Vyjayanthimala: Difference between revisions
m Typo and General fixing, replaced: was the one of the → was one of the using AWB |
No edit summary |
||
Line 23: | Line 23: | ||
Vyjayanthimala was one the biggest [[Bollywood]] stars in a career lasting almost two [[decade]]s.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/specials/slideshows/60s/60-6.htm |title=Bollywood Divas: Sizzler of Sixties |publisher=[[Hindustan Times]] | year=2004 |author= |accessdate=2011-09-01 |location=}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/story/Return+of+southern+spice+girls/1/38743.html |title=Return of southern spice girls |publisher= [[India Today]] | date=2009-04-25 |author=Prashant Singh |accessdate=2011-08-27 |location=Mumbai}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.magnamags.com/content/view/7748/106/lang,english/ |title=A LIFE IN Beauty |publisher= [[Stardust (magazine)]] | date=2011-03-19 |author=Piyush Roy |accessdate=2011-08-27 |location=Mumbai}}</ref> She was also the first [[South India]]n actress to become a national star and "paved way" for the other South Indian actresses such as [[Hema Malini]], [[Rekha]], [[Sridevi]], [[Jaya Prada]], [[Meenakshi Seshadri]], [[Aishwarya Rai]] and [[Asin]] to foray into [[Bollywood]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/camera-does-wonders-today-vyjayanthimala-interview-news-national-ljvk4lgifdc.html |title=Camera does wonders today: Vyjayanthimala (Interview) |publisher=[[Sify]] | date=2011-09-21 |author=Dibyojyoti Baksi ([[Indo-Asian News Service]]) |accessdate=2011-09-30 |location=Mumbai}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.upperstall.com/people/vyjayanthimala |title=Vyjayanthimala |date=|author=TheThirdMan |accessdate=2011-08-16 |work=[[Upperstall.com]]}}</ref> Vyjayanthimala is also an accomplished dancer and was one of those who introduced semi-classical dance to [[Bollywood]].<ref name=Rediff/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/salsa-latino-edging-out-indian-classical-dances-in-bollywood-news-national-lbfm4hafghi.html |title=Salsa, Latino edging out Indian classical dances in Bollywood? |publisher=[[Sify]] | date=2011-01-05 |author=Priyanka Sharma |accessdate=2011-08-16 |location=}}</ref> Her subsequent [[Item number|dance numbers]] in her films had earned her the title of "twinkle toes".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2008/20080713/ttlife1.htm |title=Twinkle toes |publisher=[[The Tribune]] | date=2008-07-13 |author=Jasmine Singh |accessdate=2011-08-20 |location=[[Chandigarh]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2008/05/09/stories/2008050950640300.htm |title=A legend in her lifetime |publisher=[[The Hindu]] | date=2008-07-13 |author=R. K. |accessdate=2008-08-20 |location=[[Hyderabad, India]]}}</ref> |
Vyjayanthimala was one the biggest [[Bollywood]] stars in a career lasting almost two [[decade]]s.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/specials/slideshows/60s/60-6.htm |title=Bollywood Divas: Sizzler of Sixties |publisher=[[Hindustan Times]] | year=2004 |author= |accessdate=2011-09-01 |location=}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/story/Return+of+southern+spice+girls/1/38743.html |title=Return of southern spice girls |publisher= [[India Today]] | date=2009-04-25 |author=Prashant Singh |accessdate=2011-08-27 |location=Mumbai}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.magnamags.com/content/view/7748/106/lang,english/ |title=A LIFE IN Beauty |publisher= [[Stardust (magazine)]] | date=2011-03-19 |author=Piyush Roy |accessdate=2011-08-27 |location=Mumbai}}</ref> She was also the first [[South India]]n actress to become a national star and "paved way" for the other South Indian actresses such as [[Hema Malini]], [[Rekha]], [[Sridevi]], [[Jaya Prada]], [[Meenakshi Seshadri]], [[Aishwarya Rai]] and [[Asin]] to foray into [[Bollywood]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/camera-does-wonders-today-vyjayanthimala-interview-news-national-ljvk4lgifdc.html |title=Camera does wonders today: Vyjayanthimala (Interview) |publisher=[[Sify]] | date=2011-09-21 |author=Dibyojyoti Baksi ([[Indo-Asian News Service]]) |accessdate=2011-09-30 |location=Mumbai}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.upperstall.com/people/vyjayanthimala |title=Vyjayanthimala |date=|author=TheThirdMan |accessdate=2011-08-16 |work=[[Upperstall.com]]}}</ref> Vyjayanthimala is also an accomplished dancer and was one of those who introduced semi-classical dance to [[Bollywood]].<ref name=Rediff/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/salsa-latino-edging-out-indian-classical-dances-in-bollywood-news-national-lbfm4hafghi.html |title=Salsa, Latino edging out Indian classical dances in Bollywood? |publisher=[[Sify]] | date=2011-01-05 |author=Priyanka Sharma |accessdate=2011-08-16 |location=}}</ref> Her subsequent [[Item number|dance numbers]] in her films had earned her the title of "twinkle toes".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2008/20080713/ttlife1.htm |title=Twinkle toes |publisher=[[The Tribune]] | date=2008-07-13 |author=Jasmine Singh |accessdate=2011-08-20 |location=[[Chandigarh]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2008/05/09/stories/2008050950640300.htm |title=A legend in her lifetime |publisher=[[The Hindu]] | date=2008-07-13 |author=R. K. |accessdate=2008-08-20 |location=[[Hyderabad, India]]}}</ref> |
||
Born in an orthodox [[Tamil people|Tamil]] [[Brahmin]] family, Vyjayanthimala made her screen debut at the age of |
