiya, Rehman, Ullhas and Pran.Sargam'' (1950) * '' Sangram'' (1950) * '' Jogan'' (1950) as Mangu * ''Gumashta'' (1951) *'' Aaram'' (1951) * '' Deedar'' (1951) * '' Bahar'' (1951) * '' Afsana'' (1951) as Young Meera * ''

'' (1952) Young Gauri * ''Baap Beti'' (1954) * '' College Girl'' (1960) * ''

Mughal-e-Azam ''Mughal-e-Azam'' () is a 1960 Indian epic historical drama film produced and directed by K. Asif. Starring Prithviraj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, Madhubala, and Durga Khote, it follows the love affair between Mughal Prince Salim (who went ...

'' (1960) * ''

Dharmputra ''Dharmputra'' is a 1961 Hindi film directed by Yash Chopra based on a novel of the same name by Acharya Chatursen. This is Yash's second directorial venture. It was the first Hindi film to depict the partition of India, and Hindu fundamentalis ...

'' (1961) as Rekha Rai * ''

Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon ''Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon '' ( I've come back with the same heart) is a 1963 Indian Hindi-language film. The film became superhit at the box office. This was Nasir Hussain's second production (his first in colour), after the hit film ''Jab Pya ...

'' (1963) * ''Dara Singh: Ironman'' (1964) * ''Zimbo Ka Beta'' (1966) * ''

Ganwaar Ganwaar is a 1970 Indian film produced and directed by Naresh Kumar. It stars Rajendra Kumar, Vyjayanthimala, Pran, Jeevan in pivotal roles. The film's music is by Naushad. This is Vyjayanthimala's last film. The film proved that Naushad is ...

'' (1970) as Mistress * ''

Bachpan ''Bachpan'' () is a 1970 Indian Hindi-language drama film directed and produced by Kotayya Pratyagatma and written by Raj Baldev Raj. The film stars Sanjeev Kumar and Tanuja. Plot The movie "Bachpan" is about three friends, Ram (Master Sac ...

'' (1970) as Lily – Tom's wife * ''

Heer Raanjha ''Heer Raanjha'' is a 1970 Indian Hindi-language romantic musical film directed by Chetan Anand and produced by his son Ketan Anand. The film stars Raaj Kumar, Priya Rajvansh, Pran, Prithviraj Kapoor, Ajit, Jayant, Sonia Sahni, Kamini ...

'' (1970) * ''

Johny Mera Naam ''Johny Mera Naam'' () is a 1970 Indian Hindi-language crime action film directed by Vijay Anand. The film stars the director's brother, Dev Anand and Pran in the roles of brothers separated in childhood. Hema Malini, Jeevan, Premnath, I. S. ...

'' (1970) * ''

Shri Krishna Leela ''Shri Krishna Leela'' is a 1971 Hindi religious film directed by Homi Wadia. It was produced by his Basant Pictures banner. Written by B. M. Vyas, the story and dialogue were by S. N. Tripathi. The music was composed by S. N. Tripathi and ha ...

'' (1971) as Rasili * ''Shree Krishnarjun Yuddh'' (1971) as Chitrangini * ''

Ladki Pasand Hai ''Ladki Pasand Hai'' () is a 1971 Bollywood drama film directed by C.L. Rawal. The film stars Mumtaz. Cast *Mumtaz *Jeevan * Deepak Kumar (actor) * Manmohan * Manorama *Mehmood Jr. *Rajendra Nath * Randhir * Sajjan *Sin ...

'' (1971) * ''

Gambler Gambling (also known as betting or gaming) is the wagering of something of value ("the stakes") on a random event with the intent of winning something else of value, where instances of strategy are discounted. Gambling thus requires three elem ...

'' (1971) * '' Adhikar'' (1971) * '' Tere Mere Sapne'' (1971) as Maltimala's Hairdresser * ''

Shaadi Ke Baad ''Shaadi Ke Baad'' () is a 1972 Hindi-language comedy film, produced and directed by L. V. Prasad under the Prasad Productions Pvt Ltd banner. It stars Jeetendra, Raakhee, Shatrughan Sinha and music composed by Laxmikant–Pyarelal. The film i ...

'' (1972) as Basanti * '' Maa Bahen Aur Biwi'' (1974) * '' Sur Sangam'' (1985) * ''

Naache Mayuri ''Naache Mayuri'' is a 1986 dance biographical Hindi film directed by T. Rama Rao. It is a remake of the Telugu film, ''Mayuri'' (1984), about classical dancer-actress Sudha Chandran who stars as herself in both films. The film was shot at Meh ...

'' (1986) * ''

Chameli Ki Shaadi ''Chameli Ki Shaadi'' () is a 1986 Hindi-language comedy film directed by Basu Chatterjee starring Anil Kapoor and Amrita Singh. Though it was fairly average at the box office due to low cost, it was critically acclaimed. Over the years, the f ...

'' (1986) * ''

Swarg ''Swarg'' () is a 1990 Indian Hindi-language drama film directed by David Dhawan, released in 1990. It stars Rajesh Khanna, Govinda, Juhi Chawla, Madhavi in lead roles. Swarg is the fourth last certified hit of Rajesh Khanna, as this was follo ...

'' (1990) as Herself

Television

Source(s): * '' Phool Khile Hain Gulshan Gulshan'' (1972 - 1993, Doordarshan) * '' Pyaar Ke Do Naam: Ek Raadha, Ek Shyaam'' (2006, STAR Plus) as Kishan's grandmother * ''

'' (2009,

) as Herself (Judge) * ''Tab Aur Ab'' (2020, Tata Play)

Web

* ''Tabassum Talkies'' (2016 - 2022, YouTube)

References

External links

Tabassum's Youtube Channel
* * {{DEFAULTSORT:Tabassum 1944 births 2022 deaths Indian film actresses Actresses in Hindi cinema Indian women television presenters Indian television presenters 20th-century Indian actresses Indian television actresses Indian television talk show hosts Masters of ceremonies Indian magazine editors Indian comedy writers Indian women comedians Actresses from Mumbai Indian child actresses Indian women television journalists Indian television journalists 20th-century Indian journalists 21st-century Indian journalists 21st-century Indian women writers 21st-century Indian writers Writers from Mumbai Women writers from Maharashtra Actresses in Hindi television 20th-century Indian women writers Women magazine editors