The Actress Who Rose to Fame with Dev Anand, Initially Refused 'Ramayan's' Kaikeyi, Then Became a Household Name Through It
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Padma Khanna: Dev Anand Film Star Who Refused Kaikeyi, Became 'Ramayan' Icon
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News18•10-03-2026, 06:47
Padma Khanna: Dev Anand Film Star Who Refused Kaikeyi, Became 'Ramayan' Icon
•Actress Padma Khanna, famous in the 80s, initially refused the role of Kaikeyi in Ramanand Sagar's 'Ramayan' but became a household name after playing it.
•Gained recognition in Hindi cinema with a popular dance number in Dev Anand's film 'Johnny Mera Naam' and also worked in 'Pakeezah' and 'Saudagar'.
•Vyjayanthimala advised her to enter films; she began her acting career with the Bhojpuri film 'Ganga Maiya Tohe Piyari Chadhaibo'.
•Born in Varanasi, she trained in Kathak under Birju Maharaj from age 7 and started performing on stage by age 12.