Born in an orthodox [[Tamil people|Tamil]] [[Brahmin]] family, Vyjayanthimala made her screen debut at the age of 13 years old through [[Vazhkai / Jeevitham|Vazhkai]] and acted in the [[Bollywood]] films ''[[Bahar (film)|Bahar]]'' and ''[[Ladki]]''. Following the success of ''[[Nagin (1954 film)|Nagin]]'', Vyjayanthimala established herself as a one of the [[Bollywood]]'s leading actress and a successful Tamil actress.<ref name=Rediff>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2002/may/06dinesh.htm |title=Bollywood's Dancing Queen |date=2002-05-06 |author=Dinesh Raheja |accessdate=2011-01-02 |work=[[Rediff]]}}</ref><ref name="tamil">{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/features/Slideshows/slideshows2/old-tamil-heroines/page4.html |title=The Beauty Queens of Yesteryears |accessdate=2011-05-15 |work=Behindwoods}}</ref> |
||
She left the industry after shooting for the [[historical film|historical]] [[Hindi film]] ''[[Amrapali (film)|Amrapali]]'' which was based on life of the ''[[nagarvadhu]]'' (royal [[courtesan]]) of [[Vaishali]], ''[[Ambapali|Amrapali]]'', though director [[Baldev Raj Chopra]] felt that she could have easily continued for another decade in lead roles.<ref name=Rediff/> |
She left the industry after shooting for the [[historical film|historical]] [[Hindi film]] ''[[Amrapali (film)|Amrapali]]'' which was based on life of the ''[[nagarvadhu]]'' (royal [[courtesan]]) of [[Vaishali]], ''[[Ambapali|Amrapali]]'', though director [[Baldev Raj Chopra]] felt that she could have easily continued for another decade in lead roles.<ref name=Rediff/> |
||
Line 38: | Line 38: | ||
When director M. V. Raman was looking for a new face to cast in [[AVM Productions]]'s ''[[Vazhkai / Jeevitham|Vazhkai]]'', he saw Vyjayanthimala performing Bharata Natyam in Chennai Gokhale Hall.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2007/01/20/stories/2007012000970200.htm |title=A golden innings |publisher=[[The Hindu]] | date=2007-01-20 |author=Anjana Rajan |accessdate=2011-03-06 |location=Chennai, India}}</ref> Then he tried to convince her grandmother, who was apprehensive about Vyjayanthimala in joining films as she felt it would come in the way of her education and dance.<ref name="child"/> Vyjayanthimala played as college girl named Rani and acted along with senior actors S. V. Sahasranamam, A.K. Kamalam, [[T. R. Ramachandran]] and K. Sankarapani. The movie was a big success and was simultaneously shot in Telugu also as ''[[Vazhkai / Jeevitham|Jeevitham]]'' with the slightly different cast, namely [[C. H. Narayana Rao]], [[S. Varalakshmi]] and [[Chilakalapudi Seetha Rama Anjaneyulu|C. S. R. Anjaneyulu]], the latter also enjoyed great success upon release.<ref name="child"/> For the Telugu version, Vyjayanthimala has dubbed her own voice with the assist of her father who knew Telugu well and coached her during the filming process.<ref name="child"/> Vyjayanthimala also did a guest appearance in the 1950 film ''Vijayakumari'' which had actress [[T. R. Rajakumari]] in [[dual role]].<ref name="guest"/> She danced for the song "laalu...laalu...laalu" which was choreographed by [[Vedantam Raghavaiah]].<ref name="guest">{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article43760.ece |title=Blast from the past: Vijayakumari (1950) |publisher=[[The Hindu]] | date=2009-11-05|author=Randor Guy |accessdate=2011-03-10 |location=Chennai, India}}</ref> Though the film was not a commercial success but her western-style of dance becomes popular and was considered as one of the major highlights of the film.<ref name="guest"/> |
When director M. V. Raman was looking for a new face to cast in [[AVM Productions]]'s ''[[Vazhkai / Jeevitham|Vazhkai]]'', he saw Vyjayanthimala performing Bharata Natyam in Chennai Gokhale Hall.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2007/01/20/stories/2007012000970200.htm |title=A golden innings |publisher=[[The Hindu]] | date=2007-01-20 |author=Anjana Rajan |accessdate=2011-03-06 |location=Chennai, India}}</ref> Then he tried to convince her grandmother, who was apprehensive about Vyjayanthimala in joining films as she felt it would come in the way of her education and dance.<ref name="child"/> Vyjayanthimala played as college girl named Rani and acted along with senior actors S. V. Sahasranamam, A.K. Kamalam, [[T. R. Ramachandran]] and K. Sankarapani. The movie was a big success and was simultaneously shot in Telugu also as ''[[Vazhkai / Jeevitham|Jeevitham]]'' with the slightly different cast, namely [[C. H. Narayana Rao]], [[S. Varalakshmi]] and [[Chilakalapudi Seetha Rama Anjaneyulu|C. S. R. Anjaneyulu]], the latter also enjoyed great success upon release.<ref name="child"/> For the Telugu version, Vyjayanthimala has dubbed her own voice with the assist of her father who knew Telugu well and coached her during the filming process.<ref name="child"/> Vyjayanthimala also did a guest appearance in the 1950 film ''Vijayakumari'' which had actress [[T. R. Rajakumari]] in [[dual role]].<ref name="guest"/> She danced for the song "laalu...laalu...laalu" which was choreographed by [[Vedantam Raghavaiah]].<ref name="guest">{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article43760.ece |title=Blast from the past: Vijayakumari (1950) |publisher=[[The Hindu]] | date=2009-11-05|author=Randor Guy |accessdate=2011-03-10 |location=Chennai, India}}</ref> Though the film was not a commercial success but her western-style of dance becomes popular and was considered as one of the major highlights of the film.<ref name="guest"/> |
||
[[Image:Vyjayanthibahar.jpg|thumb|200px|left|As the aspiring dancer Lata in ''[[Bahar (film)|Bahar]]'']] |
|||
