Versatility Personified From Uma Devi To Tun Tun

Famously known as Tun Tun, and the first female comedian of Hindi cinema. She was sweet and cute and even her presence in movie made you smile. Her way of delivering dialogue made her even more adorable.

Born Uma Devi Khatri on July 11 1923 in Uttar Pradesh, and orphaned at an early age, she was raised by her conservative uncle, and, not allowed to study. She was fond of listening to radio from a very early age. Her love of singing led the 13-year-old to head for Bombay. She got aquainted with actor-director Arun Ahuja & his wife Nirmala Devi (Govinda’s parents). With their help she got to meet music director Naushad Ali. Naushad was impressed about her musical knowledge and singing abilities and gave her chance to sing in films. Her debut as a solo playback singer was for film ‘Wamiq Azra’ in 1946. Soon she became an established playback singer and sang several songs in films like Dard, Anokhi Ada, Aahuti, Jungle Ka Jawahar,Naya Zamana, Jungle King, Khufia Mahal,Babul, Dholak, Deedar, Amber, Gul Bahar & many more.

Owing to her older style of singing and limited vocal range, she found it difficult to compete with the rising singing stars. It was Naushad who suggested that she take up acting, because she had a very bubbly personality and wonderful comic timing. Thus, Uma Devi landed her first role in the film Babul (1950). Her scene was with Dilip Kumar & it was he who suggested the name Tun Tun. She blossomed as a comedian creating humorous scenes pairing with actors like Agha, Sunder, Johnny Walker, Mukri and Keshto.

A wonderful and versatile actress, Tun Tun did roles with great ease and perfection.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9X1i-qCQWM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRr0pqBTQTM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQCvrP6CeT0