Padmini

Biography

Padmini was born on June 12, 1932, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, and grew up as a member of the "Travancore sisters," along with her elder sister Lalitha and younger sister Ragini. She began her career at age 16 as a dancer in the Hindi film Kalpana (1948) and later transitioned to acting, starring alongside notable actors like Sivaji Ganesan and M.G. Ramachandran. Padmini was known for her exceptional Bharatanatyam performances and appeared in over 250 Indian films throughout her nearly three-decade-long career. She received the Kalaimamani award, Tamil Nadu's highest civilian honor.