Vyjayanthimala Bali (Tamil: வைஜெயந்திமாலா பாலி; born on August 13, 1936) 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.

She was also the first South Indian actress to become a national star and "paved way" for the other South Indian actresses such as Waheeda Rehman, Hema Malini, Rekha, Sridevi, Jaya Prada, Meenakshi Seshadri, Aishwarya Rai, Vidya Balan and Asin to foray into Bollywood.

Vyjayanthimala is also an accomplished dancer and was one of those who introduced semi-classical dance to Bollywood. Her subsequent dance numbers in her films had earned her the title of "twinkle toes".

She was also referred as one of the first female Superstars of Hindi cinema and was known as "Numero Uno actress" along with Hema Malini, Sridevi and Madhuri Dixit for her "illustrious career in 1950s and 1960s".

Born in an orthodox Tamil Brahmin family, Vyjayanthimala made her screen debut at the age of 13 through the Tamil film Vazhkai (1949) 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 actress of Tamil descent.

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.

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. 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.

She costarred with Dev Anand in Jewel Thief, with Rajendra Kumar in Suraj, with Shammi Kapoor in Prince, and with Kishore Kumar in his inane yet zany comedies,including the blockbuster New Delhi. Vyjayanthimala's Tamil movies included Vanjikottai Valiban, Irumbuthirai, Then Nilavu, Vaazhkai, Penn, Parthiban Kanavu (old), and Baghdad Thirudan.............

Vyjayanthimala married Dr. Chamanlal Bali. After marriage, she terminated her acting career and moved to Chennai. She has a son, Suchindra Bali, by Dr. Bali.

After she moved to Chennai, she entered politics as a member of the Lok Sabha (lower house). Later, she was nominated as a member of the Rajya Sabha (upper house). In 2007, she published her autobiography, titled "Bonding", with Jyoti Sabarwal as co-writer.

National & international honors;

• 1956 - Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award, for a role in Devdas. Vyjayanthimala did not accept the award, her contention being that her role in that movie was that of the main actress rather than a supporting actress. (That was the first time a person had declined to receive a Filmfare Award.)
• 1958 - Filmfare Best Actress Award, for a role in Madhumati
• 1958 - Nomination for Filmfare Best Actress Award, for a role in Sadhna
• 1961 - Filmfare Best Actress Award, for a role in Ganga Jamuna
• 1961 - BFJA Award for Best Actress for her role in Ganga Jamuna
• 1964 - Filmfare Best Actress Award, for a role in Sangam
• 1968 - Padma Shri Award from Government of India.
• 1982 - Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, 1982 for Bharatanatyam
• 1996 - Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award
• 2004 - "Legend of Indian Cinema" Award at Atlantic City (United States)
• 2005 - Lifetime Achievement Award at the Bollywood Movie Awards
• 2006 - Sivaji Award 2006
2007 - 2007 - Ambassador for Peace Award from Universal Peace Federation
• 2009 - ANR National Award. 2011 - Honored by the Government of France for visiting France during the filming of Sangam...........

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vyjayantimala

Date of Birth - 13 August, 1936

Place of Birth - Chennai, Tamil Nade, India

Height -5' 3" (1.60 m)

Mini Biography

Vyjanthimala was born in a Tamil-speaking family in Chennai, India, on August 13, 1936.

At the age of 4, she got the rare chance of performing a dance before the Pope.

Then at the age of 15, while in her final year at school, she was signed-up by family friend, M.V. Raman, for a role in a Tamil film 'Vazhkai'. This movie was successful at the box office and was re-made in Hindi during 1951 and released as 'Bahaar'.

Since her entry into films from 1949, this actress, who is also proficient in Bharat Natyam, has appeared in approximately 62 movies, the majority of them in the Hindi language. Her career spanned from 1949 through to 1989. She has received a total of five awards for her performances in 'Devdas', 'Sadhna', 'Ganga Jamuna', and 'Sangam', as well as a lifetime achievement award during 1995.

