Kalpana Iyer's Impromptu Wedding Dance Takes Internet by Storm
The internet is currently buzzing with a delightful blast from the past, courtesy of veteran actress Kalpana Iyer. The original 'Ramba Ho' girl has captivated social media with a spontaneous and high-energy dance performance at a wedding, effortlessly grooving to the iconic Bollywood disco track from the 1981 film Armaan.
A Completely Unplanned Performance
In multiple interviews following the video's viral spread, Kalpana Iyer emphasized that her show-stopping dance was entirely impromptu. "I was at my friend's son's wedding, who is like my own child. The dance was impromptu," she revealed, noting the event took place in Siliguri, West Bengal.
She explained that the groom's father personally requested her to dance, making it impossible for her to decline. "I started walking towards the stage, and the dance just sort of happened. Nothing was prepared," Kalpana shared, adding she was unaware which song would play until the very last moment as the music started only when she was approaching the stage.
"Instinctively, you can see I am wearing a saree. It was a wedding, so I went to enjoy it with my family. And when they requested, how could I say no? I did it with love, and see where it all landed," the actress remarked, expressing her surprise at the overwhelming online response.
Overwhelmed by the Viral Love and Song's Revival
The video spread across the internet within hours of being posted, leaving Kalpana Iyer both astonished and grateful. "I am so surprised and also so grateful to receive so much love. I am completely overwhelmed," she stated. She poignantly noted that she first performed the song over four decades ago, which "makes it all the more special."
The song's recent resurgence is largely attributed to its revamped version featured in Ranveer Singh's hit film Dhurandhar, which has made it a current favorite among Gen Z and millennials alike. Kalpana expressed deep gratitude to director Aditya Dhar for reviving Ramba Ho.
"I was emotional and so grateful when my family and friends called to tell me 'Your song is playing, and we are remembering you,'" she said. Although she hasn't yet watched Dhurandhar, she appreciates its impact. "It's been so long. And if a film has revived it in such a way that the younger generation, the new generation, is humming the song, then for me, it's like... Thank you, God."
Reflecting on this unexpected career moment at age 70, she added, "Who would have imagined that at the age of 70, my song in a film [will go viral again]? It's fabulous."
A Desire to Return to the Film Industry
In a conversation with India Today, Kalpana Iyer openly expressed her longing to return to the film industry. "May God turn this around and make this work for me because I have missed my industry. I have missed the studio -- the smell of the studio. I have missed a lot of things, my industry," she shared emotionally. "This should be a good beginning, hopefully."
Who is Kalpana Iyer?
Kalpana Iyer began her career in the film industry as a 12-year-old artist. Her breakthrough came in 1978 when she was crowned first runner-up at Miss India, propelling her into the limelight.
The veteran actress has an impressive filmography, including notable roles in movies such as:
- Satte Pe Satta
- Anjaam
- Raja Hindustani
- Hum Saath Saath Hain
Beyond acting, Kalpana is also a trained singer who has collaborated with legendary music artists like Bappi Lahiri and Usha Uthup, the original singer of the iconic Ramba Ho track that has now found new life across generations.
