Padma Khanna is renowned for portraying "Kaikeyi" in Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan (1987). |
She began learning Kathak at 7 under Guru Kishan Maharaj of Varanasi. |
Later, she received advanced Kathak training from noted dancer Gopi Krishna. |
Encouragement from Padmini and Vyjayanthimala led her to pursue an acting career in Bombay. |
Her acting debut was in 1961's Bhojpuri film 'Bhaiya' and 'Ganga Maiyya Tohe Piyari Chadhaibo' (1962). |
Gopi Krishna persuaded her to return to Bombay, marking the start of her Bollywood journey. |
In 1970, she gained fame with 'Johny Mera Naam,' playing Tara, a cabaret dancer. |
She served as Meena Kumari's body double in the iconic film Pakeezah (1972). |
Her work in Saudagar (1973) alongside Amitabh Bachchan is notable. |
Her role as 'Kaikeyi' in Ramayan (1987-1988) earned her widespread recognition. |
Khanna acted in over 400 films across various languages in her career. |
Initially, she portrayed gentle roles in films like 'Saaz Aur Awaz' and 'Baharon Ke Sapne.' |
Post 'Johny Mera Naam,' she was often cast as a negative character. |
In 1990, she moved to New Jersey with her husband and opened a dance academy. |
In 2008, Padma took part in a musical based on Ramayana in New York City, directed by her late husband. |