Remembering Vijaya Bhanu: The 70's star who dedicated her life to classical dance
Veteran actress and classical dancer Vijaya Bhanu, aged 72, passed away in Chennai due to a heatstroke. Known for her extensive work in South Indian cinema and her contributions to classical dance, she acted in over 100 films and founded Sri Shakti Sharada Nritya Niketan in Los Angeles. Her sister plans to publish a book honoring her life and legacy.
Her final visit to Chennai — meant to check on her ancestral home — proved to be her farewell. Last month, veteran actress and classical dancer Vijaya Bhanu passed away in the city after suffering a heatstroke.
She was 72.
Vijaya Bhanu's sister, Dr Sindhoori Jayasinghe, issued an official press note sharing the news of her sister's demise and honouring her memory. 'My sister was an angel and a true warrior. She illuminated countless lives and was a role model for many. As a tribute, we plan to publish a comprehensive book on her life. Jayaprada, a close friend, attended her funeral in Chennai. It was my sister's inspiration that brought me to the US, where I now run a dance school.
We aim to ensure her story is told with dignity,' she said.
An ambassador of Indian classical dance
At the peak of her career, she married an American and settled in Los Angeles. There, she founded Sri Shakti Sharada Nritya Niketan, training thousands in Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, and Kathakali. She was conferred the Natyamayuri title and performed extensively around the world. Despite her life abroad, she stayed deeply connected to her roots.
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Vijaya Bhanu is survived by her husband and daughter in the United States.
A legacy of over 100 films
A star of 1970s South Indian cinema, Vijaya Bhanu acted in over 100 films across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi. Her comedic pairing with Rajababu was iconic, and she shared the screen with NTR, Kamal Haasan, Shobhan Babu, and Chiranjeevi. She won the Nandi Award for Idi Katha Kaadu.
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