Latest news with #Vyjayanthimala
Indian Express
20 hours 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.
India Today
a day ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
8 all-time hit movies of Vyjayanthimala
8 all-time hit movies of Vyjayanthimala August 13, 2025 Vyjayanthimala, one of the iconic actors of Bollywood in the 1950s and 60s, was known for powerful expressions, acting, and dance. She was part of many hit films that are still remembered by the audience. Here are her 8 best films of all time. 'Devdas' is based on the famous novel of the same name. The story follows the downfall of man after he loses his love. Vyjayanthimala plays the role of Chandramukhi, a kind-hearted courtesan. Devdas (1955) Starring Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthimala, it is a haunted love story about past life and reincarnation. Madhumati became the highest-grossing film of the year. Madhumati (1958) This film follows two brothers with different personalities. Vyjayanthimala plays the role of Dhanno, a village girl who is in love with Ganga. Gunga Jumna (1961) Credit: IMDb This film follows a love triangle among childhood friends. The story explores the themes of love, friendship, sacrifices, and romance. Sangam (1964) This film revolves around Vijay, a law graduate who boldly criticises the government. Vyjayanthimala plays the role of princess Sunita, who falls in love with Vijay and becomes a part of his fight against injustice. Leader (1964) This film is a historical drama about a patriotic courtesan of Vaishali. She falls in love with Emperor Ajaatshatru, who wants to conquer Vaishali. However, after knowing his true identity, she ends her relationship with him. Amrapali (1966) This film is about a princess, Anuradha, who is kidnapped by a Bandit, Suraj. The story follows their adventures, romance, and twists. Suraj (1966) It is a suspenseful thriller about a jewel thief and his look-alike. Vyjayanthimala plays the role of Shalini, a glamorous and mysterious woman linked to theft. Jewel Thief (1967)
Time of India
a day 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 ."
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
When Rishi Kapoor revealed his mom Krishna Kapoor moved out of Raj Kapoor's house when he was having an affair with Vyajanthimala: 'My mother wouldn't give in till.....'
Vyjanthimala was one of the best actresses in Indian cinema, known for her movies like 'Naya Daur', 'Madhumati', 'Sangam' and more. While she achieved a top position among actresses of those times along with others like Waheeda Rehman , Madhubala, her journey wasn't easy. She faced a lot of body shaming and later was also in the news for rumours of her relationship with Raj Kapoor when he was already married to Krishna Kapoor. Her entry into films came at just 16, with the 1949 Tamil hit Vaazhkai. But her road to success wasn't always smooth — she endured body shaming early in her career. In her memoir Bonding, she recalled how Nagin director Nandlal Jaswantlal would humiliate her in public: 'You are too plump and still have a lot of baby fat. You have such a round face, that it fills the whole screen. Don't look like an idli.' The taunts often left her with 'tears shimmering in my eyes, all set to roll down. ' Vyjayanthimala's career choices were overseen by her grandmother, Yadugiri Devi, who mistrusted Raj Kapoor's reputation with women. Even so, gossip linked the two actors, especially after Sangam. Vyjayanthimala denied any affair in her memoir, calling it a publicity stunt: 'Manufacturing the romance because of his hunger for publicity.' But Rishi Kapoor 's autobiography Khullam Khulla told a different story. He wrote about moving out of the family home with his mother, Krishna Kapoor, during the alleged affair: 'I remember moving into the Natraj Hotel on Marine Drive with my mom during the time papa was involved with Vyjayanthimala. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brother Donates Kidney To Save Sister's Life. One Year Later, He Says, I Wish I Never Did It, When This Happens Daily Sport X Undo From the hotel, we shifted for two months into an apartment in Chitrakoot. My father had bought the apartment for mom and us. He did all he could to woo her back, but my mother wouldn't give in until he had ended that chapter of his life. ' Vyjayanthimala and Raj Kapoor appeared together in just two films — Nazrana (1961) and Sangam (1964). Then, in 1968, at the height of her stardom, she stunned the industry by marrying the Kapoor family's doctor, Dr. Chamanlal Bali, and stepping away from films. Dance, however, remained a constant in her life through stage performances. Reflecting on her decision, she wrote, 'I made the wisest decision of my life, I left the films at the right time. I have no regrets because I worked with some of the best.'
India.com
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Raj Kapoor's wife Krishna Kapoor once left home with Rishi Kapoor and other children after she found out that the superstar was...
Veteran actor Raj Kapoor is among the iconic and legendary actors Indian cinema has witnessed. Raj Kapoor, also called the showman of the industry, contributed over five decades to the industry. While his professional life always made headlines, his personal life remained under public scrutiny. Fans knew well about Raj's drinking habits, but another major and shocking revelation about the actor was once made by his own son Rishi Kapoor. When Rishi Kapoor's autobiography Khullam Khulla: Rishi Kapoor Uncensored came to the limelight, a lot of shocking details were revealed, and one of them was Raj Kapoor's extra-marital affair. Raj Kapoor had an extra-marital affair with There have been various occasions when Raj Kapoor's name was linked to various actresses from the yesteryears. If media reports are to be believed, Raj Kapoor and his wife Krishna Raj Kapoor had a major disagreement when she came to know about her husband's extra-marital affairs with Vyjayanthimala and Nargis. In his biography, Rishi wrote, 'When I was young, my father's name was in the news for his affairs with many actresses. But the memories of the disputes in the house faded with time. When my mother came to know about his extra-marital affair with Sangam co-star Vyjayanthimala, the matter got worse. There were a lot of fights between mummy and papa. This time, Mother was not ready to step back, and she left the house with me. For some time, we stayed in a hotel, and later we had a flat in Chitrakoot where we started living. When papa realized his mistake, things got sorted out (sic).' Rishi also shared details about his father's relationship with Vyjayanthimala, which led to several disruptions in their family. However, Raj Kapoor's much-talked-about extra-marital affair was not with Vyjayanthimala but with his co-star Nargis, a romance that frequently made headlines. The relationship, however, never materialized, and Nargis eventually married Sunil Dutt.
