Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c11.s2.t11.1

v2.c11.s2.t11.1

Kamala Lakshman (June 16, 1934-), also called Kumari Kamala, is an Indian dancer and film actress. She was born in a Brahmin family in Mayuram, Madras Presidency. Discovered by a Tamil film director at the age of four, she appeared in the film *Valibar Sangam* with the image of Baby Kamala. Audiences were fascinated by her innocent and lovely dance. Since childhood, she has been accepting all kinds of dance training, especially Bharatanatyam, and was popular among many film directors. She has acted in nearly a hundred films in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu and Kannada all her life. In 1953, she was invited to perform at the coronation of British Queen Elizabeth II. Many state leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Dwight Eisenhower, Zhou Enlai and Tito have even watched her performances.