rare photo of Padma Khanna with her husband and kids

Padma Khanna is a celebrated Indian actress and classical Kathak dancer whose journey in the world of cinema and performing arts is nothing short of inspiring. She embarked in her film career with the 1962 Bhojpuri classic Ganga Maiyya Tohe Piyari Chadhaibo, but it was her striking performance as a cabaret dancer in Johnny Mera Naam released in 1970 that made her a household name. Acknowledged for her graceful dance style and expressive artistry, she has appeared in films like Loafer, Jaan-e-Bahaar, and the iconic Pakeezah, where she was Meena Kumari’s double in the opening sequence and famous songs like Chalo Dildaar Chalo and Teer-E-Nazar Dekhenge.

Padma Khanna later won immense admiration for her portrayal of Queen Kaikeyi in Ramanand Sagar’s legendary television series Ramayan in the 1980s.

She married filmmaker Jagdish L. Sidana, and the couple moved to New Jersey in the 1990s, where they founded a Kathak academy that continues to promote Indian culture and dance abroad. Her children, Akshar and Neha Sidana both performers and artists actively support her in running the academy.

In 2008, she choreographed and performed in a grand musical adaptation of the Ramayana at Avery Fisher Hall in New York, keeping Indian classical art alive on the global stage.

All said Padma Khanna remains a symbol of grace, dedication, and artistic excellence.

News Edit KV Raman