Picture this: a woman with eyes like embers, transforming from human grace to reptilian fury. That was Reena Roy in ‘Nagin’, Bollywood’s groundbreaking 1976 supernatural thriller. As the first actress to embody the mythical naagin, she didn’t just steal scenes – she stole hearts, launching a franchise that dominated box offices for years.
Reena’s early career was a mix of hits and misses, but ‘Nagin’ changed everything. Paired with Sunil Dutt’s flute-playing hero, her story of love, betrayal, and reincarnation resonated deeply with audiences. The film’s music, choreography, and Reena’s hypnotic presence turned it into a rage. She followed it up with equally electrifying roles in ‘Jaani Dushman’ and family dramas like ‘Nagdevi’.
Her range was staggering. In courtrooms (‘Insaaf Ka Tarazu’), she was fierce; in romances (‘Doosri’), soulful. Reena’s personal life mirrored her on-screen drama – eloping with Mohsin Khan, converting to Islam, and later divorcing amid custody battles. These chapters only amplified her larger-than-life image.
Choosing motherhood over the arc lights in the 90s, Reena made a quiet exit. But her influence lingers in remakes and pop culture nods. From the girl next door to the shape-shifting seductress, Reena Roy’s every role was special, proving why she’s remembered as the queen who first hissed her way into stardom.