By Jagmohan Singh Barhok
कुर्ता है नीला रंग पगड़ी का पीला
रूप उसका कटीला ऐसा है छैला
रूप उसका कटीला ऐसा है छैला, रंगीला
चाल शराबी, रंग गुलाबी
ते अखाँ मस्तानियाँ
हाय शरमाऊँ, किस किस को बताऊँ
ऐसे कैसे मैं सुनाऊँ सब को
अपनी प्रेम कहानियाँ, अपनी प्रेम कहानियाँ
Known for her coquettishness and exuberance, Laxmi Chhaya featured in many Hindi films as a vamp, cabaret-dancer & side actress. She was at her sizzling nay titillating best in Raj Khosla directed “Mera Gaon Mera Desh” (1971) singing ‘Maar Diya Jaye Ki Chhod Diya Jaye” picturized on Dharmendra, Vinod Khanna & Asha Parekh. She works for Vinod Khanna as an informer. “Aaya Aaya Atariya Pe Koi Chor” was another spicy nay teasing song from the same film under reference. The film also did wonders at the Box office front.
Her performance as a masked dancer in suspense drama “Gumnam”(1965) made her famous across the world. IndiaTimes Group states: “The enthusiastic dance by Laxmi Chhaya and Herman Benjamin is not something today’s actors will be able to pull off with the same ease and grace.” Interestingly, portions of the sequence were included in the opening credits of the American film “Ghost World” (2001) starring Steve Buscemi, Thora Birch, Scarlett Johansson, Brad Renfro & Illeana Douglas.
During her chequered career spanning more than three decades, she appeared in films like-Teesri Manzil (1966), Izzat & Duniya (1968); Aaya Sawan Jhoom Ke & Pyar Ka Mausam (1969); and Raaste Ka Patthar (1972).She featured in guest appearances in many successful films like-“Ram Aur Shyam”, “Baharon Ke Sapne”, “Bluff Master” & “Upkar” to mention some.
Laxmi Chhaya started acting as a child artist in “Talaq”(1958) starring Rajendra Kumar, Kamini Kadam & Malika, sister of actress Mumtaz, who later married Randhawa. Daisy Irani also featured in the film.
