Astrologer's Prediction: Zohra Sehgal Would Not Survive Past 18, But Her Story Proved Otherwise

Zohra Sehgal, a celebrated actress and dancer, once received a fascinating prophecy that defied conventional expectations. An old astrologer once predicted that she would not live beyond the age of 18. Remarkably, Sehgal defied this early forecast, achieving global fame and acclaim in her career.

Later in life, another astrologer predicted that she would pass away at the age of 62. Once again, fate had other plans for her, and she surpassed this prediction, reaching the ages of 72 and then 82, despite severe illness. Her resilience led people to speak of her immortality. Incredibly, the Grand Old Lady of Bollywood continued to thrive and lived to the remarkable age of 102.

Born in the Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, Zohra Sehgal began her career as a dancer alongside Uday Shankar in 1935. She later joined Prithviraj Kapoor's Prithvi Theatre, where she met Kameshwar Sehgal. Despite their age difference, they married in 1942. However, tragedy struck when Kameshwar Sehgal took his own life in 1952. Undaunted, Zohra Sehgal moved forward with her life, securing a drama scholarship in London in 1962.

Zohra Sehgal achieved remarkable milestones in her career. She became the first actor to appear on "Doctor Who" to celebrate their 100th birthday and held the title of the oldest living actor to have appeared on the show until her passing in 2014. She also made significant contributions to English films and TV productions, such as "My Beautiful Launderette" and "Tandoori Nights."

Throughout her illustrious career, she received numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri in 1998, Kalidas Samman in 2001 and 2004, and the Sangeet Natak Akademi award. She was also honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship for lifetime achievement. In 2010, she was bestowed with the Padma Vibhushan, one of India's highest civilian honors.

Zohra Sehgal's life serves as a testament to the idea that changing one's thoughts can change one's life. She viewed the mind as a muscle that requires regular training to stay strong. Her practicality extended to her final wishes, as she instructed her family to cremate and bury her without any fuss. She even suggested that if the crematorium refused to keep her ashes, they should be flushed down the toilet.

Zohra Sehgal's remarkable journey, resilience, and commitment to living life on her terms continue to inspire and serve as a reminder of the power of determination and positive thinking.