Kalpana Iyer: The Bollywood Star Who Chose a Different Path
In the vibrant tapestry of Indian cinema, certain stars shine with an enduring glow, even long after they have stepped away from the limelight. Kalpana Iyer is one such luminary, whose journey from a child breadwinner to a Bollywood sensation and her subsequent quiet exit from the industry continues to captivate audiences. Decades after her iconic songs like Hari Om Hari and Rambha Ho set screens ablaze, her legacy persists, recently reignited by a viral wedding recreation that reminded the world of her timeless appeal.
A Humble Beginning and Early Struggles
Kalpana Iyer's story is rooted in resilience and necessity. Born to Tamil Iyer parents who eloped for love, she was named after Dev Anand's film Kalpana, a nod to her family's cinematic passions. By the tender age of 12, she became the primary provider for her family of six, navigating financial hardships with courage. Without formal training, she turned to instinctive dancing, driven by the need to survive. In a podcast with Simply Pankaj, she recalled, I started off as an untrained dancer. We didn't have enough money to eat—forget dance classes. My dancing was instinctive, singing happened by chance, and acting was all trial and error. Her early payments were modest—a packet of glucose, then Rs 50, and Rs 75—but they marked the beginning of an extraordinary career.
Rise to Fame in Modelling and Bollywood
Her breakthrough came when showman Mukesh Sharma noticed her talent during a school function, offering her a place in his shows. This led to international performances, including a memorable flight alongside newlyweds Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan, which she described as life-changing. Soon after, with borrowed clothes and shoes, she entered a beauty contest, emerging as runner-up to Navy Queen in 1975. This catapulted her into modelling, with Femina's editor becoming a maternal figure and propelling her into fashion shows and films.
Her cinematic debut was with Rajshri Films' Manokamana, followed by a dance number in Dev Anand's Lootmaar. Despite initial skepticism, this role opened doors to multiple film offers, including Kudrat, Pyara Dushman, and Bombay Ka Maharaja. She even worked on Dilip Kumar's ambitious project Kalinga, which, though unreleased, taught her valuable lessons in grace and respect.
Reinvention and the Move to Television
As film offers waned, Kalpana Iyer adeptly transitioned to television, starring in cult classics like Kashish and Junoon. Her role in the blockbuster Hum Saath Saath Hain in 1999 marked a turning point. However, disillusionment with the industry grew. She later admitted in an interview with Times of India, I was disappointed. Something felt off. I had to remind people to pay me. I stopped enjoying my work. I was dragging myself to sets. This sense of unease prompted her to move to Dubai, initially intended as a five-year break that stretched into 25 years.
Life in Dubai and Personal Reflections
In Dubai, Kalpana found the peace, dignity, and stability that had eluded her in India. She told Simply Pankaj, This country gave me respect, security, love. For the first time, I owned a home. Her family joined her, and she worked in a catering unit for a friend, embracing a simpler life. Personally, she never married but found fulfillment in raising her nephew as her own child. Reflecting on love, she humorously noted, I liked many men. Apparently, they liked me too. They confess now—years later. Fortunately, we're all friends. They are all married to beautiful people.
Regrets and Hopes for the Future
If there is one regret, it is the time lost with her siblings due to her focus on earning. Yet, she remains optimistic, especially with the recent viral resurgence of Rambha Ho introducing her to a new generation. In a podcast with Know Time, she expressed openness to returning to work, saying, I am open to work. I have never said no. Just give me age-appropriate roles. Even a one-minute part—if it fits, why wouldn't I do it? She added wistfully, Ever since Hum Saath Saath Hain, I have been waiting. For one role. One elusive phone call. Her journey, which began with Rajshri Films, came full circle with the same banner, a poignant reminder of life's cyclical nature.
