Padma Khanna

Padma Khanna
Padma Khanna
Born	10 March 1949 (age 68)
Occupation	Actress
Years active	1961–present

Padma Khanna (19 October 1949) is an Indian actress, dancer and director. She appeared mainly in Hindi and Bhojpuri films in the 1970s and 1980s. She is most remembered for her role in the film Saudagar with Amitabh Bachchan and also as Queen Kaikeyi in Ramanand Sagar's epic series Ramayan (1987–1988). She has acted in two Telugu films with N. T. Rama Rao Desoddarakulu and Rajaputra Rahasyam.

Early life

Born in 1949, Khanna started her Kathak training when she was just about 7 by Pandit Birju Maharaj. She was born in Benaras and was introduced to Bollywood under the suggestions of actresses Padmini and Vyjayanthimala.

Career

Khanna debuted as an actress in the 1961 Bhojpuri film Bhaiyya when she was just 12. She got her break in 1970 when she played a cabaret dancer in Johnny Mera Naam. She often played dancers, appearing in films like Loafer, Jaan-E-Bahaar and Pakeezah in which she acted as a double for Meena Kumari during mujra numbers. In the 1980s, she played Queen Kaikeyi in Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan which aired on Doordarshan.

In 2008, she choreographed and acted in a musical based on the epic Ramayana with 64 actors and dancers at Avery Fisher Hall, New York City, directed by her husband, Jagdish L. Sidana.^[1] She also directed a Bhojpuri film, Nahir Hutal Jaya (2004).^[3]

Personal life

She was married to the late film director Jagdish L. Sidana.^[1]

Filmography

Television

Pehchaan (2006) on Hum TV
Taank Jhaank on Sony TV
Ramayan as Kaikeyi on Doordarshan
Metha Zaher on Doordarshan

Hindi films

Biwi Aur Makaan (1966)
Yeh Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hai (1966)
Heer Raanjha (1970)
Johny Mera Naam (1970)
Seema (1971)
Pyar Diwana (1972)
Rampur Ka Lakshman (1972)
Pakeezah (1972) (in the song "aaj hum apni duaon ka asar dekhenge" she is dancing in veils in place of Meena Kumari)
Saudagar (1973)
Joshila (1973)
Anokhi Ada (1973)
Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar (1973)
Loafer (1973)
Hera Pheri (1976)
Pappi (1977)
Lakhan (1979)
Jaan-E-Bahaar (1979)
Anubhav (1986) (1986)
Ghar Ghar Ki Kahaani (1988)
Yaar Meri Zindagi (2008)

Bhojpuri films

Bhaiya (1961)
Ganga Maiyya Tohe Piyari Chadhaibo (1962)
Bidesiya (1963)
Balam Pardesia (1979)
Basuria Baje Ganga Teer (1986)
Dharti Maiya
Mai (1989)
Dagabaj Balma
Bahuria
Godna
Tulsi Sorhe Hamar Angna
Kajari
Rangali Chunaria Rang Me Tohar
Bhauji De Da Aacharawa Ke Chao
Bhaiya Dooj
Hey Tulsi Maiya

Gujarati Films

Gher Gher Maati na chula (1977)

Punjabi films

Jindri Yaar Di (1978)
Sher Puttar (1978)

Marathi film

Devta (1983) - Guest appearance for only one song "Khel Kunala Daivacha Kalala"
Maaficha Sakshidar (1986) - Guest appearance for one song "Shama Ne Jab Aag"