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 bikini in 'Sangam'. She also paved the way for other South Indian actresses, like Hema Malini, Rekha, Sridevi, etc. to make a transition to Bollywood. Her career was managed by her grandmother, Yadugiri Devi.

She married Raj Kapoor's personal physician, Dr. Chamanlal Bali after he divorced his first wife and re-located to Chennai, where she gave birth to a son, Suchindra.

After quitting films, Vyjantimala took up shrimp farming, opened up a dance academy, even took an active interest in politics, and with the backing of Indira Gandhi's Congress Party was elected Member of Parliament during the 1980s. She chose to quit politics due to principled differences during 1999.

After the passing of her husband, she now resides in Chennai, with her son, who is an aspiring actor in his own right, and has removed herself completely from Bollywood, in particular, and movies in general, though she could have easily continued on for another decade.

One of her hits 'Naya Daur', originally in Black & White, has now been colorized, and re-released.

In 2007, she published her autobiography titled "Bonding," where she revealed that she didn't have an affair with Raj Kapoor, her leading man and director from "Sangam" (1964).

Trivia

Vyjayanthimala won the Best Actress Filmfare Award three times, for her roles in _Sadhana (1958)_, Gunga Jumna (1961), and Sangam (1964/I). She also helped pave the way for more agile and beauteous South Indian actresses, from Hema Malini to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, to conquer the Hindi film industry.

Was known as one of Bollywood's finest dancers of her time. Vyjayanthimala, trained in Bharatanatyam dance, performed some super-hit song and dance numbers in Hindi films, and her influence on films has been far-reaching: with her, semi-classical dance became an integral part of almost every Hindi film heroine's credentials.

Was launched by M.V. Raman, a family friend, in AVM's Tamil film, Vazhkai (1949). The film was such a huge hit that it continued its success when remade in Hindi as Bahar (1951), also starring Vyjayanthimala.

Once refused the Best Supporting Actress Filmfare Award, as she felt that her role as 'Chandramukhi' in Devdas (1955) was not a supporting one; the strong-headed actress felt she was as much the heroine of the film as Suchitra Sen, who played 'Paro'.

Formed a popular on-screen pair with both the intense Dilip Kumar in films like Devdas, and the jocular Kishore Kumar in hits like New Delhi (1956) and Aasha (1957).

Fell in love with Raj Kapoor's personal physician, Dr. Bali, who treated her for pneumonia after she fell into the lake while shooting for a film. The two grew close and later married and had a child, Suchindra Bali. Vyjayanthimala subsequently decided to leave films while still at the top, and immersed herself in raising her son.

Joined politics for a while, and was close to Indira Gandhi. Vyjayanthimala was elected twice to the Lok Sabha (Indian Parliament's House of the People) and was a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha (Indian Parliament's Council of States). She resigned in 1999, however, as she thought the party was drifting from its avowed principles after the death of Rajiv Gandhi.

Honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi award by the National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama, and the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement award for her distinguished contribution to Indian cinema.

An excellent golf player, Vyjayanthimala was introduced to the game by her husband. She has even played in the National Golf Championship (15 Handicap).

Turned down the mother's role in _Deewaar, which later went to Nirupa Roy.

Personal Quotes

Art has now become less spiritual because of the attempts to modernize it. I don't believe in fusion. East is East and West is West. I plan to continue dancing and doing social service.

I believe in the purity of art. I think you have to be pure at heart to depict divinity.

I am basically an emotional person. Otherwise, I wouldn't be an artiste. I always speak from my heart and that's the way I like to be.

Where Are They Now

(2003) Currently lives in Chennai, and rarely comes to Mumbai.

(2004) She has distanced herself from Bollywood, and Mumbai in general. Continues to play an active role in politics.

3. Vijayanthimala

The first dancing Queen.