The success of ''[[Vazhkai / Jeevitham|Vazhkai]]'' in South India inspired [[AVM Productions]] to remake it in Hindi as ''Bahar'' in 1951. In their first Hindi venture, they decided to cast Vyjayanthimala again in the lead role with Karan Dewan, [[Om Prakash]] and [[Pandari Bai]] who was credited as Padmini in the film.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2003/02/14/stories/2003021401030300.htm |title=Actress who glowed with inner beauty |publisher=[[The Hindu]] | date=2003-02-14 |author=Randor Guy |accessdate=2011-03-06}}</ref> She learned [[Hindi language|Hindi]] at the Hindi Prachar Sabha in order to dub her own voice for her character in the film.<ref name="child"/> [[Upperstall.com]] in their review, wrote that "She does bring the film to life with her dances though, something which was new then for the North Indian audiences".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.upperstall.com/films/1951/bahar |title=Bahar |publisher=[[Upperstall.com]] | date= |author= |accessdate=2011-03-06}}</ref> The film becomes [[Bollywood films of 1951|sixth highest grossing film of 1951]] with verdict hit.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=156&catName=MTk1MQ== |title=Box Office 1951 |publisher=Boxofficeindia.com | date= |author= |accessdate=2011-03-06}}</ref> |
The success of ''[[Vazhkai / Jeevitham|Vazhkai]]'' in South India inspired [[AVM Productions]] to remake it in Hindi as ''[[Bahar (film)|Bahar]]'' in 1951. In their first Hindi venture, they decided to cast Vyjayanthimala again in the lead role with Karan Dewan, [[Om Prakash]] and [[Pandari Bai]] who was credited as Padmini in the film.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2003/02/14/stories/2003021401030300.htm |title=Actress who glowed with inner beauty |publisher=[[The Hindu]] | date=2003-02-14 |author=Randor Guy |accessdate=2011-03-06}}</ref> She learned [[Hindi language|Hindi]] at the Hindi Prachar Sabha in order to dub her own voice for her character in the film.<ref name="child"/> [[Upperstall.com]] in their review, wrote that "She does bring the film to life with her dances though, something which was new then for the North Indian audiences".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.upperstall.com/films/1951/bahar |title=Bahar |publisher=[[Upperstall.com]] | date= |author= |accessdate=2011-03-06}}</ref> The film becomes [[Bollywood films of 1951|sixth highest grossing film of 1951]] with verdict hit.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=156&catName=MTk1MQ== |title=Box Office 1951 |publisher=Boxofficeindia.com | date= |author= |accessdate=2011-03-06}}</ref> |
||
After the success of all her debut film in all three languages, Vyjayanthimala again acted in [[multilingual]] film which was produced by [[Avichi Meiyappa Chettiar]] of [[AVM Productions]].<ref name="child"/> The first version |
After the success of all her debut film in all three languages, Vyjayanthimala again acted in [[multilingual]] film which was produced by [[Avichi Meiyappa Chettiar]] of [[AVM Productions]].<ref name="child"/> The first version was in Tamil as ''[[Penn (film)|Penn]]'' where she was co-starred by actor [[Gemini Ganesan]], [[Sundaram Balachander|S. Balachandran]] and [[Anjali Devi]]. The song "Kalyanam...venum" sung by [[J. P. Chandrababu]] for [[Sundaram Balachander|S. Balachandran]] becomes an instant hit.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2009/10/02/stories/2009100250670400.htm |title=A voice that mesmerised |publisher=[[The Hindu]] | date=2011-10-05 |author=Randor Guy |accessdate=2011-03-06 |location=Chennai, India}}</ref> The second version was in Telugu as ''[[Sangham]]'' which was released in the same year with [[N. T. Rama Rao]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2004/05/14/stories/2004051401350100.htm |title=Finger on people's pulse |publisher=[[The Hindu]] | date=26-02-2006 |author=S. R. Ashok Kumar ki|accessdate=2011-03-06}}</ref> Vyjayanthimala, S. Balachandran and Anjali Devi in the lead. The Tamil and the the Telugu was a big success across the South India.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/54829.html |title=Anjali Devi Sathabhishekam function |publisher=Indiaglitz.com | date=27-02-2010 |author= |accessdate=2011-03-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/02/26/stories/2006022606720200.htm |title=Commemorative postage stamp on Gemini Ganesan |publisher=[[The Hindu]] | date=26-02-2006 |author= |accessdate=2011-03-06 |location=Chennai, India}}</ref> The film was once again remade in Hindi as ''[[Ladki]]'' starring [[Bharat Bhushan]], [[Kishore Kumar]] while Vyjayanthimala with Anjali Devi reprises their role from the original film respectively. Her performance was described by Upperstall as, "Vyjayanthimala's dances that are the film's saving graces although it is unintentionally funny now to see how deliberate and obviously tacky the sequences are which lead into her dances[...]Ladki too makes no real demands on 'feminist' tomboy Vyjayanthimala histrionically".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.upperstall.com/films/1953/ladki |title=Ladki |publisher=[[Upperstall.com]] | date= |author= |accessdate=2011-03-06}}</ref> The movie became [[Bollywood films of 1953|second highest grossing film of 1953]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=159&catName=MTk1Mw==== |title=Box Office 1953 |publisher=Boxofficeindia.com | date= |author= |accessdate=2011-03-06}}</ref> |
||
===1954-1955=== |
===1954-1955=== |
Revision as of 14:05, 8 October 2011
Vyjayanthimala Bali (வைஜெயந்திமாலா பாலி) | |
---|---|
Born | Vyjayanthimala Raman August 13, 1936[1] |
Other names | Vaijayanthimala, Vyjayanti Mala, Vyjantimala, Vaijayantimala Bali |
Occupation(s) | Actress, Indian classical dancer, carnatic singer, Golfer, Politician |
Spouse | Chamanlal Bali (1968–1986)(His death) |
Children | Suchindra Bali(born 1976) |
Parent(s) | M. D. Raman (Father)(deceased) Vasundhara Devi (Mother)(deceased) |
Signature | |
![]() |
Vyjayanthimala Bali (Tamil: வைஜெயந்திமாலா பாலி; born on August 13, 1936)[1] is an Indian film actress, Bharathanatyam dancer, carnatic singer, dance choreographer, golfer and a Parliamentarian.
