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 ExitHer 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 PerformancesWhen 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.
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