Rajinikanth, known for his larger-than-life persona, has not only been a mentor to many in the industry but also a guiding force for those at career crossroads and there is one actress who owes much of her career direction as well as her personal life direction to the legendary actor.
While her film journey had its ups and downs, it was Rajinikanth who helped her find her bearings during a particularly challenging phase of her career. Known for her beautiful eyes and graceful presence, the story of this actress is one of resilience, transformation, and the unexpected paths that led her to a peaceful life far removed from the limelight.
This actress is Madhavi who began her career in Telugu cinema, where she featured in Maro Charitra (1978), directed by K. Balachand.
The film, which explored the tragic romance between a Tamil boy and a Telugu girl, became a major hit, though Madhavi wasn't the lead.
When LV Prasad decided to remake it in Hindi, Balachander cast Kamal Haasan, Rati Agnihotri, and Madhavi. In the 1981 film Ek Duuje Ke Liye, Madhavi reprised her role, though it was Rati Agnihotri who got the main credit and an easy entry into Bollywood. Madhavi feared being pigeonholed into playing the grieving widow, but she was fortunate that Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth offered her leading roles in several films, particularly in Tamil cinema. At this time, Sridevi was exiting the Tamil industry, and Madhavi stepped in to fill the void.
Between 1981 and 1985, Madhavi starred in numerous successful films with both Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth, such as Thambikku Endha Ooru, Raja Parvai, Kaki Chattai, and Tik Tik Tik.
In Tik Tik Tik, directed by Bharathi Raja, Madhavi even appeared in a two-piece bikini, a bold move that caught the attention of the film industry. This heightened her fame and established her as a rising star. When Golmaal was remade by K. Balachander, Madhavi was cast as the female lead, and Rajinikanth, who took over Amol Palekar's role from the original, recommended her for the part. Their friendship grew, and Madhavi became Rajinikanth’s lucky charm. So, when Rajinikanth made his Bollywood debut with Andha Kanoon (1983), Madhavi appeared in a standout cameo, playing opposite Amitabh Bachchan. Her brief but powerful role proved her acting prowess.
Though Madhavi didn’t receive as many offers in Bollywood as Rati Agnihotri did after Ek Duuje Ke Liye, she was still well-received in South Indian cinema, particularly in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala.
In Tamil Nadu, she continued to be a sought-after actress, even when Bollywood roles were not coming her way. A couple of years after Andha Kanoon, she starred in Geraftar alongside Amitabh Bachchan again. This was the period when Madhavi’s ambitions grew, and buoyed by Sridevi’s success, she decided to focus more on Bollywood.
She agreed to appear in Kalyug Ki Ramayan, a B-grade film with Vishal Goswami, Manoj Kumar’s brother, which failed at the box office. She also featured in the Tamil remake of Insaf Ka Tarazu, titled Tarasu, which garnered praise for her performance, despite the film’s lacklustre commercial success.
Madhavi’s decision to focus on Bollywood backfired when films like Haar Jeet, Agneekaal, and Sheshnag failed at the box office. As her career reached a tipping point, it was Rajinikanth who came to her aid. He directed her to meet his guru in the Himalayas. The experience turned out to be life-changing for Madhavi, as she underwent a profound spiritual transformation.
Her guru encouraged her to marry one of his devotees, a successful businessman based in the United States. And so, Madhavi married and moved to America, away from the spotlight of Indian cinema. True to her guru's words, she was unable to return to India for the next 30 years, as each time she tried to travel, something would prevent it.
Madhavi now lives a peaceful life in the US with her husband and three daughters. She is far removed from the glitz and glamour of the film industries, having reinvented herself as a businesswoman.
Comparing her life to her contemporaries like Sridevi, Rati Agnihotri, and Jayaprada, it’s clear that Madhavi’s life has been kinder, filled with serenity and fulfilment. Despite her newfound wealth, Madhavi has remained humble and gracious. She stays in touch with Rajinikanth and was one of the first to wish him well when he announced his political ambitions.
Madhavi is deeply grateful to Rajinikanth for showing her the way when she was struggling at a career crossroads. In an industry driven by fickleness, Rajinikanth’s support for a fellow actress is a gesture worth noting.
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