Vyjayanthimala was one the biggest Bollywood stars in a career lasting almost two decades.[2][3][4] She was also the first South Indian actress to become a national star and "paved way" for the other South Indian actresses such as Hema Malini, Rekha, Sridevi, Jaya Prada, Meenakshi Seshadri, Aishwarya Rai and Asin to foray into Bollywood.[5][6] Vyjayanthimala is also an accomplished dancer and was one of those who introduced semi-classical dance to Bollywood.[7][8] Her subsequent dance numbers in her films had earned her the title of "twinkle toes".[9][10]
Born in an orthodox Tamil Brahmin family, Vyjayanthimala made her screen debut at the age of 13 years old through Vazhkai and acted in the Bollywood films Bahar and Ladki. Following the success of Nagin, Vyjayanthimala established herself as a one of the Bollywood's leading actress and a successful Tamil actress.[7][11]
She left the industry after shooting for the historical Hindi film Amrapali which was based on life of the nagarvadhu (royal courtesan) of Vaishali, Amrapali, though director Baldev Raj Chopra felt that she could have easily continued for another decade in lead roles.[7]
Besides film, Vyjayanthimala's main concentration was in Bharata Natyam a form of Indian classical dance. After quitting movies Vyjayanthimala Bali continued with her dance career. In addition, Vyjayanthimala was conferred with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, the highest Indian recognition given to practicing artists.[12] The award was presented to Vyjayanthimala in 1982 for her contribution in Bharata Natyam field. Moreover, Vyjayanthimala is also an avid golfer where she is one of the oldest golfer in Chennai.[13]
Early life
Born in Triplicane situated near Parthasarathy Temple in a orthodox and religious Tamil Brahmin Iyengar family to M. D. Raman and Vasundhara Devi.[14] Her mother was a leading actress in Tamil Cinema in 1940s where her film Mangama Sabatham was the first ever Tamil film to be declared a colossal hit at the box office.[14] She used to call her mother by her name as her mother was 16 years elder than her when she was born.[15] Similarly, she also calls her father as "Anna", means elder brother, as her father happened to be the eldest in their family and everyone called him as "Anna" which is common among Brahmin joint family.[15] During her childhood, she was raised primarily by her maternal grandmother, Yadugiri Devi, and her father, M.D. Raman. She was also known as mononym "Papakutty", which means little child.[16]
At age 5, Vyjayanthimala was chosen to perform a classical Indian dance for Pope Pius XII while her mother shared the honor as an audience in 1940 at Vatican City.[17] Vyjayanthi did her schooling at Sacred Heart Higher Secondary School, Presentation Convent, Church Park, Chennai.[16] She learned Bharata Natyam from Guru Vazhuvoor Ramiah Pillai and Carnatic music from Manakkal Sivaraja Iyer. She had her arangetram at the age of 13 and started performing all over Tamil Nadu later.[16]
Acting career
Early career: Debut and breakthrough, (1949-1953)
When director M. V. Raman was looking for a new face to cast in AVM Productions's Vazhkai, he saw Vyjayanthimala performing Bharata Natyam in Chennai Gokhale Hall.[18] Then he tried to convince her grandmother, who was apprehensive about Vyjayanthimala in joining films as she felt it would come in the way of her education and dance.[16] Vyjayanthimala played as college girl named Rani and acted along with senior actors S. V. Sahasranamam, A.K. Kamalam, T. R. Ramachandran and K. Sankarapani. The movie was a big success and was simultaneously shot in Telugu also as Jeevitham with the slightly different cast, namely C. H. Narayana Rao, S. Varalakshmi and C. S. R. Anjaneyulu, the latter also enjoyed great success upon release.[16] For the Telugu version, Vyjayanthimala has dubbed her own voice with the assist of her father who knew Telugu well and coached her during the filming process.[16] Vyjayanthimala also did a guest appearance in the 1950 film Vijayakumari which had actress T. R. Rajakumari in dual role.[19] She danced for the song "laalu...laalu...laalu" which was choreographed by Vedantam Raghavaiah.[19] Though the film was not a commercial success but her western-style of dance becomes popular and was considered as one of the major highlights of the film.[19]
The success of Vazhkai in South India inspired AVM Productions to remake it in Hindi as Bahar in 1951. In their first Hindi venture, they decided to cast Vyjayanthimala again in the lead role with Karan Dewan, Om Prakash and Pandari Bai who was credited as Padmini in the film.[20] She learned Hindi at the Hindi Prachar Sabha in order to dub her own voice for her character in the film.[16] Upperstall.com in their review, wrote that "She does bring the film to life with her dances though, something which was new then for the North Indian audiences".[21] The film becomes sixth highest grossing film of 1951 with verdict hit.[22]
