| Vesna Vukelić Vendi | |
| Native Name: | Весна Вукелић Венди |
| Native Name Lang: | sr-Cyrl |
| Birth Name: | Vesna Vukelić |
| Birth Date: | 1971 11, mf=yes |
| Birth Place: | Belgrade, SFR Yugoslavia |
| Genre: | Turbo-folk |
| Years Active: | 1992–present |
Vesna Vukelić (Serbian: Весна Вукелић; born 25 November 1971), known by her stage name Vendi (Serbian: Венди|links=no), is a Serbian singer, television personality and former model. Initially a glamour model, she made her debut in the movie Dama koja ubija (1992). Vendi has since pursued a career in music and has collectively released five studio albums. She is often dubbed the "Queen of fairs" (Kraljica vašara).[1] [2]
In addition to singing, Vendi has made appearances on reality television shows, including Farma (2009), Veliki Brat (2013), Parovi (2018-2020). Vukelić is also known for her outspoken, religiously charged and often controversial views and comments on other public figures.
Vukelić began her career as a glamour model in the early 1990s and gained notoriety by appearing on the popular talk show hosted by Milovan Ilić Minimaks.[3] She starred in the 1992 television movie Dama koja ubija alongside Velimir Bata Živojinović in the lead role.[4] [5] The following year, Vukelić began her music career by releasing her debut album through ZaM, which included four folk tracks on the A-side and four pop tracks on the B-side. To promote the album she hosted ten episodes of her own late-night talk show on RTV Politika. Vendi's sophomore album, Ljubavna igra, was released in 1995.
It was followed by albums Želim s tobom sve (2001) and Praćnuo se šarančić (2004) in collaboration with Južni Vetar. She also starred as Queen Draga Mašin in the movie Draga Mašin u ormaru, directed by Isidora Bjelica. However, after the footage had been stolen the project was postponed for good. Same year, she was featured on the cover of Serbian Playboy magazine, in the June 2004 issue.[4] The photoshoot took place at the compound of the historical Beli dvor.[6] In 2007, Vendi released her last album to date, titled Ucena, featuring her signature hit "Uljez".[4]
In 2010, Vukelić took part on the reality series Farma, where she was noted for her interactions and relationship with Ekrem Jevrić.[7] Vendi was evicted on Day 108, a night before the grand final. In 2011, she co-wrote and performed in a comedy play Vendi u Petkovim mukama throughout Montenegro.[4] In 2011, Vukelić was also nominated for the title of Serbian gay icon, but lost to singer Marina Perazić.[8] She has since been known for making homophobic remarks.[9] In 2013, she appeared on the fifth celebrity edition of Serbian Big Brother, where she also got evicted a day before the final. In 2018, Vukelić became a presenter of the reality show Parovi.[10]
In July 2022, Vukelić published a novel, titled Misterija crne žene (Mystery of the Black Woman).[11] In October, she promoted the book at the Belgrade Book Fair.[12]
Vukelić was born on 25 November 1971 in Belgrade, SFR Yugoslavia. She has a younger sister, Maja Vukelić, who won the title of Miss YU in 1994.[13]
In 1991, she was romantically involved with the president of Serbian Radical Party, Vojislav Šešelj.[14] In 2001, Vukelić married former player of OFK Beograd, Branimir Banjac.[15] [16] The couple has a daughter, named Nikoleta.[16]
She practices Eastern Orthodox Christianity and is vocal about her faith in public.[17] [18]
She is third cousins with Draško Stanivuković, a Bosnian Serb Politician and the current mayor of Banja Luka.[11]
| Year | Title | Genre | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Dama koja ubija | Television | Girl #1 | |
| Toplo-hladno | Herself | Presenter | ||
| 2004 | Sav taj folk | |||
| 2010 | Farma | Season 3, 7th place | ||
| 2011 | Dvor | Guest | ||
| 2013 | Veliki Brat VIP | Season 5, Eliminated 10th | ||
| 2014 | Odavno posvađane | |||
| 2015 | Farma | Season 6, 14th place | ||
| 2018–2020 | Parovi | Presenter | ||