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Meenakshi Seshadri

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Meenakshi Sheshadri
Born
Shashikala Sheshadri

(1963-11-16) 16 November 1963 (age 61)
Sindri, Jharkhand, India
Occupations
  • Film actress
  • dancer
Years active1983–1999
TitleEve's Weekly Miss India 1981 in Japan
Spouse
Harish Mysore
​
(m. 1995)​
Children2
RelativesShekhar Seshadri (brother)

Meenakshi Seshadri (pronounced [miːnaːkʂiː ʃeːʂaːdrɪ]; born 16 November 1963) is an Indian former actress, model, dancer and beauty pageant titleholder. She worked primarily in Hindi films, with few films in Telugu and Tamil. She made her debut with the film Painter Babu (1983) produced by Manoj Kumar, and her second film Hero (1983) catapulted her to instant stardom. In a career spanning a decade, she established herself as one of the most popular and highest-paid actresses of her time.

Prior to her acting career, Seshadri won the Eve's Weekly Miss India contest in 1981 at the age of 17.[1][2] She became one of Hindi cinema's leading actresses in the 1980s and 1990s, and was acknowledged for several of her performances, her beauty, and her accomplished dancing.[3] She was noted for her performances in films including Hero (1983), Aandhi-Toofan (1985), Meri Jung (1985), Swati (1986), Dilwaala (1986), Dacait (1987), Inaam Dus Hazaar (1987), Parivaar (1987), Shahenshah (1988), Mahaadev (1989), Awaargi (1990), Jurm (1990), Ghayal (1990), Ghar Ho To Aisa (1990), Damini (1993), Duet (1994) and Ghatak (1996).[3] She received particular critical acclaim for Swati (1986), Dahleez (1986), Satyamev Jayate (1987), Awaargi (1990) and Damini (1993).[4] She also performed at the Khajuraho Dance Festival in the 1990s.

After the release of her film Ghatak, she left the film industry to raise her children in the United States with her husband, where she runs the Cherish Dance School. A documentary was made about her life, titled Meenakshi Accept Her Wings.[5][6]

Early life

Meenakshi Seshadri was born on 16 November 1963[7] as Shashikala Seshadri in a Tamil Brahmin family[8][9][10] in Sindri, Bihar (now in Jharkhand).[11][12] She trained in four Indian classical dance forms, Bharata Natyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, and Odissi, under Vempati Chinna Satyam and Jaya Rama Rao. She won the Eve's Weekly Miss India contest in 1981 at the age of 17 and represented India at the Miss International 1981 in Tokyo, Japan.[13][14]

Career

Debut and early success (1983–1985)

After a forgettable debut in Painter Babu, Meenakshi acted alongside another newcomer, Jackie Shroff, in Hero. The film was a blockbuster and Meenakshi became an overnight star.[15] Immediately after the success of Hero, she got an offer to star with superstar Rajesh Khanna to appear in a double role in Awara Baap but the film underperformed at the box-office. She then appeared in several commercial films, including Love Marriage, Paisa Ye Paisa, and Lover Boy. Her next successful film was Bewafai, with Khanna again and starring Rajinikanth as the antagonist. Then Ghai again cast her alongside Anil Kapoor in Meri Jung, which was one of the highest-grossing films of 1985. This gave her a major foothold in the industry. Swati, Mera Jawab, and Aandhi Toofan were all moderately successful. The same year she also appeared in Hoshiyar with Jeetendra and Rajinikanth in Mahaguru (1985) as his heroine. In 1986 Meenakshi made a special appearance in a song with Rajinikanth in the Telugu movie Jeevana Poratam (1986).

Established actress (1986–1989)

Seshadri appeared in many critically acclaimed films in 1986. In Swati, a woman-centric art house film, she performed the title role. The film gained immense critical acclaim and critics said, "Meenakshi Seshadri has acted in Swati the way Amitabh Bachchan acts in his films". That same year she appeared in B. R. Chopra films alongside Jackie Shroff and Raj Babbar in the romantic drama Dahleez, which dealt with the taboo topic of infidelity but underperformed at the box office. Her other releases that year, such as Allah Rakha, were average performers at the box office. Dilwala (1986) and Parivaar with Mithun Chakraborty did very well at box office. Main Balwan (1986) was average in India, but a superhit overseas.

