Biography of Vesna Vukelic (a.k.a.: Vendi)

Vesna Vukelić (Serbian Cyrillic: Весна Вукелић; born November 25, 1971), known by her stage name Vendi, is a Serbian singer, television personality and former glamour model. Dubbed the sex symbol of the ‘90s, she had initially risen to prominence through modelling, before pursuing a music career. Her arguably best-known musical hits include "Praćnuo se šarančić" (2004) and "Uljez" (2007). Vendi also went on to appear in numerous reality TV shows, including Farma (2009), Veliki Brat (2013), Parovi (2018-2020).

She began her career as a glamour model in the late 1980s and gained notoriety in the following decade when she appeared on the popular talk show hosted by Milovan Ilić Minimaks after winning the title of Yugoslavian Miss Decolletage. In 1991, Vukelić also received media attention for being romantically involved with the president of Serbian Radical Party, Vojislav Šešelj. She starred in the 1992 television movie called Dama koja ubija alongside Velimir Živojinović in the lead role. The following year, Vukelić began her music career by releasing her debut album through ZaM. Same year she also hosted a late-night talk show on RTV Politika. Her sophomore album, Ljubavna igra (Love Game), was released in 1995.

Then in 2001, Vendi released Želim s tobom sve (I Want Everything With You), dedicated to her recently born daughter. She also starred as Queen Draga Mašin in the movie Draga Mašin u ormaru (Draga Mašin in the Closet), directed by Isidora Bjelica. However, after the footage had been stolen the project was postponed for good. In 2004, Vendi released her fourth album, Praćnuo se šarančić (Carp Splashed) in collaboration with Južni Vetar. Same year, she was featured on the cover of Serbian Playboy magazine, in the June 2004 issue. In 2007 Vendi released her last album to date, titled Ucena (Blackmail), featuring her signature hit "Uljez" (Intruder).

In 2010, Vukelić took part in the reality TV series Farma, where she was noted for her interactions and relationship with reality star Ekrem Jevrić. Vendi was evicted on Day 108, a night before the grand final. During the 2011, she performed in a comedy play throughout Montenegro, which was also co-written by her. In 2011, Vukelić was nominated for the title of Serbian gay icon, but lost to singer Marina Perazić. 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.