Mumbai, March 10: Indian cinema has seen many actresses who have captured the hearts of audiences with their beauty, dance, and acting. Among them, Padma Khanna stood out in the 70s and 80s. She was not only renowned for her performances in films but also became a household name for her role as Queen Kaikeyi in the popular TV series “Ramayan.”
Few know that her journey into films was inspired by the legendary actress Vyjayanthimala. After witnessing Padma’s dance, Vyjayanthimala encouraged her to try her luck in films. This small piece of advice turned out to be a significant turning point in Padma’s life.
Born on March 10, 1949, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Padma had a deep interest in dance from a young age. At just seven, she began training in Kathak under the renowned guru Birju Maharaj and started performing on stage around the age of twelve. Audiences were always eager to see her dance.
During one event, Vyjayanthimala noticed Padma’s talent. Being an expert in classical dance herself, she had a keen eye for recognizing talent. After watching Padma perform, she advised her to pursue a career in films. This encouragement led Padma to make her debut in the film industry.
Padma Khanna began her acting career with the Bhojpuri film “Ganga Maiya Tohe Piyari Chadhibo” at the age of approximately 14. This film is considered one of the popular entries in Bhojpuri cinema. She subsequently worked in several Bhojpuri films, gradually establishing her identity in the industry. Her performances in films like “Bidesia,” “Balam Pardesia,” “Dharti Maiya,” and “Bhaiya Dooj” were well-received.
Her true recognition in Hindi cinema came when she had the opportunity to perform a dance number in Dev Anand’s film “Johnny Mera Naam.” The song “Husn Ke Laakhon Rang,” filmed on her, became immensely popular, catapulting her into the limelight. Following this, she received numerous offers to work as a dancer in various films. She also played a significant role in “Pakeezah,” serving as a body double for actress Meena Kumari in some dance sequences.
Another pivotal moment in Padma’s career was her appearance in the film “Saudagar,” where she starred alongside the legendary Amitabh Bachchan. The song “Sajna Hai Mujhe Sajna Ke Liye” from this film became a massive hit. Gradually, she became a well-known actress in both the Hindi and Bhojpuri film industries, particularly recognized for her dance.
After her film career, Padma Khanna ventured into television. Renowned producer-director Ramanand Sagar cast her as Queen Kaikeyi in his famous series “Ramayan.” Initially, she declined the role, not wanting to portray a negative character. However, after discussions with Ramanand Sagar, she agreed. This role became so popular that she became recognized in nearly every household across the country.
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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