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Padmini in New York
May 1, 2013 | 6 Comments | Betsy Woodman
Some time in the early 1970s, my parents met up in New York City with their friend Padmini, her husband, Dr. Ramachandran, and their son.
As you may remember, Padmini (1932-2006) was the middle sister of India’s Travancore Sisters, wildly popular dancers and movie actors at mid-century. Although they are no longer with us, they still have devoted fans across the globe.
Photo credit: Woodman Family Collection
My mom hadn’t danced for a long time, but Padmini tried to put her through her paces. Get those arms up there, mom!
Photo credit: Woodman Family collection
My dad, however, was apparently content to sit at her feet.
Photo credit: Woodman Family Collection
Then came dinner. The man on the left is Carl Salathe, then development officer for Colby Junior College.
Photo credit: Woodman Family Collection
At some point during the 1970s, Padmini founded the Padmini Institute of Fine Arts, which soon had five branches in New York and New Jersey; her dance students were legion.
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Betsy,a big salute to your genorisity for sharing the pix.You will be always remembered for that in the history of human kind.
it is really amazing, How beautiful she looks in that saree.!! She was the only actress who has a long span of acting as a heroine (1948-1973).
Most indian actresses were considered old (unfit for heroine roles) by 30s or after becoming a mother. But padmini shared screen as heroine with superstars till her 40.
She was really a great woman,
and you to Betsy,!!!!
Thanks for sharing those lovely pics
oops, sorry
i mean ‘you too betsy’
Such a wonderful actress Padmini, there is grace in every movement of hers. She had the same grace till the time of her death.
There was an article on your childhood connections with the LPR family in the recent issue of “Madras Musings,” a fortnightly news journal published by Chennai Heritage.
That article led me to your website and to the Blogs on India, more particularly those on the three sisters and Ambika and Sukumari. They are popular and very well remembered even today. Not a day passes without a film or song featuring them being shown on the television. The pristine photographs were stunningly beautiful. We should be ever grateful to your family for preserving the photographs across decades and continents. I am extremely happy that you could share the photographs and more than that , your memories.
Thank you so much for your nice comment. It’s a pleasure to share these photographs with others who love the LPR family.