In 1987, she appeared in the hit film Inaam Dus Hazaar alongside Sanjay Dutt. She also appeared in Dacait, an action drama alongside Sunny Deol to critical acclaim.

In 1988, she starred in Yash Chopra's multi-starrer Vijay. She also starred in the much hyped Shahenshah opposite Amitabh Bachchan which proved to be a huge success.[3] Meenakshi teamed up with Bachchan for Toofan, Akayla, and Gangaa Jamunaa Saraswati, but all three were flops.

In 1988 Prakash Mehra had announced Dhan Dhahej, starring Anil Kapoor and Meenakshi, Sanjay Khan announced Sarzameen with Anil Kapoor, Meenakshi, and Vinod Khanna, Ramesh Sippy announced Aalishaan with Amitabh Bachchan and Meenakshi but none of these movies took off. Then Subhash Ghai signed Bachchan for the first time in film Devaa opposite Meenakshi Seshadri, but it was shelved after a song picturised on Bachchan and Shammi Kapoor that was sung by Mohammed Aziz.

In 1989, she was directed by Dev Anand in Sachché Ká Bol-Bálá. In 1989, she also made her Tamil film debut with En Rathathin Rathame, a remake of the Hindi film Mr. India, opposite K. Bhagyaraj, which bombed at the box office. She also appeared in Kalpataru's family dramas Bade Ghar Ki Beti and Gharana which were moderate successes.[3]

She worked with fellow dancer Mithun Chakraborthy in Aandhi Toofan, Main Balwan, Dilwaala, Parivaar, Bees Saal Baad Pyar Ka Karz, and Shandaar. Her pairings with Shroff, Rishi Kapoor, Sunny Deol, and Vinod Khanna were hugely popular and often praised by the media.[3][16] Her best and most successful pairing, as well as her best on-screen chemistry was with Anil Kapoor. Her successful films with Anil Kapoor include Aag Se Khelenge, Meri Jung, Humlaa and Ghar Ho Toh Aisa, while some others like Love Marriage, Amba, Joshilaay were box office duds.

Commercial success (1990–1996)

In 1990, Meenakshi appeared in two films by Mahesh Bhatt, the first being Awaargi, an art house film. Many critics call this her best performance.[17] The second film was Jurm, released in the same year. The film was a critical and commercial success. Her role as a wife who has to face her problems after her husband gets involved with another woman gained immense critical praise. She received her first Filmfare Award nomination for best actress for her role in the film. She also appeared in the film Ghar Ho To Aisa opposite Anil Kapoor; the film was a hit and Meenakshi was noted for her comedic timing.[4] She then appeared in Ghayal alongside Sunny Deol. This film started her long association with Rajkumar Santoshi. Ghayal was the highest-grossing film of the 1990s.

In 1991, she appeared opposite Amitabh Bachchan in Akayla, directed by Ramesh Sippy; despite being well-promoted, the film flopped at the box office. Her on-screen pairing with Vinod Khanna was widely appreciated, and the pair starred in such successful films as Satyamev Jayate, Mahaadev, Jurm, Humshakal, and Police Aur Mujrim. She acted in the successful family drama Ghar Parivar in 1991, with Rajesh Khanna and Rishi Kapoor as her co-stars. Meenakshi made her Telugu film debut with Brahmarshi Viswamitra in 1991. The same year, Raj Kumar Santoshi started the film Dil Hai Tumhara with Sunny Deol. Meenakshi paired for the first time with Salman Khan; they only shot once before the film was shelved.

In 1992, she appeared in the Telugu film Aapadbandhavudu opposite Chiranjeevi. In 1992 her film Aaj Ka Goonda Raaj opposite Chiranjeevi was a hit.

