Biography

Vyjayanthimala Bali (née Raman; born August 13, 1933), known mononymously as Vyjayanthimala, an Indian parliamentarian, dancer and former actress. Born to actress and dancer Vasundhara Devi in a Tamil-speaking family, she had a rare opportunity of performing a dance before the Pope at the age of 7. This cemented her interest in film and she became the one of the highest paid Indian actress of the 1950s and 1960s. Her accolades include five Filmfare Awards, two BFJA Awards, a Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian honour granted by the Government of India, and a Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian honor granted by the Government of India. Her dance numbers, such as 'Hothon Pe Aisi Baat Main Dabake Chali Aai.