Simi Garewal, fondly known as ‘The Lady in White’, is celebrating her 77th birthday today, October 17, 2024. Her impact on the entertainment industry has been nothing short of extraordinary. Renowned for her impeccable performances in iconic films like Do Badan (1966), Mera Naam Joker (1970) with Raj Kapoor, Aranyer Din Ratri (1970) and Padatik (1973), Garewal carved a unique niche for herself.
Beyond her illustrious film career, she became a household name as the host of Rendezvous with Simi Garewal, a beloved talk show that captivated audiences for years.
Simi Garewal’s Journey In Entertainment Industry
Simi Garewal was born into a Punjabi-Sikh family and raised in England. She is the cousin of Pamela Chopra, wife of late filmmaker Yash Chopra. Garewal began her acting career with the English-language film Tarzan Goes to India in 1962.
Following this, she returned to India where she collaborated with iconic directors for many films such as Raj Khosla in Do Badan (1966), Raj Kapoor in Mera Naam Joker (1970), Satyajit Ray in Aranyer Din Ratri (1970) and Mrinal Sen in Padatik (1973).
In the mid-’70s, her popularity soared with films like Kabhi Kabhie (1976), made by her brother-in-law Yash Chopra, and Chalte Chalte (1976). She left a lasting impression with her portrayal of a vamp in the film Karz (1980). She also made her mark on television with the BBC docu-drama Maharajas (1987), based on Charles Allen’s book.
In the early 1980s, Simi shifted her focus to directing and producing, founding Siga Arts International.
She hosted the influential TV series It’s a Woman’s World and created acclaimed documentaries including one on Raj Kapoor.
Rendezvous with Simi Garewal
Garewal became a household name with her talk show Rendezvous with Simi Garewal where many renowned celebrities appeared. The show also won Garewal multiple awards for her hosting skills. Garewal is often seen in her signature white outfits during TV shows and award ceremonies, which earned her the title ‘The Lady in White.’
In 2008, she also made a special appearance as a host and judge on the show Say Shava Shava.
Simi Garewal’s Love Life
Simi Garewal’s first love was with the Maharaja of Jamnagar when she was just 17 and their romance lasted for three years.
She later fell deeply for Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, who was serious about their relationship and intended to introduce her to his family. However, their love story ended when he met Sharmila Tagore.
In 1970, Simi married Ravi Mohan, a member of the Chunnamal family in Delhi. Their relationship started with a brief courtship but turned into a long-distance marriage that lasted ten years.
In 2011, Garewal’s rumoured relationship with the late industrialist Ratan Tata often made headlines, although they kept their connection private. She fondly remembers him as a perfectionist and has spoken about their long history together.
In a 2011 interview with Times of India, she praised him, saying, “Ratan and I go back a long way. He’s perfection, he’s got a sense of humour, is modest, and is the perfect gentleman. Money was never his driving force. He’s not as relaxed in India as he is abroad.”
Ratan Tata died last week in Mumbai. She also paid tribute to him by posting a collage of pictures of the late Ratan Tata and herself from his appearance on her show Rendezvous with Simi Garewal. Along it, she wrote, “They say you have gone. It’s too hard to bear your loss..too hard.. Farewell my friend.. #RatanTata.”
Simi Garewal Birthday: What Is She Doing Now?
Although there haven’t been any recent updates on Garewal’s latest ventures since her talk show Rendezvous with Simi Garewal, she remains active on social media. She consistently shares her views on various political and global issues, including the Israel-Palestine conflict and upcoming US presidential elections.
Simi Garewal’s Top Quotes
“I’ve never been satisfied with doing just one thing. I was never only an actress, or a TV anchor or whatever.”
“When people said I was ahead of my time I took it as a compliment. It meant I was doing things that weren’t in vogue.”
“I enjoy interviews with strangers. Knowing a guest is a disadvantage.”
“As I have said, I am not a war monger, nor am I a politician and I do not khow anything about handling clever military operations.”
“As a rule, I do not speak to my guests before the interviews.”
“Most of us fall into categories – there’s always the lover and the beloved, guest and host, giver and taker.”
“It’s important for women to be financially independent and in control of their lives.”
“A woman’s professional achievements are always overlooked.”
“I spend my birthday at home close to the people who matter to me. That’s the way I like it.”
“At 17, I fell in love with my neighbour – the Maharaja of Jamnagar. It was a turbulent and passionat affair that lasted for three years.”
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