Vyjayanthimala Bali: A Legacy in Dance and Cinema Vyjayanthimala Bali, born 13 August 1933, stands as a pioneering figure in Indian cinema, renowned for her acting prowess and mastery of Bharata Natyam. Her career, spanning from 1949 to 1970, cemented her status as one of Hindi cinema's first female superstars. Early Success and Critical Acclaim: Her cinematic journey began with Tamil and Telugu films, before her Hindi debut in Bahar (1951). A breakthrough role in Nagin (1954) preceded her acclaimed performance as Chandramukhi in Devdas (1955), a role that garnered immense praise, though she famously declined the Filmfare Best Supporting Actress award, deeming her role co-equal to the lead. Commercial Success and Award Recognition: A string of successful films followed, including New Delhi, Naya Daur, and Aasha. Her performances in Sadhna (1958) and Madhumati (1958) earned Filmfare Best Actress nominations, with a win for Sadhna. Further accolades followed for her portrayals in Gunga Jumna (1961) and Sangam (1964), both earning her Filmfare Best Actress awards. A bold reinvention of her image included a memorable appearance in a swimsuit, followed by critically lauded roles in Amrapali (1966) and Jewel Thief (1967). Later Career and Honours: Post-retirement, Vyjayanthimala continued to shine as a Bharata Natyam exponent, receiving the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. The Government of India recognised her contributions, conferring the Padma Shri in 1968 and, most recently, the Padma Vibhushan in 2024. Her iconic roles, combined with her dedication to classical dance, solidified her legacy as a multifaceted talent who redefined the landscape of Indian entertainment.