Anita Raj Turns 62: A Look at Her Iconic Films and Latest Projects

Veteran actress Anita Raj has been a significant part of the Hindi film and television industry during the 80s and 90s. She is the daughter of popular actor Jagdish Raj, who holds a Guinness World Record for being the most typecast actor. However, the actress carved a niche for herself in the industry and has featured in more than 100 films with superstars like Raj Babbar, Dharmendra and Shatrughan Sinha.

Anita secured her place in the lights-camera-action world following her debut film Prem Geet in 1981. Since then, she has acted in several memorable movies, including Naukar Biwi Ka (1983), Zara Si Zindagi (1983), Zameen Aasman (1984), Ghulami (1985) and Mazloom (1986).

She has also appeared in many television series like Tumhari Pakhi, Eena Meena Deeka, 24: India, Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani, Chotti Sardarni and Maya. From being a successful actress and well-known television face to a trained Kathak dancer and producer, she has donned several hats in her career spanning over 40 years. As the actress turns a year older today, let us take a look at her top movies, recent work and upcoming projects.

Anita Raj Birthday: Top movies

1. Prem Geet (1981)It is undoubtedly one of the must-watch films for all Raj Babbar fans. In this movie, Anita plays the role of an orphan girl, who is a dancer. She falls in love with a well-respected poet belonging to a rich family. The movie is also remembered for Jagjit Singh’s iconic song Ghazal Hothon Se Choo Lo Tum.
2. Zara Si Zindagi (1983)The K Balachander’s directorial is a remake of his Tamil hit Varumayin Niram Sivappu. This rom-com narrates the story of Raja (played by Kamal Haasan), a graduate looking for work, who falls in love with a struggling actress. You can watch this film on Prime Video.
3. Zameen Aasman (1984)Helmed by Bharat Rangachary, the film starred Shashi Kapoor, Raakhee, Rekha, Sanjay Dutt and Anita Raj. It also marks the debut of Preeti Sapru, daughter of veteran actor DK Sapru, as a writer in the industry. Apart from the narrative, the songs Aisa Sama Na Hota, Kuch Bhi Yahan Na Hota, and Mere Humrahi Jo Tum Na Hote, sung by Lata Mangeshkar, remain timeless classics.
4. Ghulami (1985)This action drama tells the story of a bunch of peasants who rise up against the age-old system of caste-based oppression and exploitative landowners. Directed by JP Dutta, the film starred Dharmendra, Mithun Chakraborty, Naseeruddin Shah and Anita Raj in key roles.
5. Chaar Din Ki Chandni (2012)The story of this project revolves around Chandni, who comes to India to attend Veer’s (played by Tusshar Kapoor) sister’s wedding. Released in 2012, the movie was well-received by the audiences.

Anita Raj Birthday: Recent Projects

1. Anaari Is BackAnita was last seen in ‘Anaari Is Back,’ starring Nawab Khan, Mishikka Chaurasia and Mithun Chakraborty in pivotal roles. The film tells the story of Jaspreet and Rajveer, who traverse the ups and downs of a romantic journey. Rajveer travels to Lucknow from Afghanistan for a better life. During his quest for a job, he meets a filthy rich girl, Jaspreet (played by Mishikka Chaurasia), who falls in love with Rajveer for his sincerity and purity. Helmed by Munesh Rawat and Chinni Prakash, the film was released in November last year.
2. Lafzon Mein PyaarLafzon Mein Pyaar is a love story produced by Ashok Sawhny. The project stars Zarina Wahab and Anita Raj. It hit the theatres in August 2023. The film revolves around Raj, who leaves his studies midway, but his sister-in-law, Geeta, encourages him to pursue new interests in music. Later, Raj’s life takes an unexpected turn when Priya enters into his life.
3. Deendayal Ek Yug PurushFeaturing Deepika Chikhalia, Anita Raj and Anil Rastogi in lead roles, this film is a biography of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, the co-founder of Bhartiya Jana Sangh and forerunner of Bharatiya Janata Party. Anita Raj portrayed the role of Lata Khanna in Manoj Giri’s directorial. The film hit the silver screens on February 10, 2023.
4. Mudda 370 J&KThis action drama is based on the real story of Kashmir. Rakesh Sawant took viewers back to the year 1990 when approximately 7 lakh Hindu Kashmiris were forcibly uprooted by the Muslim fanatics of Kashmir. The film starred Hiten Tejwani, Anjali Pandey, Manoj Joshi, Zarina Wahab, Anjan Srivastava and others.

Anita Raj Birthday: Upcoming Projects

1. Mere Husband Ki BiwiThis Mudassar Aziz’s directorial features Rakul Preet Singh, Bhumi Pednekar, Aditya Seal, Arjun Kapoor and Shakti Kapoor in significant roles. The romantic drama is written by Vashu Bhagnani, and it will be shot in Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
2. RIWAJ -A Riwaj that broke after many centuriesDirected by Manoj Sati and Masum Ali, the film is being bankrolled by Kashish Khan Production. It stars Mithun Chakraborty, Aftab Shivdasani and Anita Raj.