UPSC Prelims 2002 Q48: Art & Culture – Cultural Institutions & Awards
Who was the first Indian actress to receive the Padma Shri Award?
- (a) Smita Patil
- (b) Nargis Dutt
- (c) Meena Kumari
- (d) Madhubala
Answer: (b) Nargis Dutt
Explanation
First Indian actress to receive the Padma Shri
| Actress | Padma award |
|---|---|
| Nargis Dutt | Padma Shri in 1958, the first actress; Rajya Sabha nominee in 1980 |
| Meena Kumari | No Padma award |
| Madhubala | No Padma award |
| Smita Patil | Padma Shri in 1985 |
Nargis Dutt received the Padma Shri in 1958, becoming the first Indian actress to be so honoured. Smita Patil was honoured in 1985, long after.
Answer: (b) Nargis Dutt.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Smita Patil received the Padma Shri in 1985, much later.
- (b) CORRECT. Nargis received the Padma Shri in 1958.
- (c) Incorrect. Meena Kumari did not receive the award.
- (d) Incorrect. Madhubala did not receive the award.
Key point
Nargis: Mother India (1957), Padma Shri 1958, first nominated actress in the Rajya Sabha.
Remember
Nargis Dutt: first actress with the Padma Shri (1958).
Common mistakes
- Choosing Meena Kumari, a leading star of the era.
- Picking Smita Patil from the later period.
- Mixing Padma Shri with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
Exam tip
The earliest award goes to Nargis, whose Mother India came in 1957.
Sources
- Ministry of Home Affairs — Padma Awards directory
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Nargis