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Indian Express
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Vyjayanthimala was ready to quit movies at 35, but people from the industry didn't accept her decision: ‘The offers kept coming'
For the most part, Bollywood is a world few ever leave willingly. Many who enter continue working until their last breath or until they slip to the bottom of the call sheet. Yet, there are rare exceptions, and one of the most striking is actor Vyjayanthimala. Born into a traditional family in Chennai, she stepped into films, matched the best in the business at their own game, and then chose to walk away long before anyone could catch up. In a recent interview, Vyjayanthimala discussed the events leading up to her exit from the film industry and how she wasn't planning to wait for anyone's permission to leave. In an interview with ETimes, Vyjayanthimala was asked how she feels when she looks back at her time in films. She replied that God has been very kind to her throughout her life and that she feels fortunate to still enjoy good health. The actor added that she has no regrets about her career, and believes her early exit was shaped by several factors, one being that she began working at a very young age. Vyjayanthimala made her debut at just 16 with the Tamil film Vaazhkai in 1949. The actor said that by the time she was 35, she was ready to move on and start a family. ALSO READ: Abandoned by Bollywood, child star extraordinaire pledged allegiance to Pakistan in 1950s; Raj Kapoor tried to lure him back Director Naresh Kumar's Ganwaar boasted a stellar cast, featuring Rajendra Kumar, Pran, and Jeevan. It was also Vyjayanthimala's final film. The actor admitted that few in the industry were willing to believe or accept her decision to step away. Yet, despite the disbelief, she was determined to leave, having already made up her mind to marry Dr. Chamanlal Bali, the Kapoor family's physician. Vyjayanthimala revealed that their bond grew stronger through a shared passion for golf, which ultimately brought them closer together. Vyjayanthimala also listed some films that she feels were the highlight of her career, such as B. R. Chopra's Sadhana, Raj Kapoor's Sangam, Bimal Roy's Madhumati, Lekh Tandon's Amrapali, Vijay Anand's Jewel Thief, and of course, Dilip Kumar and Nitin Bose's Ganga Jumna. The classical dancer-turned-actor admitted that while she cherished every moment of her acting career, she has no regrets about leaving when she did and never dwells on what might have been.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
"I have no regrets": Vyjayanthimala at 92 on quitting Bollywood at her peak
Vyjayanthimala In the pantheon of Indian cinema, few stars have managed to combine grace, glamour, and gravitas the way Vyjayanthimala did. A trained Bharatanatyam dancer who brought classical poise to commercial cinema, she was as convincing in the chiffon romance of 'Sangam' as she was in the dramatic depths of 'Madhumati' or the regal splendor of 'Amrapali. ' Her beauty was undeniable, her screen presence magnetic, and her performances timeless. On August 13, the legendary actress turned 92—a milestone she embraces with joy and gratitude. ETimes contacted the legendary actress, and in an exclusive conversation, she shared about her career, marriage, and much more. 'God has been kind. At my age I am still in good health. When I look back on my life and career, I feel no regret, only a deep sense of satisfaction at what I've done.' Vyjayanthimala says warmly. 'I was very young when I started acting. At age 35, I was ready to get married and retire from the movies.' From Stardom to Self-Chosen Exit Her decision to step away from films at the peak of her career was met with disbelief in the industry. 'My last film was Ganwaar with Rajendra Kumarji. But my fans and producers were not willing to accept my decision. The offers kept coming,' she recalls. 'But I had made up my mind to marry Chamanlal Bali. We came close through our mutual interest in golf.' The marriage marked the beginning of a life away from the arc lights, a choice she never once questioned. A Career of Unforgettable Performances When asked about her favorite films, Vyjayanthimala's list reads like a treasure trove of Hindi cinema classics. She shared, "Oh, there are so many! I love B. R. Chopra Saab's Sadhana, Raj Kapoorji's 'Sangam', Bimal Royji's 'Madhumati', Lekh Tandonji's 'Amrapali', Vijay Anandji's 'Jewel Thief', and of course 'Ganga Jumna', which is everyone's favorite. I loved every moment of my career while it lasted. I loved every moment of my career while it lasted. Once I quit, I never looked back.' At 92, she embodies a rare kind of peace: the satisfaction of a life lived on her own terms. "Get the latest news updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie Coolie and War 2 ."
