5) Sulochana (Ruby Myers) (1907 – 1983)

Sulochana was the highest paid actress of the silent era of Indian Cinema . Her real name was Ruby Myers .  

She was the only film actress who made a record in Hindi film history and perhaps even in world cinema by doing eight different characters in the same film. 

The film was ‘ Wild Cat of Bombay' ( 1927 ).  In  this film she essayed eight roles including a policeman, a gardener, a Hyderabadi gentleman, a street urchin, a banana seller and a European blonde. 

She was the first actress who took his bold step. Even today doing eight roles together in a movie is a big deal for any bollywood star.

She had worked in the movies like “Cinema Queen” (1925), “Telephone Girl”, “Typist Girl” (1926), “Wild Cat of Bombay” (1927) in which she portrayed the role of educated and self-dependant girl. 

These movies presented an unusual image of a woman with her identity and position in and relation with the society instead of regular shy, silent suffering woman. 

Sulochana was awarded the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke award in 1973 for her contribution to Indian cinema.