Leela Desai was a famous Indian actress in the later phase of 1930s and the earlier phase of 1940s. She was the daughter of Dr. Umedram Lalbhai Desai and his second wife Satyabala Devi, a famous musician in the early 1900s. Leela Desai was born in Newark, New Jersey when her parents were on a 3-year American tour. Her father was a Gujarati and her mother was from Bihar. She grew up in India. Leela Desai owned a house in Darjeeling called "Lily Cottage". Her mother Satyabala Devi lived there until her death.

Career of Leela Desai
Leela Desai acted in 11 Indian movies and was the associate producer of the movie "Kabuliwali" that was released in the year 1961. In 1944, Leela Desai also acted in the movie "Kaliyan" with her sister Ramola. She acted opposite K.L.Saighal in some films which drew attention from audiences all over India.

List of movies by Leela Desai are as follows:
1. ‘Didi’
2. ‘Badi Bahen’
3. ‘President’
4. ‘Jiban Maran’
5. ‘Dushman’
6. ‘Kapal Kundala’
7. ‘Nartaki’
8. ‘Tamanna’
9. ‘Nagad Narayan’
10. ‘Kaliyan’
11. ‘Kabuliwali’

Leela Desai was an ardent dancer and a follower of Sohan Lal. Leela Desai was trained in the ‘Bhatkhande Music Institute’ that was established in Lucknow in 1926. The institute has played a vital role in training generations of performing artistes, dedicated gurus and gifted composers. She was introduced to films by New Theatres of Calcutta. Leela Desai was gorgeous in her dancing performances and her acting skill was exceptionally good with her strikingly convincing and expressive eyes and a face which reflected all emotions easily.