Bollywood Called This Actress ‘Fat' And ‘Unattractive', Then Mithun Chakraborty Stepped In
Many aspiring actors arrive in Mumbai, the City of Dreams, with hopes of making their mark in the film industry. Yet, for numerous hopefuls, success proves elusive. One such actress is Shilpa Shirodkar, who, despite her impressive lineage, being the granddaughter of acclaimed Marathi actress Meenakshi Shirodkar and sister to former Miss India Namrata Shirodkar, faced harsh rejection.
The film industry initially branded her as overweight and unattractive, making her journey all the more challenging.
Early Beginnings And Initial Setbacks
Shilpa Shirodkar made her debut in 1989 with Ramesh Sippy's film Bhrashtachar (1989), where she played the role of a blind woman alongside the superstar Mithun Chakraborty.
Despite her evident potential, Shilpa Shirodkar's early career was beset with challenges. Frequently dismissed by filmmakers as 'fat' and 'unattractive', she was even regarded as a jinx. She was initially set to debut in a Boney Kapoor production opposite Sanjay Kapoor; however, the project was shelved before filming commenced.
Sanjay Kapoor eventually made his debut alongside Tabu in Prem (1995), leaving Shilpa without a proper launchpad. After two more of her films were also shelved, she gained a reputation for being unlucky, prompting many filmmakers to steer clear of working with her.
A Helping Hand From Mithun Chakraborty
In an interview with Pinkvilla, Shilpa Shirodkar revealed that during this bleak phase, when no one was willing to collaborate with her, Mithun Chakraborty stepped in to support her career. Madhuri Dixit's then-manager, Riku Rakesh Nath, introduced Shilpa Shirodkar to Mithun Chakraborty and asked him to assist in her launch.
Shilpa Shirodkar recalled that during the grand muhurat of a Bengali film in Kolkata, it was publicly announced that she had been signed as the heroine. This marked the turning point of her career.
Acknowledging Her Benefactor
Shilpa Shirodkar openly credits Mithun Chakraborty for her entry into films, stating, 'I was cast in Bhrashtachar. This is how I began working in the film industry. I got the offer because of Dada (Mithun Chakraborty), and I am here today because of him".
Shilpa Shirodkar went on to act with stars such as Amitabh Bachchan in Hum (1991) and Khuda Gawah (1992), and also shared screen space with Govinda in Aankhen (1993) and Prateeksha (1993)
Life Beyond Films
Not quite reaching the pinnacle of success she had originally envisioned in the film industry, Shilpa Shirodkar eventually chose to step away from the spotlight.
She married, took a significant hiatus from acting, and settled in London, embracing a quieter life away from the hustle and bustle of Bollywood.
First Published:
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
14 minutes ago
- News18
Dhanush Gets Raanjhanaa-Style Birthday Wish From Tere Ishk Mein Director Aanand L Rai
On Dhanush's birthday, Tere Ishk Mein director Aanand L Rai shared an unseen picture with him and showered love on the actor. Dhanush is celebrating his 42nd birthday today, and heartfelt wishes have been pouring in across social media for the beloved actor. Several celebrities, including Kajol, have shared warm birthday messages. Director Aanand L Rai, who collaborated with Dhanush on the 2013 film Raanjhanaa and more recently in Tere Ishk Mein, penned a special birthday tribute for him. He dedicated a few lines from Raanjhanaa song 'Tum Tak', revealing that they perfectly describe his emotions for Dhanush. Dhanush wrapped up the shoot of Tere Ishk Mein a few weeks ago. Now, Aanand L Rai has dropped an unseen photo with him from the sets of the film, and wished him on his birthday. The picture shows the director hugging Dhanush. In his caption, Aanand L Rai wrote, 'Meri har mann maani bas tumtak …. Mere sukh dukh aate jaate yaar tumtak !!! I never thought these lines will become my emotions for you. Love you always. Happy birthday mere bhai @dhanushkraja #happybirthdaydhanush." Check out his post below! Tere Ishk Mein, starring Dhanush and Kriti Sanon, officially wrapped its shoot last month. Directed by Aanand L Rai and jointly produced by Rai, Bhushan Kumar, Himanshu Sharma and Krishan Kumar, the film has been drawing attention for its powerful cast and emotional storytelling. Dhanush reunites with director Aanand L Rai after their successful collaborations in Raanjhanaa and Atrangi Re. A few weeks ago, Kriti Sanon announced the wrap of Tere Ishk Mein, and dropped a series of behind-the-scenes pictures from the shoot. She thanked Aanand L Rai and said that she enjoyed every second of being directed by him. She also heaped praise on Dhanush, calling him one of the finest and most intelligent actors that she has worked with. Tere Ishk Mein is touted to be an intense romantic drama. It marks the first onscreen collaboration between Dhanush and Kriti Sanon, and is already generating excitement over their fresh pairing. The music is composed by A.R. Rahman with lyrics penned by Irshad Kamil. The film is scheduled to release worldwide in Hindi and Tamil on 28th November 2025. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
