Zohra Sehgal Google Doodle

Legendary Indian actress and dancer Zohra Sehgal honored by Google on Tuesday, which presented her in a Doodle on its homepage. Sehgal was amongst the country’s first artists to achieve worldwide recognition. She received some of the nation’s highest awards, including the Padma Shri in 1998, the Kalidas Samman in 2001 and also the Padma Bibhushan in 2010.

Sehgal was born on April 27, 1912 in Saharanpur, in what is currently Uttar Pradesh. She had learn ballet in a famous school in Dresden, Germany at the age of early 20s. Later, she travelled globally with Indian dancing legend Uday Shankar.

In 1945, Sehgal joined to the Indian People’s Theatre Association. Her famous movie Neecha Nagar (Lowly City), which was released on this day in 1946 at the Cannes Film Festival. The film won the event’s highest honor, the Palme d’Or award.

After Sehgal shifted to London in 1962, she made appearances in British television classics. She additionally played a role in Bend it Like Beckham.

Zohra Sehgal passed away on July 10, 2014, in New Delhi.

Tuesday’s doodle was designed by guide artist Parvati Pillai. “I grew up watching her as the evergreen granny and have been enthralled by her love for acting and dancing, especially in her twilight years. She taught me what it meant to be passionate about my work and to never be afraid of new challenges,” said Pillai.

“Zohra Sehgal lived her life to the fullest. In today’s challenging times, it is important to be optimistic and keep smiling!” Pillai added.