Vyjayanthimala Bali, born on August 13, 1936 (89 years old), in Triplicane, a neighbourhood in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is a legendary name in Indian cinema and classical dance.
Vyjayanthimala rose to fame not just for her stunning screen presence but also for bringing Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form, into the spotlight of mainstream films.
Known for her roles in blockbuster Hindi films like Devdas, Sangam, Madhumati, and Naya Daur, Vyjayanthimala was a top actress during the 1950s and 60s.
Beyond acting, she’s a highly respected classical dancer and has performed on some of the biggest stages in India and abroad.
Continue reading Vyjayanthimala’s Biography to find out more about her husband, son, family, education, career, awards, net worth, and more.
Vyjayanthimala Wiki & Early Life
| Full Name | Vyjayanthimala Bali |
| Profession | Actress, Bharatanatyam Dancer, Choreographer, Carnatic Singer, Politician |
| Age | 89 years old |
| Date of Birth | August 13, 1936 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Zodiac/Sun Sign | Leo |
| Birthplace | Triplicane, Madras Presidency, British India (now Chennai, Tamil Nadu) |
| Current Address | Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
Vyjayanthimala Husband & Children
Vyjayanthimala’s personal life has always been kept private and graceful. She lived a happy married life and has a loving family, though she chose to stay away from media headlines after stepping out of films.
Husband – Dr. Chamanlal Bali
Vyjayanthimala married Dr. Chamanlal Bali in the year 1968. Dr. Bali was a respected physician and reportedly served as her personal doctor before they fell in love.
Their marriage was a quiet and private affair, and not much has been publicly revealed about the wedding venue.
The couple shared a strong bond and stayed together until 1986, when Dr. Bali sadly passed away. After his death, Vyjayanthimala never remarried and focused on her dance, public service, and family.
Son – Suchindra Bali
Vyjayanthimala and Dr. Bali have a son named Suchindra Bali, who pursued a brief acting career in the Tamil film industry.
Suchindra acted in a few films during the early 2000s, including Ninaithale, Kannodu Kanbathellam, and Samrat Ashoka. However, he did not continue for long in the film world.
More details about him are yet to be updated.
| Relationship Status | Widowed |
| Husband | Dr. Chamanlal Bali |
| Children | Son: Suchindra Bali |
Vyjayanthimala Family
Vyjayanthimala comes from a family deeply rooted in culture and tradition. Her early life was shaped by the strong influence of her mother and grandparents, who guided her in both education and the arts.
Father – M. D. Raman
Vyjayanthimala’s father was M. D. Raman. While not much is publicly known about his profession or personal life, he was separated from Vasundhara Devi when Vyjayanthimala was very young.
As a result, Vyjayanthimala was mostly raised by her mother and maternal grandparents. This early family setup gave her a strong and focused upbringing.
Mother – Vasundhara Devi
Her mother, Vasundhara Devi, was a well-known actress and classical dancer during the 1940s. She was one of the early female stars in South Indian cinema and also performed Bharatanatyam, just like her daughter.
Vasundhara Devi played a major role in encouraging Vyjayanthimala to take up classical dance from a young age. She ensured her daughter received the best training and always stood by her throughout her early career.
| Parent’s Name | Father: M. D. Raman Mother: Vasundhara Devi |
Vyjayanthimala Education
Vyjayanthimala studied at Sacred Heart Higher Secondary School in Chennai. Her early education was closely managed alongside her dance training, which was a big part of her childhood.
Details about her college education or any higher studies are yet to be updated.
| School | Sacred Heart Higher Secondary School, Chennai |
| Alma Mater | Yet to be updated |
| Highest Qualification | Yet to be updated |
Vyjayanthimala Career
Vyjayanthimala’s career is a rare mix of talent, discipline, and grace. She left a lasting impression in three major areas: cinema, classical dance, and politics.
Let’s take a deeper look at her journey from a young dancer to a national icon.
A Sparkling Start in Cinema (1949–1954)
Vyjayanthimala was just a teenager when she appeared in her first film, Vaazhkai (1949), a Tamil movie that became a major hit. Her natural beauty, expressive eyes, and flawless dance moves caught everyone’s attention.
Due to its success, the film was remade in Telugu (Jeevitham) and Hindi (Bahaar), marking her entry into other regional industries.
Her early Hindi films helped her build a name in Bollywood, where South Indian actresses were still rare. She was among the first to bridge that gap successfully.
Becoming a Bollywood Superstar (1955–1968)
The turning point came with Devdas (1955), where Vyjayanthimala played Chandramukhi. Though it was a supporting role, her performance was so strong that she won hearts across the country. After this, there was no looking back.