In 1993, she appeared in the film Damini – Lightning. Directed by filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi, it also starred Rishi Kapoor, Sunny Deol, Amrish Puri, Tinnu Anand, and Paresh Rawal. The film depicted the sensitive subject of injustice towards a rape victim.[citation needed] She won many accolades for her performance in the film. Damini received a number of awards, including a National Film Award and a Filmfare Award nomination.[3] Damini is regarded as Meenakshi's career-defining role.[18] She performed a Tandav dance in the film, choreographed by Ravindra Atibudhi. In 1993, she also appeared in Aadmi Khilona Hai opposite Govinda; and Kshatriya opposite Vinod Khanna – both the films were successful at the box office.

In 1994, she appeared in the Tamil film Duet opposite Prabhu Ganeshan, directed by K. Balachander.[citation needed]. The same year, she was in a dance show of songs from Damini: "Bin Sajan Jhula Jholu" with Aamir Khan.

Meenakshi played the female lead in the 1996 film Ghatak: Lethal opposite Sunny Deol, directed by Rajkumar Santoshi. It was one of the highest-grossing films of 1996. This was her last film, as she moved to the United States after marriage.[5][6]

Hiatus (1997–present)

After her marriage, she made a rare appearance on Shekhar Suman's talk show.[citation needed] After a few years of marriage, she shifted her base to Plano, Texas, in the United States.[citation needed] In an interview she stated: "Coming from a very Indo-centric background, life abroad shook me, I just could not relate to the US environment."[citation needed] However, with the passage of time she has settled there.[citation needed] Now she is running her own dance school in Carrollton called Cherish Institute of Dance;[citation needed] The school is described as "an assembly of talented dancers, a voluntary body to enhance multi-culture, revealing the best talent of people of all ages".[citation needed]

Personal life

Meenakshi retired from cinema after marrying investment banker Harish Mysore in 1995. They had a civil wedding and a registered marriage in New York.[19] The couple have two children, a daughter and a son.[20] Meenakshi lives in Plano, Texas.[21] There, she teaches Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Odissi. She performs with her students at charity events and fundraisers,[6] including the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) convention in California.

Artistry

Dance

Meenakshi is not only known for her acting skills, but for her dancing skills as well.[22] Often referred to as "Damini", she is famous for her dance in the song "Tu Mera Hero Hai" from the film Hero. She is also known for her dance sequences to Bollywood songs such as "Pyar Karne Wale" (from Hero), her one of great dance sequences in songs such as "Rock’N’Roll" and "Tu Nache Main Gaoon" - with Mithun (from Main Balwaan and Parivaar), "Teri Payal Mere Geet" with Govinda (from Teri Payal Mere Geet), "Jaane Do Jaane Do" (from Shahenshah) opposite Amitabh Bachchan, "Badal Pe Chalke" (from Vijay) opposite Anil Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor, "Bin Saajan Jhula" (from Damini) opposite Aamir Khan, "Sajan Mera Uss Par Hai" (from Gangaa Jamunaa Saraswati), "Mujre Wali Hoon" (from Awaargi), "Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaye" (from Jurm), and "Badan Main Chandni" (from Ghatak).

She considers herself more of a dancer than an actress.[6] Her desire to continue the art and extend this culture in a foreign land led her to found the Cherish Dance School.[6]

Singing

Meenakshi sang some poetic notes in J.P. Dutta's movie Kshatriya, in a composition by Laxmikant Pyarelal. She sang a song in another movie, Tadap, with Chunkey Pandey and Nana Patekar, but the movie was not released. She sang "Tumhare Roop Ka", composed by R.D. Burman, with Amit Kumar and Suresh Wadkar.

Documentaries and television appearances

She has made few appearances on talk shows and rarely gives interviews.[citation needed] In 1987, she appeared in an interview in London, in which she discussed her personal and professional life.[citation needed]

In 1992, Meenakshi featured in the television documentary World of Film: India about the Indian film industry; she appeared with stalwarts such as Shashi Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, and Mira Nair.[citation needed]

In 1997, she made a rare public appearance on Shekhar Suman's talk show Movers & Shakers (TV series); this was also her last television appearance before she left the industry to raise her children.[citation needed] She discussed her entire career, her personal life, and her passion for dance and her stage performances.[citation needed]

