Mumbai

When discussing automotive excellence and prestige, Rolls-Royce stands as the ultimate embodiment of luxury motoring. The car’s exclusivity extends beyond mere financial means as prospective buyers must meet the company's discriminating standards, as Rolls-Royce carefully curates its clientele. This selective approach ensures that the garage of the car is not just any place but belongs to someone extremely influential, ranging from former aristocrats to film stars. 

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Today, stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Vijay, and Chiranjeevi own Rolls Royces. But very few know that it was Bollywood actress Nadira who reached here first. 

 Who was Nadira? 

Nadira, born Florence Ezekiel, whose acquisition of a Rolls-Royce in the 1960s marked her as both the first Indian film personality and one of the earliest celebrities in India to own such a distinguished vehicle.  

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Born into a Baghdadi Jewish family in Iraq, she relocated to Bombay with her family during the 1930s. Displaying remarkable determination, she entered the workforce at the tender age of 11 and assumed responsibility for her household's financial welfare by 18. 

Her journey in Bollywood 

Her journey began as a child artist, but it was Mehboob Khan's Aan in 1952 that made her a star. She went on to deliver memorable performances in classics like Shree 420 and Dil Apna Aur Preet Parayi, establishing herself among the highest-paid actresses of her era, despite often being cast in supporting roles. 

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However, the 1960s became a turning point for her since she became a typecast in negative roles, opposite traditional heroines. Later she evolved to supporting roles in the films and set a benchmark in successful films like Pakeezah and Julie. Her career went on smoothly for close to six decades and the last films she was seen in were josh and Zohra Mahal.  

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Later life 

Nadira spent the later years of her life in Mumbai while the rest of her family relocated to Israel. In 2006, following an extended illness, Nadira passed away at the age of 73, leaving behind a legacy very few women have the heart and ability to conquer.