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Bollywood has witnessed many stories of glamour and heartbreak but few are as tragic as that of actress Vimi. Often compared to Meena Kumari the “Tragedy Queen” of Hindi cinema Vimi too found herself consumed by pain and loneliness. Despite her beauty charm and a promising debut her life ended abruptly at just 34 far away from the limelight that once adored her. How did she enter films? Vimi was born into a wealthy and cultured family well-educated and fond of music and the arts. Her family however disapproved of her joining films. Determined to follow her dreams she left home and moved to Mumbai. Her entry into films was pure chance. At a party with her husband she met music director Ravi who was struck by her beauty and encouraged her to try acting. When Vimi hesitated saying “A married woman will never get work in films” Ravi introduced her to filmmaker B.R. Chopra. He launched her in Hamraaz (1967) opposite Sunil Dutt and Raj Kumar. The film became a hit making Vimi an overnight star. Why did her career struggle? While Hamraaz gave her a dream start her career faced hurdles soon after. Bound by a contract with B.R. Chopra she couldn’t accept other film offers initially. When their association ended Vimi did sign new films but most of them failed at the box office. Gradually producers distanced themselves and her stardom faded away. At the same time her personal life was in turmoil. Though her husband initially supported her their relationship began to crumble under financial strain. Reports suggest he developed a drinking problem and even pressured Vimi to take on smaller less respectable projects. The marriage eventually ended in divorce and she moved to Kolkata. Did her personal choices impact her life? In Kolkata Vimi began living with a film distributor named Jolly. The relationship however only worsened her situation. It was during this phase that she became addicted to alcohol and allegations suggest she was forced into exploitative circumstances. What began as love turned into a destructive phase pushing her deeper into despair. How did Vimi’s story end? The once-celebrated star who had worked with actors like Shashi Kapoor Raj Kumar and Sunil Dutt soon found herself forgotten by the industry. Struggling with ill health due to excessive drinking her liver gave way. In 1977 she breathed her last at Mumbai’s Nanavati Hospital. Tragically when her body was taken from the hospital no family members or close friends were around. It is said that actor Sunil Dutt was among the very few who stood by her in her final journey. Why is Vimi remembered today? Vimi’s life is remembered as one of Bollywood’s saddest tales a story of a woman who had everything to shine but lost it all to personal struggles failed relationships and the unforgiving nature of the film industry. Like Meena Kumari she became a symbol of how fame and fortune cannot always protect from pain and loneliness. Highlights: Vimi made her debut in B.R. Chopra’s Hamraaz and became an overnight star. Personal struggles failed films and a destructive relationship pushed her into alcoholism. She died of liver failure at just 34 with only a handful of people at her last rites.