In 2006, a documentary was made on her life called Meenakshi Accept Her Wings, directed by Margret Stephens; the two-hour musical documentary depicted her lifestyle transition from a dancer and actress to a homemaker.[citation needed] The movie gave a deeper insight to her life after quitting film and her successful marriage.[citation needed]

Awards and recognition

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes Ref.
1983 Painter Babu Renu [26]
Hero Radha [27]
1984 Love Marriage Ritu [28]
1985 Hoshiyar Jyoti [29]
Mera Jawab Poonam [30]
Aandhi-Toofan Meena
Mahaguru Basanti
Bewafai Vinny
Maha Shaktimaan Madhuri
Meraa Ghar Mere Bachche Sarita
Paisa Yeh Paisa Sapna
Meri Jung Geeta [31]
Lover Boy Radha
Awara Baap Rupa/Deepa [32]
1986 Ricky Rani
Main Balwaan Natasha
Maa Beti Meenu/Asha
Dahleez Naini
Allah Rakha Rani
Dilwaala Padma
Swati Swati [33]
Pahunche Huwey Log Herself Special appearance
Jeevana Poratam Herself Special appearance
1987 Satyamev Jayate Seema
Dacait Chavli [34]
Inaam Dus Hazaar Kamal/Sonia
Muqaddar Ka Faisla Meena
Parivaar Anita
1988 Main Tere Liye Rinku
Aurat Teri Yehi Kahani Savitri
Gangaa Jamunaa Saraswati Jamuna
Inteqam Seeta
Vijay Sapna
Shahenshah Shalu
1989 Sachché Ká Bol-Bálá Reema
Bees Saal Baad Kiran
Joshilaay Mangala
En Rathathin Rathame Meenakshi Tamil film [35]
Mahaadev Geeta
Bade Ghar Ki Beti Mala
Gharana Radha
Toofan Radha
Aag Se Khelenge Geeta
Mohabat Ka Paigham Zeenat
Nache Nagin Gali Gali Mohini
1990 Awaargi Meena
Shandaar Rani
Pyar Ka Karz Dr. Naina
Ghar Ho To Aisa Seema
Ghayal Varsha [36]
Jurm Meena Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Actress [37]
[38]
Amba Lajjo
1991 Ghar Parivar Mala
Brahmarshi Vishwamitra Menaka Telugu film
Akayla Seema
1992 Humlaa —
Aaj Ka Goonda Raj Shalu
Police Aur Mujrim Kiran
Humshakal Sara
Aapadbandhavudu Hema Telugu film; Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Actress
Yeh Raat Phir Na Aayegi Radha
1993 Kshatriya Madhu
Damini Damini Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Actress
Aadmi Khilona Hai Poonam
Teri Payal Mere Geet Laila/Leela
Badi Behen Jyoti
Sadhna Madhu Special appearance
1994 Duet Anjali Tamil film
1996 Ghatak: Lethal Gauri Delayed release
1998 Swami Vivekananda Sannyasini Guest appearance
2016 Ghayal: Once Again Varsha Flashback appearance

Television

Year Show Role Notes
1999 Movers & Shakers[citation needed] Herself Last talk show appearance, Interviewed by Shekhar Suman
Star Yaar Kalakaar[citation needed] Herself TV reality show, Hosted by Farida Jalal

Jhalak Dikhla Jaa| Dec 2023 || Herself || TV reality show

Documentary

Year Title Role Notes
1992 World of Film: India[citation needed] Herself Appeared alongside Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor and Mira Nair
2006 Meenakshi Accept Her Wings[citation needed] Herself Directed by Margret Stephens