After the success of all her debut film in all three languages, Vyjayanthimala again acted in multilingual film which was produced by Avichi Meiyappa Chettiar of AVM Productions.[16] The first version was in Tamil as Penn where she was co-starred by actor Gemini Ganesan, S. Balachandran and Anjali Devi. The song "Kalyanam...venum" sung by J. P. Chandrababu for S. Balachandran becomes an instant hit.[23] The second version was in Telugu as Sangham which was released in the same year with N. T. Rama Rao,[24] Vyjayanthimala, S. Balachandran and Anjali Devi in the lead. The Tamil and the the Telugu was a big success across the South India.[25][26] The film was once again remade in Hindi as Ladki starring Bharat Bhushan, Kishore Kumar while Vyjayanthimala with Anjali Devi reprises their role from the original film respectively. Her performance was described by Upperstall as, "Vyjayanthimala's dances that are the film's saving graces although it is unintentionally funny now to see how deliberate and obviously tacky the sequences are which lead into her dances[...]Ladki too makes no real demands on 'feminist' tomboy Vyjayanthimala histrionically".[27] The movie became second highest grossing film of 1953.[28]
1954-1955
In 1954, Vyjayanthimala acted in magnum opus film Nagin with Pradeep Kumar. The film got favorable responses from the audience and becomes the highest grossing movie of 1954.[29] Subsequently, she establish herself as one of the leading actress in Bollywood through the film's nationwide success.[30] Hemant Kumar's music and her dance accompanying the song, Man Dole, Mera tan dole, rendered by Lata Mangeshkar was one of the highlights of the film.[31] Then on the same year she also acted in Miss Mala with Kishore Kumar. Furthermore, Vyjayanthimala also debuted in Kannada cinema through a film called Asha Nirasha which was produce by G. D. Venkatram.[32] The film also had Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi as the playback singers,[32] but the movie was unreleased[33] though the producer's son Srikant Venkatram claimed that the film was released and flopped miserably at box office which made the film unrecognized.[32]
In 1955, Vyjayanthimala acted around 5 films in Bollywood. The first one is Pakistani director Abdur Rashid Kardar's Yasmin alongside Pakistani actor Suresh which won the Filmfare Best Cinematographer for Dwarka Divecha. Besides that, she also starred in three other films namely Pehli Jhalak with Kishore Kumar, Sitara with Pradeep Kumar and Jashan with Karan Dewan. Eventually all the films failed at box office.
On the same year, Bimal Roy cast her as Chandramukhi opposite Dilip Kumar in the critically acclaimed Devdas which was the adaptation of the novel with same title by Sharat Chandra Chatterji. The industry initially was not in favor of this choice when they heard about Vyjayanthimala being casted in Bimal Roy's film, the response being: "Why don't you take comedian Kishore Kumar as Devdas?".[7] Initially Nargis was selected for Chandramukhi's role, as she refused to accept the role, the latter such as Bina Rai and Suraiya also follows her footstep as they wanted to essay the lead role of Paro, which earlier offered to Meena Kumari.[34] Subsequently, the film unit suffered with financial crisis and at this point where Vyjayanthimala offered herself for the role where she said to Bimal Roy, "I am ready if you think I can do it".[34] On the other hand, Nabendu Ghosh, the script writer of Devdas, said that, "I did not approve of Vyjayanthimala [as Chandramukhi], but we had no option --- no one wanted to play Chandramukhi, and we were committed to our distributors[...]She was, of course, a very good actress, but she was too young for Chandramukhi, as envisioned by Saratbabu".[34] On her performance, Rediff wrote, "Vyjayanthimala imbues Chandramukhi with true sympathy. Who better than Chandramukhi would know the pain of a hopeless love?[...]Vyjayanthimala, a star after the blockbuster Nagin, still had to establish her acting credentials when Roy went against the tide and cast her in the role of Chandramukhi"[35] while Upperstall.com describe her performance as, "Vyjayantimala's Chandramukhi is embellished with her graceful dance style that evolves with the evolution in her character within the film from a popular dancing woman to a woman, who, in love with Devdas, has unconsciously mutated to reflect the mainstream woman. For Vyjayantimala, the character marked a turning point from glamour to pure histrionics, offering her scope to explore her potential as a dramatic actress without taking away from her, the most outstanding gift she brought to cinema – her dance".[36] Subsequently, she won Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress but refused to accept it, stating that her role was a leading one—and in equal importance to the role essayed by Suchitra Sen--and not supporting.[36] In 2006, a poll conducted by Rediff ranked her role Chandramukhi as one of the best Tawaif character in Bollywood.[37] Though the film was critically successful but it did not garnered much expectation at box office and ended up as 10th highest grossing movie of 1955 with verdict average.[38]
1956-1959
