Cinemaazi remembers Neelam on her birth anniversary
17 Sep 1928
Cinemaazi remembers veteran actress and philanthropist Neelam on her birth anniversary. Born as Letica Ferns on 17 September 1928 in Mangalore, she grew up in a catholic household and dreamed of being a nun as a child, a far cry from the glamourous life she eventually led. After trying her hands at teaching and then a stint at a telephone company, she made her debut in the film world with S M Yusuf who cast her as the lead in Chini Jadugar. Her contemporary and friend Meena helped her pick her alias. She appeared in films such as Darogaji (1949), Pyar Ki Baten (1951), Barkha (1959), Suhaag Raat (1968), and Guest House(1980). She had a close association with Nargis, Meena Shorey, Husn Banu, and other leading ladies of the yesteryear. She invested her income into creating a house for underprivileged children and tended to their education and health.
