Contents
Vyjayanthimala
Bringing classical dance and dramatic acting together in Indian cinema.
Devdas · Madhumati
- Born
- Unknown
- Birthplace
- Chennai, India
More people
Vyjayanthimala
Vyjayanthimala is an Indian dancer and former film actor whose career spanned Tamil, Telugu and Hindi cinema. She later served in Parliament while continuing her association with classical dance.
Early life
Performing family
Her mother Vasundhara Devi was an actor, and her grandmother helped raise her.
Dance training
Studied Bharatanatyam with Vazhuvoor Ramaiah Pillai.
Birth records
Her birthday is reported as 13 August, but published sources disagree between 1933 and 1936 for the year.
Career
- 1949
Film debut
Starred in the Tamil film Vaazhkai.
- 1951
Hindi cinema
Made her Hindi debut in Bahar.
- 1950s–1960s
Leading roles
Became a prominent star of major Hindi productions.
- 1980s–1990s
Parliament
Served in both houses of India’s Parliament.
Selected work
Devdas
Played Chandramukhi in Bimal Roy’s adaptation.
Madhumati
Starred in the reincarnation drama.
Sangam
Played Radha in Raj Kapoor’s romantic drama.
Beyond work
Classical dance
Maintained a substantial Bharatanatyam practice beyond her film career.
Family
Her son Suchindra also worked as an actor.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Sangeet Natak Akademi dance awards ↗Photo: Bollywood Hungama. CC BY 3.0 · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
