She was just back from Delhi after attending a debate held by the NACEN (National Academy of Customs, Excise and Narcotics) on the Right to Information Act. "Everyone has the right to information on what is being done by the establishment. Everything should be transparent," says Vyjayanthimala Bali. Adding tongue-in-cheek, "And why not? Since everything else is so transparent around here... even the corruption!". A laugh follows this. A laugh that we get to hear quite often during the chat. And it's that cheerful part of her, her graciousness and her very pleasant disposition that come through as she touches on the various aspects of her life, personal and professional.

Sweat out at Chennai’s gyms Ragu Kavacham Where the sun worships Perumal Dhanush-Shriya Come Together Again இளையராஜாவின் திடீர் விசிட் ஜீவனின் தொடரும் சென்ட்டிமென்ட் சர்வத்தில் சர்க்கஸ்

The former actress and danseuse had a busy schedule this December, preparing for the dance programmes held in the various sabhas in what's Chennai's dance-music season. Ask her what had given her more satisfaction, dancing or acting, and there's not a pause as she says, "Dancing, for sure. Nothing else like dancing for me! I hold it close to my heart. It's my Bharatanatyam training which helped me so much in my film career. Film dancing became easy for me because of it. The Bhava, the rhythm of a classical dance, nothing like it to give me a high!"

So why did she take to acting? "I was a Bharatanatyam dancer. Acting was not my chosen filed. It was incidental. It was the AVMs who offered me my first film 'Vaazhkai', and I though why not, I'll give it a try. It became a hit and I started getting more offers. The AVMs remade it in Hindi as 'Bahaar', and again I was chosen to play the lead in the Hindi version. The film was a hit too and my dance became a rage there. It was something different for the north Indian audiences. It catapulted me into a national star. And I didn't look back!"

Not back to the south again? "I became so busy there. But I did work in a couple of Tamil films after that. Like 'Vanjikottai Valibhan' and 'Thaen Nilavu'..."

That brings to mind the much-hyped Vyjayanthimala-Padmini rivalry and the dance competition picturised between them in 'Vanjikottai Valibhan'. But more on that later.

Coming back to Hindi films, the danseuse-actress has had some of her best projects with legends like Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand and Kishore Kumar. Remind her that and she agrees. "True! I was lucky to get some of my best projects with these legends. Roles so varied, challenging and different. I carry so many pleasant memories of those times. Each of them had his own individuality, style and personality. Dilip had his own unique style. Kishore had a magic rhythm all his own. They were all unique in their own ways and contributed to my growing as a star of national stature."

But then she had left all for marriage and motherhood. That wouldn't have been easy. Any regrets? And would she return to acting if offered a challenging role? "No, definitely not! I wouldn't return to acting. When Dr Bali and I decided to get married, I had no doubt in my mind as to what my priority should be. I felt that marriage is a commitment. That married life and films don't go together. So I left acting at the peak of my career. And I've never regretted it!"

And then came Vyjayanthimala's tryst with politics, and she's socially and politically active today too. Says she, "My political foray began when I fought the election twice from the South Madras constituency and won. My entry to national politics came when I was nominated as a Rajya Sabha MP for my contribution to fine arts. I've always been an active participant in the discussions."

Being an actress and a woman, did she face any form of discrimination from her colleagues? Was she taken seriously? "I've never faced any form of discrimination because of my profession or my gender. My being an actress or a woman has never come in the way of my credibility. If you are committed, people do take you seriously. I was trying to do my best and they understood that. As an MP, I raised so many relevant issues in Parliament. Women-related issues like dowry harassment, practice of Sati, rape and child exploitation. About giving railway concessions to artistes. In fact, in my maiden speech, I was the first one to talk of linking of rivers. My sincerity and openness was appreciated by all."

Vyjayanthimala's social commitments, activities and her dance performances here and abroad keep her busy and she has a tight schedule even today. How does she retain so much energy and stamina? And maintain her slim, trim look unlike many of her contemporaries? Responds she, "I would say it's simple living and high thinking. I'm of a cheerful disposition and always keep myself busy, open and accessible."

And now finally to the unresolved controversy and debate. A question that has intrigued fans over the years, the answer lost somewhere in diplomatic niceties. Honestly, and for the last time, who would she say is the better dancer between the two, she or Padmini? She laughs aloud. "Frankly, we never thought of ourselves as that, competitors or rivals. Though the media made much of that. Our jugalbandhi together in 'Vanjikottai Valibhan' was such a sensation at that time. It's remembered even today. We both were trained dancers and had our own share of admirers. Honestly, there was no unhealthy vibes or rivalry between us. It was a sad and nostalgic moment for me when Padmini passed away. When I went for her funeral, Shobhana told me then that she too had been once asked the same question. And that Padmini had replied, 'Vyjayanthimala is taller than me, has longer arms than me and is the more graceful dancer'. How magnanimous! But I would still say that the chandeliers in the film fell down at the right moment, just when the jugalbandhi had ended! And the audiences are still guessing! Let's leave it at that!"

Malini Mannath