5,000 pair of shoes, separate car for dogs. Bollywood actress, who once lived a lavish life, later struggled for even afford two meals a day

In the entertainment industry, where fame often fades as quickly as it arrives, few stories stay forever, and one such is of Cuckoo Moray. Once hailed as the original " cabaret queen" of Hindi cinema, Cuckoo lived a life full of glamour, talent, and generosity. Later, she passed away alone and in poverty, abandoned by the very industry she helped shape.

Who was Cuckoo Moray?

Cuckoo Moray was born in 1928 into an Anglo-Indian family during British colonial rule in India. Even as a child, she was drawn to the world of dance and performance. With dreams of becoming a top performer, she entered the film industry at just 16. Her big break came with the film Mujrim (1944), starring the veteran actor Motilal. Her dance performance left a lasting impression and opened doors to numerous film offers. At a time when Hindi cinema lacked glamour and Western-style entertainment, Cuckoo brought both in abundance.

Known for her expressive eyes, graceful movements, and energetic cabaret performances, Cuckoo quickly became a household name. Her Westernised look and unique dance style stood out, earning her the nickname “Rubber Girl” for her remarkable flexibility. During the late 1940s and 1950s, she was the go-to dancer for cabaret numbers, becoming a sensation across the country.


By the early 1950s, Cuckoo had become one of the most sought-after performers in the industry. Her popularity was so high that she charged Rs 6,000 per dance sequence, a staggering fee at the time. Filmmakers were willing to pay the amount without hesitation, knowing that her presence alone could draw audiences to theatres.


Cuckoo wasn’t just a performer, she was also a mentor. One of the biggest stars she introduced to the world was Helen, who would go on to become a legend in her own right. Cuckoo brought a young Helen into the industry when she was just 13 years old. The two even appeared together in several films, and Helen later credited Cuckoo for helping her get started in Bollywood. She also played a role in launching actor Pran’s career by helping him get his first break in Ziddi (1948).

However, off-screen, Cuckoo lived a life as glamorous as her on-screen persona. She owned a luxurious bungalow in Mumbai’s upscale Khar area. According to Tabassum, she had 5,000 pairs of shoes, 8,000 dresses, and even owned three luxury cars, one for herself, one for her guests, and one just for her pet dogs. Known for her generosity, she often hosted lavish parties and ordered food from five-star hotels for her friends.

Cuckoo Moray died in poverty without any support

Despite her fame and fortune, Cuckoo didn’t save for the future. As younger dancers like Helen and Vyjayanthimala began taking over the spotlight, her career declined. Her last film was Mujhe Jeene Do in 1963. A major blow came when income tax officials reportedly raided her house and confiscated undeclared assets. With no steady income and most friends gone, she found herself struggling to survive.


Cuckoo’s final years were marked by extreme poverty and illness. Battling cancer, she couldn’t afford basic medical care or even painkillers. Actress Tabassum also shared in her channel Tabassum Talkies that Cuckoo had to collect discarded vegetable scraps from markets just to have something to eat. She, who once lived like a queen, died alone and forgotten on September 30, 1981. Not a single person from the film industry reportedly visited her in her final moments.


Today, Cuckoo Moray’s name may not be widely remembered, but her impact on Hindi cinema remains undeniable. She was one of the first to bring cabaret to mainstream Bollywood and was fondly known as Bollywood's first item girl.