Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

THE TOP 10 dance numbers of Vyjayanthimala

On the 87th birthday of the greatest Bollywood dancer of all time, Eastern Eye highlights her top 10 dance numbers, presented in chronological order

THE TOP 10 dance numbers of Vyjayanthimala

IN TERMS of ability, influence, magic moments, and stunning screen presence, Vyjayanthimala is regarded as the greatest Bollywood dancer of all time.

The magnificent movie icon entertained different generations, influenced lead stars who followed in her fabulous footsteps and changed dance forever in India. Born in 1936, she turns a year older this week and celebrates her 87th birthday on August 13.


Eastern Eye decided to mark the occasion by highlighting her top 10 dance numbers, presented in chronological order, (knowing there are many more).

 Man Dole Mera Tan Dole from Nagin (1954):

The legend of Vyjayanthimala started with this simple snake-inspired dance number. The young actress glides effortlessly to a song that became a rage when it was released, with audiences throwing coins at the screen. The magical moment kickstarted an unstoppable rise that would take her to the top and help redefine dance in commercial Hindi cinema.

Top 10 Uden Jab Jab Zulfen Teri from Naya Daur 13

Ab Aage Teri Marzi from Devdas (1955):

In terms of characters, the greatest dancers in Bollywood history have been courtesans, played by actresses across different generations. The greatest of these is Chandramukhi (above) in Devdas and Vyjayanthimala played her in the definitive version of the movie. It included this classical inspired dance number, which set the standard for others and was an important trigger point in the film’s plot.

Tum Sang Preet Lagai Rasiya from New Delhi (1956):

She may have delivered a technically perfect Bharatanatyam performance in the movie, but this musical moment stands out because it was one of the first in Bollywood to be inspired by bhangra folk.

The actress effortlessly helped pave the way for Punjabi folk dance to be introduced into frontline Indian cinema and had recalled: “People were seeing a woman do bhangra onscreen for the first time.”

Top 10 Kal Nahi Paaye Jiya More Piya from Chhoti Si Mulaqat 1813

Uden Jab Jab Zulfen Teri from Naya Daur (1957):

He may have been the greatest Bollywood actor of all time, but dancing wasn’t a strong suit for Dilip Kumar. However, a brilliant song and having the greatest dancer of the golden era opposite him resulted in his greatest musical moment. He bounces off Vyjayanthimala (above) beautifully in a top track that was catchy, celebratory, romantic, and fun.

 Mujhe Budha Mil Gaya from Sangam (1964):

This progressive musical number was the first in Bollywood where a wife tries to seduce her husband with sexy dance moves, revealing costumes and suggestions of stripping. The cheeky lyrics and incredible screen presence of the actress turned this into an iconic movie moment. Later scholars would suggest it was a younger wife trying to arouse her older husband.

Kaise Samjhaoon by Suraj (1966):

Although the awesome actress performed a wide variety of styles across the decades, she was at her very best with Indian classical dance. She magnificently combines classical moves to a commercial Bollywood song and made it visually poetic.

Top 10 Hothon Mein Aisi Baat from Jewel Thief Vyjayanthimala 2

Dance off in Amrapali (1966):

This classic movie (right) put forward as India’s official entry into the Oscars was very much a dance driven drama, so demanded eye-catching choreography. This particular song presented a classical Indian dance in its purest form. It had two dancers in striking costumes, including Vyjayanthimala in a good old-fashioned danceoff, as classical Indian music plays in the background. It is just beautiful to look at.

Kal Nahi Paaye Jiya More Piya from Chhoti Si Mulaqat (1967):

There are a lot of major musical numbers like Aaja Re from Madhumati, but also many hidden gems that are not so well known, like this one (top right). A standout moment in the remake of 1954 Bengali film Agni Pariksha is Vyjayanthimala delivering a classical Indian dance performance in a surreal setting, during a stage performance. Everything from the movements to the facial expressions and statuesque poses is on point.

Hothon Mein Aisi Baat from Jewel Thief (1967):

This was arguably the greatest dance moment in the glittering career of Vyjayanthimala (above). One of the best dance numbers ever created on screen saw the Bharatanatyam beauty deliver passion, power, and grace in what can best be described as the perfect performance. The dynamite choreography is complemented by mind-blowing camerawork, which took audiences into the heart of the action.

Top 10 Dance off in Amrapali ali

 Muqabla Hum Se Na Karo from Prince (1969):

During the late 1950s and 1960s, Vyjayanthimala, Shammi Kapoor and Helen were considered the best Bollywood dancers. They finally came together for this dance-off that incorporates various styles from across India and around the world. The freestyle number was fun, fabulous, visually striking and one of her personal favourites.

