The 1940s saw a
significant political and social
change in India- and the fight for independence, as well as greater awareness of one's identity, all contributed towards replacing the mythological sagas with the politically-conscious nationalist call of the 1940s.

Consequently, the era
saw the emergence of a different
genre - the thinking actors.
It also saw some remarkable acting, like Kamini Kaushal's sensitive performance in Neecha Nagar
and Nalini Jaywant's freer style of acting in Kaala Paani.

Also, now that 'playback singing'
was the way to go, there were very
few 'singing stars' left like Suraiya
and Noorjehan.

Next: Felines of the Fifties
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