Vyjayanthimala did what many thought was impossible for a south Indian actor: take Hindi film dom by storm. Neeti Jaychander studies a brilliant career of over two decades.
In the 1951 superhit, Bahar, a fresh-faced 16-year-old made her debut, confidently crooning Saiyaan Dil Mein Aana Re, leaving the audience riveted. The song became a rage, and the actor, even more so. Vyjayanthimala had arrived in Bollywood.
Born in Chennai to MD Raman and actor Vasundhara Devi, the young ingénue had started her career two years earlier with Vazhkai, the Tamil version of the same film, but was clearly destined for a bigger stage. After all, this was the girl who’d performed bharatanatyam at the Vatican City for Pope Pius XII when she was just five! Soon after Bahar, offers and hits started pouring in. In the early ’50s, she straddled the worlds of regional and Hindi cinema, but would soon come to focus solely on the latter. Dr Kamala Selvaraj, eminent gynaecologist and daughter of Tamil superstar Gemini Ganesan, gives us an idea of just how young the star was when she crested the peak. “I first met Vyjayanthimala at the shooting of Thaen Nilavu in Kashmir. The first time I saw her on the sets, she was wearing a half-sari (an outfit worn by young, unmarried girls in Tamil Nadu). My older sister and I had a great time with her during the shoot, which lasted for a month. We played table tennis and used to call her akka (older sister in Tamil). In Kashmir, we stayed in the same house. Every evening, the neighbours arranged a get together and we’d all have dinner. Akka entertained us by singing Ghadi Ghadi Mera Dil Dhadke from Madhumati. She sang so well. We in turn sang Thangathilae Oru Kurai Iruntha, which she liked a lot. The time we spent in Kashmir flew by so quickly. Even after she got back to Mumbai, she kept in touch with us through letters. I know her son, her daughter-in-law and their kids. We are like family. Even now, every time she sees me, she gives me a tight hug.”
This story is from the October 25, 2016 edition of Femina.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 25, 2016 edition of Femina.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Productivity Tips To Stay Focused
Make the most of your time with productivity tips for a focused workday in a hectic schedule.
Check The Health Of Your Wealth
Kalwyna Rathod shares tips for women to build financial wellness
How's Your Aura Doing Today?
Do you have a positively-charged aura? Prachi Rijhwani helps you find out
AGAINST ALL ODDS
SAIKA ISHAQUE's cricketing journey is a remarkable story of resilience, determination, and triumph against adversity, writes Kayal Arivalan
MASTERING THE ART OF TEACHING
DR SANGHAMITRA BUDDHAPRIYA talks to Ravina M Sachdev about her many accomplishments and her inspiration to become a professor
ART ATTACK
KANIKA RANKA ADANI, founder of The Studio Project, talks to Ravina M Sachdev about turning her passion into her profession
GLOBAL CRAVINGS
PLAKA in Bengaluru promises an exceptional dining experience for casual dining enthusiasts eager to explore international cuisines
TAKE A BREAK IN GANGTOK
Nestled amid the breathtaking landscapes of the Eastern Himalayas, Gangtok is a serene choice for your summer vacation
NOURISHING THE NEW MOTHER
The right nutrition can help new mothers recover and feel stronger.
QUIT RIGHT
Pratyasha Sarkar shares ways to quit your job without burning your bridges