Your Privacy is Important to us

We encourage you to review our Terms of Service, and Privacy Policy.

By continuing, you agree to the Terms listed here. In case you want to opt out, please click "Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information" link in the footer of this page.

Opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information

We won't sell or share your personal information to inform the ads you see. You may still see interest-based ads if your information is sold or shared by other companies or was sold or shared previously.

Continue on TOI App
Open App
Login for better experience!
Login Now
Welcome! to timesofindia.com
TOI INDTOI USTOI GCC
TOI+
  • Home
  • Live
  • TOI Games
  • Top Headlines
  • India
  • City News
  • Photos
  • Business
  • Real Estate
  • Entertainment
  • Movie Reviews
  • Lifestyle
  • Podcasts
  • Elections
  • Web Series
  • Sports
  • TV
  • Food
  • Travel
  • Events
  • World
  • Music
  • Astrology
  • Videos
  • Tech
  • Auto
  • Education
  • Log Out
Follow Us On
Open App
  • ETIMES
  • CINEMA
  • VIDEOS
  • TV
  • LIFESTYLE
  • VISUAL STORIES
  • MUSIC
  • TRAVEL
  • FOOD
  • TRENDING
  • EVENTS
  • THEATRE
  • PHOTOS
  • MOVIE REVIEWS
  • MOVIE LISTINGS
  • HEALTH
  • RELATIONSHIP
  • WEB SERIES
  • BOX OFFICE

Dancing divas who changed Bollywood’s rhythm

TOI Entertainment Desk
| ETimes.in | Last updated on - Aug 20, 2025, 12:00 IST
Comments
Share
1/5

Helen

The queen of the cabaret who popularized the "item numbers". With songs such as 'Piya Tu Ab To Aaja' and 'Mehbooba Mehbooba', Helen introduced Bollywood to its first western-influenced, glamorous dance sensation.

2/5

Hema Malini

The "Dream Girl" used her Bharatanatyam skills in films. She blended glamour with tradition. From 'Seeta Aur Geeta' to her numerous dance dramas, she ensured classical dance remained on screen.

3/5

Sridevi

An institute of expression and adaptability. Songs like 'Hawa Hawai' and 'Main Teri Dushman' displayed how quickly she could change from offbeat to provocative to classical.

4/5

Vyjayanthimala

One of the first actresses to merge classical dance with mainstream films. Her performances in 'Amrapali', 'Naya Daur', and 'Jewel Thief' made dance a means of storytelling, rather than mere entertainment.

5/5

Waheeda Rehman

We have not seen as graceful dancer than Waheeda Rehman. Elegant and graceful, she combined subtle acting with smooth dance. Her performances in 'Guide' (Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai) and 'Chaudhvin Ka Chand' are classic instances of lyrical expression through dance.

Start a Conversation

Post comment
Featured In Entertainment
  • Anupam Kher shares mantra for a happy 41-year marriage with Kirron - EXCLUSIVE
  • Anupam Kher defends Alia Bhatt amid Cannes trolling
  • 4 of Brad Pitt's 6 kids dropped his surname: A look at the family rift
  • After Ek Din, Aamir says he slips into depression when films flop
  • 'In south they pack up at 6,' Jyotika on Deepika's 8-hour shift row, Sonakshi supports her
  • How Thalapathy Vijay brought a unique charm to 'Nanban'
  • Celina prays to Maa Baglamukhi amidst legal battle with husband Peter Haag
  • 5 Bollywood sequels that have fans counting down the days
  • ‘Rick and Morty’ film in development with Jacob Hair
Photostories
  • 8 strange and uncomfortable signs you are going through a quiet spiritual awakening
  • 8 giraffe facts that shock even wildlife lovers
  • Gauranga Das shares 3 signs of a loyal partner
  • 10 exercises that can keep the heart healthy
  • Feeling Stressed? Try These Astrological Tips to Calm Down Your Mind
  • Nidhi Kumar recreated Madhuri Dixit’s magic at Cannes 2026's red carpet — and the internet is officially obsessed
  • 5 heaviest and biggest birds on earth: The real heavyweights of nature
  • Want to grow Aloe vera indoors? Simple step-by-step guide to grow the succulent for beginners
  • How to Boost Your Self-Confidence? Here Are Some Astrological Remedies
Explore more Stories
  • 6
    From '3 Idiots 2' to 'Tumbbad 2': 5 Bollywood sequels that have fans counting down the days
  • 7
    From 'Supergirl' to 'Avengers: Doomsday': The ultimate 2026 superhero and action movie guide
  • 7
    Mike Tyson says he caught Brad Pitt with his ex-wife: A look back at every cheating allegation the actor has ever faced
  • 5
    Michael Jackson's acting roles: All about films in which the King of Pop starred
  • 9
    Iconic pictures from Jr NTR’s life as the ‘Dragon’ star celebrates his 43rd birthday; click with Aamir Khan, Mohanlal
Up Next
  • ETimes
  • /
  • Entertainment
  • /
  • Hindi
  • /
  • Bollywood
  • /
  • Dancing divas who changed Bollywood’s rhythm
About UsTerms Of UsePrivacy PolicyCookie Policy

Copyright © May 20, 2026, 10.32PM IST Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service