Raj Kapoor Creates Another Screen Icon…Vyjayanthimala – Part 4

Born in Chennai to actress Vasundhara Devi, Vyjayanthimala was a trained Bharat Natyam dancer. Her poise and elegance were noticed by many which got her easy entry into the world of films. She worked in many movies with Dilip Kumar like Devdas (1955), Naya Daur (1957), Madhumati (1958), Paigham (1959) and Ganga Jamna (1961) before being assigned into the RK banner. Raj Kapoor fell in love with her beauty and charisma and decided to cast her in his dream project Sangam in 1964. The actress politely declined due to various reasons but the Barsaat actor didn’t give up, he convinced her to do this movie and she finally agreed. Her decision to act in this film turned out to be a turning point in her career and personal life.

The Jewel Thief actress wore some of the most exquisite outfits designed by Oscar-winning costume designer Bhanu Athaiya. Her selection of costumes for the song ‘Main Ka Karun Ram Mujhe Buddha mil Gaya became an instant hit and is one of the most iconic songs even today. The actress’s cabaret-like performance wearing seductive clothing cleverly to adapt to Indian audiences was a jaw-dropping moment for viewers and was groundbreaking in its own way. Who can forget the red swimming costume the actress wore but reluctantly in the song Bol Radha bol Sangam hoga ke nahin… Vyjayanthimala paved the way for many more girls of her time like Sridevi, Hema Malini to make a smooth transition into Indian cinema from the south.