After being recognized as an actress with Devdas Vyjayanthimala then acted in various movie in 1956, namely Taj, Patrani and Anjaan: Somewhere in Dehli with Pradeep Kumar and Kismet Ka Khel with Sunil Dutt. Then on that same year she also done a movie called Devta which was a straight remake from successful Tamil film Kanavaney Kankanda Deivam.[39] Surprisingly she acted in a supporting role as a vamp that originally done by Lalitha. The movie was also starred by Gemini Ganesan and Anjali Devi in lead also reprising their role from the original.[39] Vyjayanthimala then acted with Kishore Kumar again the comedy film New Delhi which becomes fifth highest grossing film of 1956 with verdict hit.[40] The film is about love between a Punjabi boy, played Kishore Kumar and Tamil girl, played by Vyjayanthimala. Her performance was applauded by critics alike, a review on Upperstall.com, described her performance as, "Vyjayanthimala proves to be the perfect foil for Kishore Kumar[...]has always had the mandatory dance sequence in practically every film of hers evoking 'classical art' associations. She excels in the two main dances in New Delhi - the solo Bharatnatayam Aliruppu number and the Bhangra folk dance in her Punjabi avtaar and she is absolutely brilliant in the Bhangra folk dance[...]in her second avtar even Vyjayanthimala played a Punjabi girl and most successfully too".[41]
In 1957, director B. R. Chopra planned to make a film Naya Daur with Ashok Kumar as the lead actor, but the actor refused to accept the role and it later when to actor Dilip Kumar.[42] For the female lead earlier star-actress Madhubala was selected, after the 15 days of initial shooting at Mumbai the director wanted the unit to travel to Bhopal for an extended outdoor shooting. Ataullah Khan, the father of Madhubala, objected to this. Finally, Chopra sued Madhubala for the cash advance she received from him for a film she now had no intention of completing.[43] Subsequently, he replaced her with Vyjyanthimala, she had previously acted with Dilip Kumar in Devdas. The film has a theme of "man vs. machine" and her portrayal as village belle, Rajni had been receive positive reviews from critics. A review from Rediff says that, "Vyjayanthimala too is not your average petulant gaon ki gori. She ably projects a hands-on worker who comes up with ideas on how to ford a stream and risks her life to save the bridge[...]wonderful scene between two stars whose chemistry is undeniable"[44] while reviewer Taran Adarsh from Bollywood Hungama mention that, "Commendable performances come in from Vyjayantimala [natural][...]The relationships [Dilip Kumar-Vyjayantimala] are so human and believable".[45] At the end of its theatrical run the film collected around ₹ 5,40,00,000 thus becomes second highest grossing film of 1957[46] behind the critical acclaimed film Mother India which becomes the highest grossing Bollywood film ever at the time.[47] Her next release was Kath Putli where she co-starred with actor Balraj Sahni.[48] The film is about a young girl named Pushpa who is good dancer and singer and she assists puppeteer Shivraj in his puppet show. The film was Amiya Chakravarty's last film where he died during the filming of the film and the filming was completed by director Nitin Bose. She then acted in Ek Jhalak with Rajendra Kumar and Pradeep Kumar which was produced by the latter with his home production company Deep & Pradeep Productions.[49] Vyjayanthimala then acted again with Kishore Kumar in the partially-colour-made film Aasha[50] which becomes hit at box office.[51] The story is about Kishore played by Kishore Kumar, who is a good person but he is framed for a wrong murder case and Vyjayanthimala act as Nirmala, lover of Kishore. The song Eena Meena Dekha sung by Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle in two different versions becomes very popular.[50] The film also introduced actress Asha Parekh in a song alongside Vyjayanthimala whom she describe as her matinee idol.[52]
Political career
Vyjayanthimala Bali | |
---|---|
Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) for Madras South | |
In office 1984–1991 | |
Prime Minister | Indira Gandhi Rajiv Gandhi V. P. Singh Chandra Shekhar Singh P. V. Narasimha Rao |
Preceded by | R. Venkataraman |
Succeeded by | R. Sridharan |
Personal details | |
Political party | Indian National Congress (1984 to 1999) Bharatiya Janata Party (1999 to present) |
Vyjayanthimala's political career was initiated in 1984 when she was contested for the South Chennai constituency as the nominee of the Indian National Congress opposite Era Sezhiyan, the leader of Janata Party and seasoned parliamentarian.[53] During the campaign, Sezhiyan took provoking quotes such as "Send me to the Lok Sabha. Send her to R.R. Sabha (an organisation promoting fine arts)"[53] in order to defeat Vyjayanthimala, ironically she won the election with margin of about 48,000 votes.[53] Subsequently, she debuted in the Lok Sabha, the directly elected lower house of the Parliament of India in the end of January, 1985 with Amitabh Bachchan.[54]
In 1989, Vyjayanthimala again had to face the election, this time she was opposed by Aladi Aruna of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.[53] She again beat her opposition by nearly 1.25 lakh votes.[53] Later on 1993, she was nominated to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Parliament of India for a six-year term.[15]
In 1999, she has resigned from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress party.[55] In her letter to the party's president Sonia Gandhi, she included the reason for her resignation where she said that, "painfully watching the party drifting from its avowed principles after the death of Rajiv Gandhi. The party has lost touch with its grassroots and one can see day in and day out that sincere party workers are being steadily ignored", she adds more, "increasingly difficult to justify ourselves to the public and my conscience does not allow me to stay in the party any longer".[55][56] Later she joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on September 6, 1999.[57][58]