Her beauty was very much Indian and very much touching. Like Waheeda Rehman she had a certain vulnerability in her face. Her beauty shone the most when she was dancing.

All the joy and pure happiness reflected in her eyes as soon as she could give in to the music, and it gave her face an enchanting glow.

Her expressions were flawless, her dark eyes and hair, pretty much like in the case of Deepika, made her seem almost an illusion from a dream.

Source

10 most beautiful women of Bollywood ever!

Her Dance in Amrapali was totally superb Bro. Cool man Cool. I had a thing for her.

And, what was that thing, Nehru? 

Vyjayanthimala

Vyjayanthimala-unforgettable beauty queen Indian silver screen has seen.She starred with RAj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar and Rajendra Kumar , etc.A famous Bharathanatyam dancer too.

Source

Vyjayanthimala

RnM Team

24 Apr 12 19:00 IST

Charismatic Vyjayantimala

Young & Vivacious Vyjayanthimala

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 09:46:30 GMT

Source

"It's right that I was known as a dancing heroine and was the first from South India to star in Bollywood films. I had fans in the Middle East too, especially for my dance.

However, there has been a sea change in the trends since then", says Vyjayanthimala.

She adds, "There were dancers after us, Hema (Malini), Rekha, Sridevi and now Vidya (Balan). However, today it's more to do with fusion and western influence. During our time, we had our barefoot works, postures and poses and there was classicism in folk dances. We have done our share of western dances too, but there was a line drawn and we never went overboard."

Classifying 'Sangam' as a classic romantic flick, Vyjayanthimala feels realism is missing from films today. "The characters then were easily identifiable with people but today there are a lot of gimmicks. I agree that with advanced technology, it is easier to edit and change things. But in our times, we had to re-do the whole sequence if anything went wrong during shooting. We had more concentration and punctuality to go through all of this," she exclaims.

Speaking about her political stint during two terms from Chennai in the Lok Sabha, she said that her upbringing had a lot to do with sincerity, concentration and taking one thing at a time. "There is nothing wrong if role models take up politics but how you work at it and how much work you put in for your constituency is important. Even today, when I visit my constituency, I am addressed as 'MP-Amma'. I nourished my constituency in whatever little manner I could and they remember me for that."

She also believes that parents today do not inculcate roots of Indian tradition into youth. "The young have become sharp and can easily understand and grasp things, and hence I believe that while they follow some western cultures, Indian roots must not be forgotten. One should not neglect or avoid our roots. If they can argue and question, they must also understand and love our culture and not merely ape the West", she concludes.

Dancing with the Dreamgirls

Bollywood's hot red saree fetish

Shahrukh Khan could not resist falling down on his knees and singing Chand mera dil, Chandni ho tum when he first saw his Chemistry teacher Sushmita Sen dressed in a red georgette saree in Main Hoon Na. Maybe the scene in a way depicted the surrender of Bollywood designers to red sarees and their never ending love for the traditional Indian attire.

Several B-town actresses have popularised this trend lately. Vidya Balan brought out the flamboyant side of her character by flaunting a scarlet red saree in her curvaceous figure.

The latest film that has carried on the legacy of the red saree is Rowdy Rathore. While Sonakshi Sinha’sperformance in Chammak challo chail chabeeli might have drawn comparisons to Kareena Kapoor’s Chammak challo in Ra.One, what remains common between the two is their plum red saree.

The teaser of the much awaited movie Jism 2 that shows Sunny Leone of Big Boss fame flaunting her hour glass figure in a bright red saree is already creating a buzz in Bollywood.

Pointing out the relation between the colour red and saree, renowned fashion designer Ritu Kumar says, “Red saris are evocative of the best of a woman’s charm”. She further adds that red as a colour has a very strong appeal in India as it connotes wedding, fertility and auspicious occasions.

So do red sarees never go out of fashion in Bollywood? As veteran designer Ritu Kumar puts it, “Yes, because they are more than fashion - they symbolize a way of life.