Meenakshi Seshadri

Meenakshi Seshadri Mysore (; née Seshadri; born 16 November 1963) as Shashikala Seshadri, is an Indian former actress and beauty pageant titleholder who worked primarily in Hindi, Telugu and Tamil films. Seshadri established herself as one of the most popular and highest-paid actresses of her time and is considered among the leading actresses of Indian cinema.

Prior to her acting career, Seshadri won the Eve's Weekly Miss India contest in 1981 at the age of 17. 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. 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. 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). She received particular critical acclaim for ''Swati'' (1986), '' Dahleez'' (1986), '' Satyamev Jayate'' (1987), ''Awaargi'' (1990) and ''Damini'' (1993). 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''.

Early life

Meenakshi Seshadri was born on 16 November 1963 as Shashikala Seshadri in a Tamil Brahmin family in Sindri, Bihar (now in Jharkhand). 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.

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. 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 with Jeetendra in ''Hoshiyar'' and with 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''.

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. 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.

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''.'' 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. 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. 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 1990.

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. 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. ''Damini'' is regarded as Meenakshi's career-defining role
/ref> and considered a cult feminist film. 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, directed by K. Balachander. 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.

Hiatus (1997–present)

After her marriage, she made a rare appearance on Shekhar Suman's talk show. After a few years of marriage, she shifted her base to Plano, Texas, in the United States. 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." However, with the passage of time she has settled there. Now she is running her own dance school in Carrollton called Cherish Institute of Dance; 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".

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. The couple have two children, a daughter and a son. Meenakshi lived in Plano, Texas. There, she taught Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Odissi. She performs with her students at charity events and fundraisers, including the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) convention in California. She has since shifted to Washington D.C.

Artistry

Dance

Meenakshi is not only known for her acting skills, but for her dancing skills as well. 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. Her desire to continue the art and extend this culture in a foreign land led her to found the Cherish Dance School.

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. In 1987, she appeared in an interview in London, in which she discussed her personal and professional life.

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.

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. She discussed her entire career, her personal life, and her passion for dance and her stage performances.

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. The movie gave a deeper insight to her life after quitting film and her successful marriage.

Awards and recognition

* 1986 – Lux Award as Best Actress for ''Swati''
* 1991 – Filmfare Nomination as Best Actress for '' Jurm''
* 1992 – Filmfare Award South nomination as Best Actress – Telugu for ''Aapadbandhavudu''
* 1994 – Filmfare Nomination as Best Actress for ''Damini''
* 1993 – Smita Patil Memorial Award as Best Actress for ''Damini''

Filmography

Documentary

References

External links

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Seshadri, Meenakshi
1963 births
Living people
Indian film actresses
Actresses in Hindi cinema
Actresses in Tamil cinema
Actresses in Telugu cinema
Actresses from Jharkhand
Femina Miss India winners
Miss International 1981 delegates
Female models from Jharkhand
Dancers from Jharkhand
Women artists from Jharkhand
Performers of Indian classical dance
People from Dhanbad district
Indian expatriates in the United States
American actresses of Indian descent
20th-century Indian actresses
21st-century Indian actresses
20th-century Indian dancers
20th-century Indian women artists
Tamil actresses
American people of Indian Tamil descent
Tamil Brahmins