Blast from the past: When journalism was at its wittiest best

*This article was a contribution by a Pinkvilla reader*

There was a time when journalists unleashed an actor in their wittiest best. Be it magazine, tabloid or a page 3, actors male or female were captured in uninhibited moments and at times were even mocked for their outrageousness. Subtlety was maintained but that didn't stop them from calling a spade a spade. Check out these paper clippings closely and you'll know what we mean:

When Nirupa Roy was criticised for showing off her varicose vein on camera

Nirupa Roy criticised again for not looking "coy" enough!

If that was not enough:

What gifts do we have in Santa's bag for these celebs?

A chastity belt for Hema Malini, an 8-ft long bed for Amitabh Bachchan, a darker shade of lipstick for Rishi Kapoor...oh! Santa has bagful of such gifts for other celebs. Check out the above pic.

Shabana Azmi's sati savitri act

A poll asking these yesteryear TV actresses if they want to get out of their saris

Hot Blooded hopefuls - well, you better check out the pic

When Rakhi's face was compared to a sweet potato

This was how actor Sulochona's thriller film - Chhupi Police', was introduced and the kids were called "ugly ducklings"

Dilip Kumar telling tales of flying into space in this Devdas' moment

Poonam Dhillon's story - Men not allowed

The femme fatales - Somy Ali and Aneeta Ayoob

She teaches the act of coyness

Helen promotes the textile industry as it doesn't spring a tear at her "wrong" place

When Rati Agnihotri declared her love for Sanjay Dut and scared other actors away from working with her.

And that's how debutante Minoo Mumtaz was introduced in Bollywood

Nutan in her Baarish' look

Oops! This actor's stomach is compared to a football...an unthinkable attempt in today's date

Guru Dutt's confusing attempt with Pyaasa'

When Rajendra Kumar tried to ape Dilip Kumar - this was the response he got

Mala Sinha and Vyjayanthimala in pic - and Mala Sinha questioned for letting her father to handle her professional affairs

This actress was praised for her curves and how!

Shammi Kapoor in Sipah Salar'

When this picture was a disgrace and not the way of women emancipation - My Choice?

Talking about "double chin" - Suchitra Sen receives the flak

Sunil Dutt goes terribly wrong with his neck angle

This is an introduction to Madhubala's Baghi Sipahi'

A drunken Raj Kapoor's oopsie moment

The New Breed - creatures of the new dawn? Where are the creatures?

When actors answered some unabated questions

The number of times Rekha made headlines...for reasons right and wrong