Personal life
Relationships
She is married Chamanlal Bali. After marriage, she terminated her acting career and moved to Chennai. They have a son, Suchindra Bali. In 2007, she published her autobiography, titled Bonding, with Jyoti Sabarwal as co-writer.[59]
Religious views
Vyjayanthimala is a Vaishnavite and is a vegetarian.[15][60] She is a religious person and grew up listening to holy chants and devotional songs.[14] She is a devotee of Aandaal, one of the 12 Alvar saints of South India.[15] She used to invoke Aandaal before any public performance in order to gain her blessing.[15]
Awards
Notable filmography
Year | Film | Role | Language | Notes and Awards |
---|---|---|---|---|
1954 | Nagin | Mala | Hindi | |
1955 | Devdas | Chandramukhi | Hindi | Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress |
1956 | New Delhi | Janaki Subramaniam | Hindi | |
1957 | Naya Daur | Rajni | Hindi | |
Aasha | Nirmala | Hindi | ||
1958 | Sadhna | Champabai | Hindi | Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Actress |
Vanjikottai Valiban | Mandakini | Tamil | ||
Madhumati | Madhumati / Madhavi / Radha | Hindi | Filmfare Award for Best Actress | |
1959 | Paigham | Manju | Hindi | |
1960 | Parthiban Kanavu | Kundhavi | Tamil | |
Irumbu Thirai | Manju | Tamil | ||
Baghdad Thirudan | Laleela | Tamil | ||
1961 | Then Nilavu | Shanthi | Tamil | |
Gunga Jumna | Dhanno | Hindi | Filmfare Award for Best Actress BFJA Award for Best Actress | |
1964 | Sangam | Radha | Hindi | Filmfare Award for Best Actress |
Leader | Princess Sunita | Hindi | ||
1966 | Amrapali | Amrapali | Hindi | |
Suraj | Princess Anuradha Singh | Hindi | ||
1967 | Hatey Bazarey | Chhipli | Bengali | |
Jewel Thief | Shalini Singh / Shalu | Hindi | ||
1968 | Sunghursh | Munni / Laila-E-Aasmaan | Hindi | BFJA Award for Best Actress |
1969 | Prince | Princess Amrita | Hindi |
See also
- List of Indian film actresses
- List of Tamil film families
- List of Indian women in dance
- List of Tamil actors
- List of Tamil people
- List of people from Tamil Nadu
- List of Iyengars
- List of actors who have played multiple roles in the same film
- List of item numbers in Indian cinema
References
- ^ a b Kumar, Divya (25 February 2009). "All the city is a stage". The Hindu. Retrieved 17 June 2011.
- ^ "Bollywood Divas: Sizzler of Sixties". Hindustan Times. 2004. Retrieved 2011-09-01.
- ^ Prashant Singh (2009-04-25). "Return of southern spice girls". Mumbai: India Today. Retrieved 2011-08-27.
- ^ Piyush Roy (2011-03-19). "A LIFE IN Beauty". Mumbai: Stardust (magazine). Retrieved 2011-08-27.
- ^ Dibyojyoti Baksi (Indo-Asian News Service) (2011-09-21). "Camera does wonders today: Vyjayanthimala (Interview)". Mumbai: Sify. Retrieved 2011-09-30.
- ^ TheThirdMan. "Vyjayanthimala". Upperstall.com. Retrieved 2011-08-16.
- ^ a b c d Dinesh Raheja (2002-05-06). "Bollywood's Dancing Queen". Rediff. Retrieved 2011-01-02.
- ^ Priyanka Sharma (2011-01-05). "Salsa, Latino edging out Indian classical dances in Bollywood?". Sify. Retrieved 2011-08-16.
- ^ Jasmine Singh (2008-07-13). "Twinkle toes". Chandigarh: The Tribune. Retrieved 2011-08-20.
- ^ R. K. (2008-07-13). "A legend in her lifetime". Hyderabad, India: The Hindu. Retrieved 2008-08-20.
- ^ "The Beauty Queens of Yesteryears". Behindwoods. Retrieved 2011-05-15.
- ^ "Gursharan gets 'Akademi Ratna'". United News of India, Press Trust of India. The Tribune. 2007-03-01. Retrieved 2011-08-27.
- ^ "Perfect strokes". Chennai: The Deccan Chronicle. 2011-09-08. Retrieved 2011-09-10.
- ^ a b c Randor Guy (2007-11-23). "blast from the past". Chennai, India: The Hindu. Retrieved 2011-02-26.
- ^ a b c d e f R. C. Rajamani (2007-11-23). "'Dance is futile without devotion'". Chennai, India: The Statesman. Retrieved 2011-05-15.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Sudha Umashanker (2001-04-19). "Bali uncensored". Chennai, India: The Hindu. Retrieved 2011-03-06.
- ^ "Sruti Foundation awards presented". Chennai, Tamil Nadu: The Hindu. 22-08-2010. Retrieved 2011-04-20.
{{cite news}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help) - ^ Anjana Rajan (2007-01-20). "A golden innings". Chennai, India: The Hindu. Retrieved 2011-03-06.
- ^ a b c Randor Guy (2009-11-05). "Blast from the past: Vijayakumari (1950)". Chennai, India: The Hindu. Retrieved 2011-03-10.
- ^ Randor Guy (2003-02-14). "Actress who glowed with inner beauty". The Hindu. Retrieved 2011-03-06.
- ^ "Bahar". Upperstall.com. Retrieved 2011-03-06.
- ^ "Box Office 1951". Boxofficeindia.com. Retrieved 2011-03-06.
- ^ Randor Guy (2011-10-05). "A voice that mesmerised". Chennai, India: The Hindu. Retrieved 2011-03-06.
- ^ S. R. Ashok Kumar ki (26-02-2006). "Finger on people's pulse". The Hindu. Retrieved 2011-03-06.
{{cite news}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help) - ^ "Anjali Devi Sathabhishekam function". Indiaglitz.com. 27-02-2010. Retrieved 2011-03-06.
{{cite news}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help) - ^ "Commemorative postage stamp on Gemini Ganesan". Chennai, India: The Hindu. 26-02-2006. Retrieved 2011-03-06.
