Vyjayanthimala

Actor

Madras, Madras State, British India [now Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India]

August 13, 1933

Biography

Vyjayanthimala Bali (née Raman; born August 13, 1933), known mononymously as Vyjayanthimala, an Indian parliamentarian, dancer and former actress. Born to actress and dancer Vasundhara Devi in a Tamil-speaking family, she had a rare opportunity of performing a dance before the Pope at the age of 7. This cemented her interest in film and she became the one of the highest paid Indian actress of the 1950s and 1960s. Her accolades include five Filmfare Awards, two BFJA Awards, a Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian honour granted by the Government of India, and a Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian honor granted by the Government of India. Her dance numbers, such as 'Hothon Pe Aisi Baat Main Dabake Chali Aai...', 'Man Doley Mera Tan Doley...'; 'Chad Gaiyo Paapi Bichua...'; 'Main Ka Karu Ram Mujhey Buddha Mil Gaya' continue to be popular even today. She made waves when she appeared in a fire red swimsuit in 'Sangam'. She also paved the way for other South Indian actresses, like Hema Malini, Rekha, Sridevi, etc. to make a transition to Bollywood. After the passing of her husband, she retired from Bollywood and now resides in Chennai, with her son, who is an aspiring actor in his own right. In 2011, her son presented her with a grandchild.