Amitabh Bachchan’s co-star was one of Bollywood’s highest-paid actresses at 15, owned a Mercedes and five houses. Left showbiz at 21. Her son, a superstar, is now starring in most expensive Indian film

At an age when girls are busy studying for their Class 10 exams or worrying about their crushes, she was zooming around in a Mercedes and had multiple houses. All bought with own money, nevertheless. Neetu Singh, who started her career at eight as a child artiste, appearing in films such as Do Kaaliyan, Waris, etc., also made a mark as a leading heroine in blockbusters such as Khel Khel Mein, Yaarana, Amar Akbar Anthony, etc. At the age of 15, she was an established star, one of the highest-paid actresses in the 70s, and at 21, she bid adieu to movies to marry Rishi Kapoor. In a chat, Neetu Singh reminisced about why she left films despite being a sought-after leading lady.

Neetu recalled that she had accumulated considerable wealth at a remarkably young age, owning approximately five properties and a Mercedes-Benz by the time she turned 15. She revealed that she was studying in Class 8 when opportunities to portray lead characters began coming her way, eventually bringing her formal schooling to an end.

The actor also acknowledged the role played by her dance lessons under legendary performer Vyjayanthimala in shaping her career and helping her establish herself in the film industry. Neetu began her journey as a child artiste with Do Kanya and Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani. Although she never received formal training at an acting institute, she said her early exposure to film sets helped her overcome camera nervousness, which proved advantageous as she transitioned into lead roles.

On Why She Left Showbiz

The Amar Akbar Anthony star said that she left a lucrative career at the peak of her fame because she had started working from a very young age and was exhausted and wanted a simpler life. She was content with a life away from the limelight. However, she became a full-time actress again after the death of her husband, as she felt lonely.

Her son Ranbir Kapoor’s current film Ramayana: Part 1 is now running in the theatres. Made on a budget of Rs 2,000 crore, it is the most expensive Indian film ever made.