References

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  2. ^ "Miss India and their Bollywood breaks". Retrieved 25 June 2014.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Boxofficeindia.com. "Top Actress". Archived from the original on 17 October 2013.
  4. ^ a b "BoxOffice India.com". BoxOffice India.com. Archived from the original on 18 September 2010. Retrieved 9 August 2010.
  5. ^ a b "Box Office 1996". Archived from the original on 25 January 2008. Retrieved 5 June 2012.
  6. ^ a b c d e "The Miraculous Meenakshi". lcahouston.com. 30 December 2008. Archived from the original on 29 March 2013. Retrieved 7 August 2012.
  7. ^ "Happy Birthday Meenakshi Sheshadri! The grace of the 80's!". The Free Press Journal. 16 November 2017. Retrieved 11 May 2019.
  8. ^ "Second Coming". The Hindu. 16 July 2005.
  9. ^ "YouTube" – via YouTube.[dead YouTube link]
  10. ^ "Daily Bhaskar: Bollywood's 'Damini' Meenakshi Seshadri turns 51". Daily Bhaskar. Retrieved 22 December 2013.
  11. ^ "Bollywood actress Meenakshi turns 48". Awaztoday.com. 16 November 1959. Archived from the original on 7 December 2013. Retrieved 11 March 2014.
  12. ^ "Meenakshi Seshadri". TollywoodTimes. 16 November 1959. Archived from the original on 15 June 2013. Retrieved 11 March 2014.
  13. ^ Kothari, Sunil; Avinash Pasricha (2001). Kuchipudi. Abhinav Publications. p. 203. ISBN 8170173590.
  14. ^ Mandhir Saikia and Avani Saxena (22 September 1999). "Meenakshi magic". Express. Retrieved 15 May 2012.
  15. ^ "Actors who inspire: Take a cue from their careers!". Rediff.
  16. ^ "Top Grosser of 1990". Boxoffice India. Archived from the original on 18 September 2010. Retrieved 5 September 2012.
  17. ^ "Awaargi – Film Review". Planet Bollywood. Archived from the original on 30 August 2010. Retrieved 2 September 2010.
  18. ^ [1][dead link‍]
  19. ^ "civil wedding". Archived from the original on 16 November 2012. Retrieved 1 November 2012.
  20. ^ "Then and now: Damini actress Meenakshi Seshadri looks unrecognisable". mid-day. 15 November 2019. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  21. ^ "Spurred by success: Meenakshi bares her claws!". Stardust. 31 October 2013. Archived from the original on 13 January 2016. Retrieved 13 June 2019.
  22. ^ "rediff.com: Bollywood's best dancing girls". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 19 September 2018. Retrieved 30 June 2011.
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  24. ^ "The Nominations — 1993". Official Listings, Indiatimes. Archived from the original on 27 October 2014. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
  25. ^ "Photo Gallery". Priyadarshniacademy.com. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 24 October 2013.
  26. ^ "Manoj Kumar gave first break to Meenakshi Sheshadri". Entertainment Times. The Times of India. The Times Group. 10 February 2015. Archived from the original on 11 April 2022. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
  27. ^ "Hero: Revisiting Subhash Ghai's flamboyant take on romance". Rediff.com. 6 February 2014. Archived from the original on 22 September 2020. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
  28. ^ "Love Marriage (1984)", Ultra Movie Parlour, YouTube, retrieved 11 April 2022
  29. ^ "Hoshiyar (1985)". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 17 July 2021. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
  30. ^ "Mera Jawab (1985)". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
  31. ^ Mohapatra, Bikash (2007). "Kabhi bhai kabhi lover!". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 11 April 2022. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
  32. ^ "Awara Baap (1985)". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 23 May 2015. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
  33. ^ "Swati (1986)". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 9 April 2015. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
  34. ^ Subhash K Jha (1 November 2005). The Essential Guide to Bollywood. Roli Books Private Limited. p. 140. ISBN 978-81-7436-378-7. Archived from the original on 14 November 2012. Retrieved 10 December 2022.
  35. ^ "Kollywood: Ms. Indias and Ms. Worlds – I". Indiaglitz Tamil. 20 May 2010. Archived from the original on 5 March 2014. Retrieved 2014-03-05.
  36. ^ Verma, Sukanya (4 February 2016). "Didn't watch Sunny Deol's 1990 Ghayal? Read this!". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 29 August 2018. Retrieved 12 April 2022.
  37. ^ "Jurm (1990)". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 22 March 2021. Retrieved 12 April 2022.
  38. ^ "The Nominations – 1990". Official Listings, Indiatimes. Archived from the original on 8 July 2007. Retrieved 12 April 2022.
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