On her birthday, we bring you a list of Vyjayanthimala films that you can't do without
Devdas (1955)
Director : Bimal Roy
Cast: Dilip Kumar, Vyjayanthimala, Suchitra Sen, Motilal
She played the third angle to the love triangle in this tragic love story. Her interpretation of the golden hearted nautch girl, Chandramukhi was lauded for its strength and sensitivity.
Naya Daur (1957)
Director : BR Chopra
Cast: Dilip Kumar, Vyjayanthimala, Ajit
It was a man versus machine battle with socialist leanings and Vyjayanthimala played not only Dilip Kumar's love interest but also someone who actively helped him achieve his goals. The film had gone earlier to Madhubala but such was the depth of her portrayal that it made people forget the fact.
Madhumati (1958)
Director: Bimal Roy
Cast: Dilip Kumar, Vyjayanthimala, Pran, Johnny Walker
It was the most difficult film of her career. She had to portray not one, not two but three distinct characters on screen. She played Madhumati, Madhavi and Radha with equal aplomb and won plaudits all over. Her dance numbers, especially Chadh gayo paapi bichua, were much admired too.
Ganga Jumna (1961)
Director : Nitin Bose
Cast : Dilip Kumar, Vyjayanthimala, Nasir Khan
She had to learn Bhojpuri for the film and proved equal to the task. Her diction, her mannerisms were so good that people forgot she was from South. It was a dacoit drama centered around real life brothers Dilip Kumar and Nasir Khan but Vyjayanthimala managed to carve her own niche amidst them. Her dhoondo dhoondo re saajna number remains popular even now
Sangam (1964)
Director : Raj Kapoor
Cast : Raj Kapoor, Vyjayanthimala, Rajendra Kumar
It was her most ambitious project and remains one of her evergreen films even now. Two guys falling for the same girl and sacrificing their love for each other is a much used trope in our industry and Raj Kapoor kind of perfected the formula in Sangam. She wasn't mere arm candy to be shared between two friends but a sensitive girl with a heart and mind of her own in the film. She flaunted her sexuality as well, as is evident in the song, Main kya Karoon Ram mujhe buddha mil gaya.
Jewel Thief (1967)
Director : Vijay Anand
Cast : Dev Anand, Vyjayanthimala, Ashok Kumar, Tanuja
This thriller arguably remains one of the most brilliantly crafted films in Indian cinema history. What we remember the most from it are the songs. Vyjayanthimala particularly excelled in Hothon mein aisi baat, supposedly shot at the royal palace in Gangtok. She danced her heart out in the long takes, her rhythm and the accompanying camerawork turning it into one of the most mesmerising songs of our era.
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