{{cite news}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help) - ^ "Ladki". Upperstall.com. Retrieved 2011-03-06.
- ^ "Box Office 1953". Boxofficeindia.com. Retrieved 2011-03-06.
- ^ "Box Office 1954". Boxofficeindia.com. Retrieved 2011-03-10.
- ^ "Top Actress". Boxofficeindia.com. Retrieved 2011-03-10.
- ^ Vijay Lokapally (07-05-2010). "BLAST FROM THE PAST :Nagin (1954)". Chennai, India: The Hindu. Retrieved 2011-03-10.
{{cite news}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help) - ^ a b c Janaki Vishwanathan (30-05-2010). "The Kaapi Diaries". Mumbai: MiD DAY. Retrieved 2011-06-26.
{{cite news}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help) - ^ S. Shyam Prasad (07-02-2010). "South Masala: For the record". Bangalore Mirror. Retrieved 2011-06-26.
{{cite news}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help) - ^ a b c Lata Khubchandani (2002-07-05). "'I did not approve of Vyjayanthimala as Chandramukhi'". Rediff. Retrieved 2011-05-11.
- ^ Dinesh Raheja (2002-02-07). "An eternal love story: Devdas". Rediff. Retrieved 2011-05-12.
- ^ a b "Devdas". Upperstall.com. Retrieved 2011-03-20.
- ^ Dinesh Raheja (2006-10-30). "Bollywood's top tawaifs". Rediff. Retrieved 2011-09-30.
- ^ "Box Office 1955". Boxofficeindia.com. Retrieved 2011-03-20.
- ^ a b Randor Guy (21-12-2009). "Blast from the past: Kanavaney Kankanda Deivam". Chennai, India: The Hindu. Retrieved 2011-03-27.
{{cite news}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help) - ^ "Box Office 1956". Boxofficeindia.com. Retrieved 2011-03-20.
- ^ The Third Man. "New Delhi". Upperstall.com. Retrieved 2011-05-05.
- ^ "Naya Daur". Upperstall.com. Retrieved 2011-05-08.
- ^ Prithwish Ganguly (03-11-2009). "Revisiting Naya Daur's purana memories". Daily News and Analysis. Retrieved 2011-05-08.
{{cite news}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help) - ^ Dinesh Raheja (31-08-2002). "Naya Daur: A utopian ideal". Rediff. Retrieved 2011-05-08.
{{cite news}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help) - ^ Dinesh Raheja (03-08-2007). "Naya Daur (1957)". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 2011-05-08.
{{cite news}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help) - ^ "Box Office 1957". Boxofficeindia.com. Retrieved 2011-05-02.
- ^ Bose, Derek (2006). Everybody wants a hit: 10 mantras of success in Bollywood cinema. Jaico Publishing House. p. 1. ISBN 978-81-7992-558-4. Retrieved 23 February 2011.
- ^ Dinesh Raheja (20-09-2002). "The immense talent of Balraj Shani". Rediff. Retrieved 2011-05-08.
{{cite news}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help) - ^ Dinesh Raheja (02-06-2003). "Ever the royal: Pradeep Kumar". Rediff. Retrieved 2011-06-30.
{{cite news}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help) - ^ a b "1957: Year that was". The Indian Express. 27-02-1998. Retrieved 2011-06-10.
{{cite news}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help) - ^ "Box Office 1957". boxofficeindia.com. Retrieved 2011-06-10.
- ^ Dinesh Raheja (10-06-2002). "Asha Parekh: Bollywood glamorous good girl". Rediff. Retrieved 2011-06-10.
{{cite news}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help) - ^ a b c d e T. Ramakrishnan, R.K. Radhakrishnan, Raktima Bose (09-05-2009). "Actor's South Chennai link". The Hindu. Retrieved 2011-05-14.
{{cite news}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Vandita Mishra (23-08-2010). "Gas leak outrage: Cutting through the fog". The Indian Express. Retrieved 2011-05-14.
{{cite news}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help) - ^ a b United News of India (28-08-1999). "Vyjayanthimala quits Congress". The Indian Express. Retrieved 2011-05-14.
{{cite news}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help) - ^ United News of India (27-08-1999). "Vyjayanthimala quits Congress". New Delhi: The Tribune. Retrieved 2011-05-14.
{{cite news}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help) - ^ "National Events in 1999". The Hindu. Retrieved 2011-05-14.
- ^ "Independent India". Sify. Retrieved 2011-05-15.
- ^ "On life and the arts". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 2007-09-13.
- ^ "Vyjayanthimala". Cineplot.com. 2010-05-20. Retrieved 01-10-2011.
{{cite news}}
: Check date values in:|accessdate=
(help)
External links
- Indian film actors
- Hindi film actors
- Tamil actors
- Tamil people
- 1933 births
- Living people
- People from Chennai
- Filmfare Awards winners
- Recipients of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
- Indian actor–politicians
- 8th Lok Sabha members
- 9th Lok Sabha members
- Indian classical dancers
- Bharatanatyam exponents
- Carnatic singers
- Bengal Film Journalists' Association Award winners
- Bharatiya Janata Party politicians
- Indian National Congress politicians
- Indian National Congress politicians from Tamil Nadu
- Indian dancers
- Indian choreographers
- Indian classical choreographers
- Indian film choreographers
- Indian female singers
- Indian sportswomen
- Indian female golfers
- Female golfers
- Playback singers
- Indian film singers
- Bollywood playback singers
- Indian women in politics
- Tamil Nadu politicians
- Indian politicians
- Dance instructors