15 minutes ago
- News18
‘Did This Just Happen?': Sunidhi Chauhan Surprised As Fans Sing Her Song From Once Upon A Time In Mumbai
Sunidhi has been a prominent part of the Indian music industry for several decades, starting her career at a young age. The request for 'Once More' during a live performance can be a source of pride and validation for an artist. It signifies that the audience was deeply moved and engaged by the performance, wanting to experience it again. But what if the singer asks her fans to sing once again for her? Sounds strange? Recently, Sunidhi Chauhan, a renowned Indian playback singer, was left surprised during one of her concerts after the audience took over and sang the lyrics of her songs flawlessly, prompting her to request 'Once more.' In a video surfacing on social media, Sunidhi, dressed in a black party outfit, could be seen performing her popular song, Parda, from the film Once Upon A Time In Mumbai. As it progresses, we see the singer take a sudden pause during the concert and look at the crowd, beaming with joy as the fans take over and sing the lyrics. Seemingly teary-eyed Sunidhi, after holding for a few seconds, reacts, 'Kya ye sachme abhi hua hai? (Did this just happen) Can I please hear it one more time?" Soon after her request, the fans immediately started singing her popular track, with Sunidhi giving some effects. At the end, she also joins the crowd and resumes her performance. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Entertainment AF (@entertainmentafindia) Sunidhi Chauhan's Singing Journey Sunidhi has been a prominent part of the Indian music industry for several decades, starting her career at a young age. She began singing professionally in the mid-1990s and has since become one of the most recognisable and successful female playback singers in Bollywood. She has sung some of the notable chartbuster tracks such as Beedi Jalaile, Mehbooba Mehbooba, Bhage Re Mann, Desi Girl, Crazy Kiya Re and Kamli among others. Sunidhi Chauhan's Work Front The singer recently announced the Dubai schedule of her musical tour 'I am Home'. She will be performing live in Dubai on September 13, 2025, at the Coca-Cola Arena. Her last song, Marzi Ki Malkin, was released on World Music Day and was loved by the audience. For the track, Sunidhi collaborated with actor and entrepreneur Parul Gulati. First Published: July 28, 2025, 18:37 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
28 minutes ago
- News18
Anusha Dandekar On Being Godmother To 2 Kids: ‘It's A Role That You Take On'
Last Updated: Anusha Dandekar revealed she is the godmother of two beautiful babies – Sahara and Noah, both are her best friend Zoha and Susan's kids respectively. Remember when model and VJ Anusha Dandekar sparked buzz about adopting a girl after she shared a picture of a baby in 2022. Turned out, she was a godmother for the adorable kid and not the mother. Now, Anusha has clarified what it actually means to be a godmother. The actress also revealed that she is the godmother of two beautiful babies – Sahara and Noah. The mothers of two kids are Anusha's best friends, Zoha and Susan. FYI, Susan is married to Rajiv Lakshman, known for Roadies. Talking to Filmygyan, Anusha said, 'A Godmother's role is basically, I mean as harsh as this is going to sound, but it's basically a role that if you promise to take on, God forbid something happens to them, you will step in as the child's mother. And if your best friend bestows that trust in you, I have two best friends, Susan and Zoha. Susan and Rajiv, Rajiv is ex-roadies, you know, the bald twin. View this post on Instagram A post shared by F I L M Y G Y A N (@filmygyan) 'His child, Noah, who's now 19, is my Godson. And Sahara is my Goddaughter. So actually, I've had a boy and a girl and I didn't need to do the hard work," added Anusha. In 2022, Anusha Dandekar had left netizens puzzled when she had posted a picture on Instagram with a baby. Her caption? 'I finally have a little girl I can call my own," introducing this Angel of mine, Sahara – the ultimate love of my life. Monster and Gangsta and I are going to look after you, spoil you and protect you forever and always! I Love you baby girl, your Mummy," she wrote, along with the photo. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anusha Dandekar (@anushadandekar) As the post sparked rumours that the VJ has adopted the baby girl, she took to Instagram to clarify that the real mother is her best friend Zoha via a post on stories. 'I vow to look after her whenever my best friend or Sahara needs me, throughout Sahara's life, forever and always! So that's why she's like a daughter to me…BUT NOT my real daughter," she noted. On the work front, Anusha is set to take on an action role in Hunter 2 alongside Suniel Shetty and Jackie Shroff. The show will stream on Amazon MX Player from July 24 and revolves around Shetty's ACP Vikram Sinha against the crime world to save his daughter. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
