Laxmi Chhaya

Laxmi Chhaya (7 January 1948 – 9 May 2004) was an Indian actress, dancer and teacher, who was known for her distinctive character roles and appearances in Hindi films. Following a series of roles as a child actor, Chhaya earned recognition for her appearance as a masked dancer in Mohammed Rafi's "Jaan Pehechan Ho", which appeared in the horror film Gumnaam (1965). Her highest-critical successes came with Teesri Manzil (1966), Duniya (1968), Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke (1969), Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971), and Raaste Kaa Patthar (1972). Chhaya was active from 1958 to 1986, a period in which she amassed over 100 film credits. She subsequently worked as a dance teacher. In 2004, she died from cancer at the age of 56.