Vyjayanthimala

About

Indian award-winning actress, dancer, and politician who served as a member of the Indian parliament from 1984-1991, and from 1993-1999. She received critical acclaim for her role in the 1955 period drama, Devdas, which is considered her best performance. She has won two BFJA Awards and five Filmfare Awards for her work.

Before Fame

She was selected to perform a classical Indian dance for Pope Pius XII at the age of seven.

Trivia

She was awarded the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian honor, by the Government of India in 1968. She retired from acting in 1970 after starring in the film Ganwaar. Upon receiving a Filmfare Award for her role in Devdas, she declined the award, saying that her role was equal to her co-star, Suchitra Sen.

Family Life

Her parents are M. D. Raman and Vasundhara Devi. She and her late husband, Chamanlal Bali, had one son, Suchindra Bali. 

Associated With

She starred alongside Suchitra Sen in Devdas.