Regarded as the first female superstar in Indian cinema, Vyjayanthimala along with being an actress, she is also famous for being a Bharathanatyam dancer, carnatic singer, and also a member of the parliament. Making her debut with the 1949 Tamil film Vazhkai at just 13 years old, she eventually became the first actress in south India who ventured into Bollywood, thus paving the way for other actresses to make their mark in Bollywood. Her dance numbers remained the highlight of her movie career. Nagin (1954) was the film that catapulted her to fame establishing her as a bankable star, after which she proceeded to star in Devdas (1995), where she essayed the role of Chandramukhi.

Her notable acting credits include Taj (1956), Naya Daur (1957), Gunga Jumna (1961), Sangam (1964), Jewel Thief (1967), and Pyar Hi Pyar (1969), among a plethora of other movies, in her stellar career of over two decades.