In the following years, she starred in major hits:
- Naya Daur (1957) opposite Dilip Kumar, a story of progress vs tradition.
- Madhumati (1958), a supernatural love story that became iconic.
- Gunga Jumna (1961), where she delivered a powerful role in a socially driven drama.
- Sangam (1964), a romantic triangle that became one of the biggest hits of its time.
Return to Classical Dance (Post-1968)
After her marriage in 1968, Vyjayanthimala gradually stepped away from acting. She chose to focus on her true love, Bharatanatyam, the classical dance form she had learned as a child. She began performing solo shows across India and internationally.
Her dance was not just about movement; it told stories, carried tradition, and inspired young dancers. She also taught and promoted Bharatanatyam as a living, breathing art form, not just stage entertainment.
Role in Politics and Public Life (1980s–1990s)
In the 1980s, she entered politics. She became a Member of Parliament representing the Indian National Congress. Her work focused on promoting culture and art through public platforms.
Later, she joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 1990s. Even in politics, Vyjayanthimala carried the same grace and dignity that defined her film and dance career.
A Quiet but Celebrated Present
Now in her late 80s, Vyjayanthimala lives in Chennai and rarely makes public appearances.
She is occasionally seen at cultural events or award functions, where she is always treated with great respect. She has remained a symbol of discipline, beauty, and cultural pride.
| Year | Role/Position | Industry |
| 1949 | Actress in Vaazhkai | Tamil Cinema |
| 1951 | Hindi Film Debut in Bahaar | Bollywood |
| 1955 | Breakthrough role in Devdas | Bollywood |
| 1957–64 | Top Actress in Films like Sangam | Bollywood |
| 1968 | Retired from films | — |
| 1970s–80s | Global Bharatanatyam Performer | Classical Dance |
| 1984 | Elected Member of Parliament (INC) | Indian Politics |
| 1999 | Joined BJP | Indian Politics |
Awards and Achievements
Vyjayanthimala has won several prestigious awards for her work in films and classical dance. Here is a list of some notable honours:
| Year | Award Name |
| 1965 | Filmfare Best Actress Award |
| 2001 | Padma Bhushan |
| 1995 | Sangeet Natak Akademi Award |
| 2007 | Filmfare Lifetime Achievement |
| 2017 | Kalaimamani Award (Tamil Nadu) |
Controversies
While Vyjayanthimala is widely admired for her elegance and discipline, a few moments in her public life drew media attention. These instances, though few, became talking points during different phases of her career.
Below is a table listing some of the known controversies linked to her name:
| Year | Controversy | One-Line Detail |
| 1957 | Refused Filmfare Award for Devdas | Declined Best Supporting Actress award, asserting her role was equally significant. |
| 2001 | National Film Awards Jury Decision | Faced criticism for awarding Raveena Tandon Best Actress; defended jury’s choice. |
Vyjayanthimala Net Worth, Salary
Vyjayanthimala’s net worth is around $20 million. Her annual salary details are yet to be updated.
| Net Worth in Dollars (Approx.) | $20 million |
| Salary (Approx.) | Yet to be updated |
Vyjayanthimala Height, Weight & Physical Stats
Vyjayanthimala stands about 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall and weighs around 62 kg (136 lbs). With sharp facial features, expressive black eyes, and long black hair, she carried a timeless elegance that matched her poised dance moves.
| Height | In centimetres: 165 cm In meters: 1.65 m In feet & inches: 5 feet 5 inches |
| Weight | In kg: 62 kg In lbs: 136 lbs |
| Body Measurements | 34-27-36 inches |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Black |
Interesting Facts About Vyjayanthimala
- Vyjayanthimala was the first South Indian actress to become a major star in Bollywood.
- She is a trained Carnatic singer in addition to being a dancer.
- She has performed Bharatanatyam globally, including for royalty and international audiences.
- Vyjayanthimala was once a Member of Parliament for the Indian National Congress.
- She was one of the first actresses to reject stereotypical roles, making bold career choices.
FAQs
What is Vyjayanthimala most famous for?
Vyjayanthimala is most famous for combining classical Bharatanatyam dance with acting in Indian cinema during the 1950s and 60s.
Did Vyjayanthimala win any national awards?
Yes, Vyjayanthimala received the Padma Bhushan and other honours for her contribution to cinema and dance.
Is Vyjayanthimala still active in public life?
Vyjayanthimala occasionally appears at cultural events but lives a mostly private life now in Chennai.
What was her debut film?
Vyjayanthimala debuted in the Tamil film Vaazhkai (1949) and later in Hindi with Bahaar (1951).
