By Jagmohan Singh Barhok
On Her Birth Anniversary
Padma Khanna, the subject of this write up needs no introduction. She hit the limelight with Vijay Anand directed “Johny Mera Naam” (1970) to begin her film career with. And what a wonderful beginning she has had.
The film starring Dev Anand, Hema Malini & Prem Nath was an instant hit, and provided unbridled entertainment to cinemagoers . in the much talked about dance number ‘Husn Ke Lakhon Rang, Kaun Sa Rang Dekho Ge picturized on Padma Khanna & Prem Nath, the latter goes out of his head with lust in his eyes savoring the titillating dancer in a colorful panties, leaving nothing to imagination.
The actress, herself a sizzling dancer, had once opined that the concept of ‘Item Number’ was actually a form of cabaret dance added to titillate the audience. Padma who started her career in Bhojpuri films obviously struck gold in “Johnny Mera Naam” with her erotic dance to surprise many of her contemporaries. In fact her emergence was seen as a threat to many of the existing vamps.
Padma Khanna who runs a Dance Academy in USA showed her histrionics as an actress in “Saudagar” (1973) also featuring Nutan & Amitabh Bachchan, bewitching the audience with her wiles & guiles.
Padma Khanna played Queen Kaikeyi in Ramanand Sagar’s epic serial ‘Ramayan’ (1987-1988). She also featured in two Telugu films with N. T. Rama Rao ‘Desoddarakulu’ (1973) and ‘Rajaputra’ (1978). Vanisiri & Jaya Prada were the heroines in these two films. ‘Ganga Maiyya Tohe Piyari Chadhaibo’ (1963) & ‘Bidesiya’ (1963) were her to prominent Bhojpuri films. She also did some Punjabi films viz. ‘Jindri Yaar Di’ (1978) & ‘Sher Puttar’ (1978).
