She is truly a dancer for the ages.
Vyjayanthimala is an actress who knows how to sparkle in dance sequences.
Several numbers featuring her onscreen stand the test of time for her elegant moves.
When the audience watches her control over the choreography, they go away in awe.
The veteran star Hema Malini praises her, saying, “She is so full of life, still so full of dance in her.
“She talks dance, lives dance and has a glow and aura around her.”
Although Vyjayanthimala quit her career in 1970, her legacy still lives on through her iconic dance sequences.
We proudly present five such routines that every Bollywood fan must watch.
Ude Jab Jab Zulfen Teri – Naya Daur (1957)
‘Ude Jab Jab Zulfen Teri’ is from the classic Naya Daur, directed by BR Chopra.
It stars Vyjayanthimala as Rajni, opposite her frequent co-star Dilip Kumar (Shankar).
In this song, Rajni and Shankar celebrate their romance against a beautiful score adorned with clapping beats.
Vyjayanthimala sways her hips, and every movement is in sync, displaying her zest for uninterrupted rhythm.
After Dilip Sahab died in 2021, the actress picked Naya Daur as one of her favourite films she did with him.
Interestingly, Madhubala was cast as Rajni before Vyjayanthimala. However, the latter leaves an indelible mark on the film.
Her performance in ‘Ude Jab Jab Zulfen Teri’ is the ornament of the film.
On YouTube, a fan comments: “Vyjayanthimala Ji…an absolutely beautiful and talented superstar.”
Buddha Mil Gaya – Sangam (1964)
In the array of Vyjayanthimala’s most famous films, Sangam stands out with an unmatched glean.
‘Buddha Mil Gaya’ was one of Bollywood’s first dance sequences of its kind.
The routine features Vyjayanthimala as Radha, as she playfully teases her husband Sundar (Raj Kapoor).
Radha sings about how Sundar is old while dancing in her husband’s lap.
She wears tight jeans, and the choreography includes a lot of leg movement and sensual dancing.
With this song, Vyjayanthimala played an integral role in the evolution of the Bollywood heroine.
In 2024, the actress reflected on the song. She said: “When it was conceived, I was a little apprehensive.
“Once I decided to go ahead with it, I gave it my best shot.
“Though it was a naughty number, I can proudly say there was not a jot of vulgarity.”
Vyjayanthimala shows her boldness and courage in the song, which paved the way for a new perspective on Indian actresses.
For Sangam, she won the 1965 Filmfare ‘Best Actress’ award.
Neel Gagan Ji Chhaon Mein – Amrapali (1966)
In this gem of a film, Vyjayanthimala brings the titular courtesan to life.
Clad in beautiful red clothing, she performs with determination and vigour.
Her graceful expressions make the routine more endearing and enticing to the audience.
She twirls and glides across the dance floor, showcasing her beauty and talent to high degrees.
In the latter part of the song, there is a segment in the routine which shows Vyjayanthimala breaking out several moves speedily.
However, her control never falters. She is truly a dancer for the ages.
A fan comments: “Vyjayanthimala is an artist with God-given talent. Her style of dancing is an art of its own kind.
“I have never seen such a divine figure in my life.”
“Every single pace or movement of her dance rendered a meaningful Indian classical expression.
“Amazing how beautiful is Vyjayanthimala. Unique person in Indian classical dance.
“Artists like her are nowadays very tough to find.”
Another said: “Wow! Couldn’t take my eyes off Vyjayantimala.
“Her makeup, figure, body structure, hairstyle, costume, colour scheme, jewellery, her grace.
“Everything is so perfect.”
Hothon Pe Aisi Baat – Jewel Thief (1967)
Vijay Anand’s classic Jewel Thief boasts one of Vyjayanthimala’s finest acts.
‘Hothon Pe Aisi Baat’ depicts the star as Shalini ‘Shalu ‘ Singh.
She dances wildly and finds an anchor in Vinay/Prince Amar (Dev Anand).
It is a demanding routine, but Vyjayanthimala nails every step.
Each movement transitions seamlessly to the other. The result is a sublime and dignified performance, with class shining out of its every fibre.
Vyjayanthimala remarks that it was Dev Sahab’s influence which helped her perfect the number:
“There was that song ‘Hothon Pe Aisi Baat’, which required inhuman amounts of stamina and energy from me.
“I think the fact that I was working with Dev Sahab gave me that energy and stamina.
“I remember after we finished shooting this song, Dev Sahab clapped.
“I think I am the female Dev Anand.”
Vyjayanthimala certainly possesses her own identity, which is evident in every frame of ‘Hothon Pe Aisi Baat’.
Muqabla Humse Na Karo – Prince (1969)
This song contains two of Bollywood’s greatest dancers – Vyjayanthimala (Princess Amrita) and Helen (Sophia).
The energetic superstar Shammi Kapoor also dazzles as Prince Shamsher Singh /Sajjan Singh.
Vyjayanthimala’s footwork in the routine is astounding, as she uses her lower limbs with gusto and confidence.
She doesn’t seem at all perturbed by the strenuous requirements, which clearly demand a lot of precision and perfection.
The routine is a representation of the Bharatnatyam dance form, which Vyjayanthimala performs with charisma and professionalism.
This vision, coupled with the famous flamboyance of Shammi Kapoor, makes this song and routine an aesthetic treat.
Vyjayanthimala is a terrific dancer, full of talent and elegance.
Her performances have inspired a host of actresses, old and new.
Over 50 years since she quit her career, her acts are still used as examples and are still memorable in the minds of the audience.
These dance sequences show her mettle and her unique knack for the craft.
For that, Vyjayanthimala should be respected and saluted.
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