India’s first true superstar wasn’t Rajesh Khanna but this actress, raised in a red-light area, worshipped by fans beyond imagination

A superstar is more than just an artist with a few popular movies; it is someone whose very being can attract attention and draw large crowds. The term has value, representation of power, influence, and the ability to connect (with an audience) beyond box-office numbers. Today, the term is used loosely, but at its purest form, only belongs to a few select people. Although Rajesh Khanna is frequently thought of as India's first superstar, history shows there was someone (more) significant before he reached that level.

Long before Kaka, Jahanara Kajjan, popularly known as Kajjanbai was celebrated as the earliest superstar of Indian cinema. Born in 1915 to Sugganbai in Lucknow, she grew up in the world of kothas, where music defined culture and livelihood. Her mother ensured she mastered classical music and even sent her to Patna to study English and Urdu. This combination of training shaped her into a refined performer who could enchant audiences effortlessly.

Jahanara was popular well before she came to movies. She was so captivating in her live performances that she probably earned anywhere from Rs 250 - 300, a considerable sum at the time, for every show. People came to hear her sing and her voice could fill a whole theatre by itself. She quickly has a name and was able to set the stage for acting roles, leading her from a singer to an all-around performer.

Kajjanbai's career entered a new chapter with India's second talkie film 'Shirin Farhad'. The film featured an incredible 42 songs sung by her, marking a significant moment in Indian cinema history. The film's immense success made her a household name and solidified her already notable reputation. At the young age of 16, she emerged as a worldwide superstar across territories.

According to DNA, her popularity was such that her fans demonstrated extreme loyalty and devotion by going to extremes to visit her films. For example, one admirer from Lahore watched the film 22 times and allegedly mortgaged his horse to buy more tickets. For nearly 15 years, Jahanara Kajjanbai held the public's heart with her voice and her film appearances. Tragically, her life ended on December 20, 1945, at the young age of 30. Her legacy runs deep through the early history of Indian cinema.