More For You

Charli XCX

Charli XCX confirms her next chapter with upcoming A24 film The Moment

Getty Images

Charli XCX ends Brat era with emotional South Korea show and reveals ‘The Moment’ film

Highlights:

  • Charli XCX ends her Brat era with a South Korean festival performance
  • Pop star leaves fans emotional with farewell message on stage screen
  • Teases upcoming A24 film The Moment based on her own concept
  • Singer shifts focus from music to film after blockbuster success

Charli XCX has officially closed the chapter on her acclaimed Brat era with an emotional final performance at South Korea’s One Universe Festival, where she also teased her next project. The British pop star, who dominated global charts with Brat, used her farewell show to surprise fans with a teaser for her upcoming A24 film The Moment.

Charli XCX Charli XCX confirms her next chapter with upcoming A24 film The Moment Getty Images

Keep ReadingShow less
Quentin Tarantino

Quentin Tarantino confirms his first West End play debut in London

Getty Images

Quentin Tarantino hints West End play could become his final film as he relocates to London

Highlights:

  • Quentin Tarantino says his first-ever play will premiere in London’s West End.
  • The director confirmed the script is complete and work begins in January 2026.
  • He plans to relocate with his family to the UK during the production.
  • Tarantino hinted the play could also become his final film if it succeeds.

Hollywood filmmaker Quentin Tarantino has confirmed he is bringing his West End play debut to London, marking his first step into theatre. Speaking on The Church of Tarantino podcast, the Oscar-winning director of Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill revealed that the script is finished and that he will begin work on the project in early 2026. The move signals a new chapter for the 62-year-old, who said he intends to spend two years on the production and even relocate to the UK with his wife, singer Daniella Pick, and their two children.

Quentin Tarantino Quentin Tarantino confirms his first West End play debut in London Getty Images

Keep ReadingShow less
Kareena Kapoor Shahid Kapoor

Kareena Kapoor once shared she felt “normal” in her relationship with Shahid Kapoor

Getty Images

Kareena Kapoor’s candid confession about Shahid Kapoor relationship resurfaces and fans are intrigued

Highlights:

  • Kareena Kapoor once shared that she loved feeling “normal” in her Shahid Kapoor relationship.
  • The actress said ordinary moments with Shahid mattered more than grand gestures.
  • Kareena admitted she never rode his bike due to fear of heights and speed.
  • Their chemistry in Jab We Met remains one of Bollywood’s most iconic pairings.

Kareena Kapoor Khan has opened up in the past about her Shahid Kapoor relationship, and a resurfaced throwback interview is once again catching attention. The actress, who dated Shahid in the mid-2000s before marrying Saif Ali Khan, reflected on the simplicity she valued most in their bond. Speaking to Cosmopolitan, Kareena admitted that despite being one of Bollywood’s most high-profile couples, what she cherished most was the ability to live an ordinary life away from the spotlight.

Kareena Kapoor Shahid Kapoor Kareena Kapoor once shared she felt “normal” in her relationship with Shahid Kapoor Getty Images

Keep ReadingShow less
Scott Rose-Marsh

Scott Rose-Marsh has reportedly auditioned for the next James Bond film

Instagram/scottrosemarsh

James Bond casting twist as British star Scott Rose-Marsh screen tests with GoldenEye script for 007 role

Highlights:

  • British actor Scott Rose-Marsh has reportedly screen tested for the new James Bond film.
  • The 37-year-old was asked to read lines from GoldenEye without imitating past 007 stars.
  • His audition challenges reports that Amazon wanted a much younger actor in his 20s.
  • Bond 26 will be directed by Denis Villeneuve and written by Steven Knight.

British rising star Scott Rose-Marsh has reportedly taken part in a James Bond screen test, fuelling speculation over who will replace Daniel Craig in the iconic role. The 37-year-old actor, who has credits in Krays: Code of Silence and Wolves of War, is the latest name linked to the coveted part. His audition comes as filmmaker Denis Villeneuve and Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight prepare to usher in a new era of 007 with Bond 26.

Scott Rose-Marsh Scott Rose-Marsh has reportedly auditioned for the next James Bond film Instagram/scottrosemarsh

Keep ReadingShow less
Shah Rukh Khan and Shubham Prajapat

Influencer Shubham Prajapat tried to meet Shah Rukh Khan by posing as a delivery rider

Getty Images/ Instagram Screengrab/madcap_alive

Shah Rukh Khan fan’s coffee delivery prank at Mannat ends with hilarious guard response

Highlights

  • Influencer Shubham Prajapat tried to sneak into Shah Rukh Khan’s Mumbai home Mannat by posing as a delivery rider.
  • The stunt involved ordering cold coffees and persuading a real food delivery worker to lend him the delivery bag.
  • Security stopped him at both the main gate and a so-called “secret back door,” leaving fans amused.
  • The witty guard’s reply became the highlight of the video, sparking laughter online.

A social media influencer has sparked headlines after attempting to meet Shah Rukh Khan by pretending to be a food delivery rider. Shubham Prajapat, who creates prank videos, staged the unusual stunt outside Mannat, the superstar’s iconic Mumbai residence.

The clip has gone viral across platforms, with users amused by the guards’ sharp responses. The incident shows the extent of Shah Rukh Khan fandom and has turned into a talking point online.

Keep ReadingShow less