THIS Ram Gopal Varma heroine was once touted as the next Urmila Matondkar, quit films after 12 years, later accused of abandoning ailing father

Time of India

7 days ago

Antara Mali, once hailed as a rising star under Ram Gopal Varma's guidance, debuted in Bollywood with high expectations, showcasing her talent in films like 'Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon.' Despite critical acclaim, she never achieved superstardom, later venturing into direction before unexpectedly leaving the industry after her marriage.
In an industry where fame is fleeting and talent doesn't always guarantee longevity,
Antara Mali
's story stands out as both promising and puzzling. Once projected as the next
Urmila Matondkar
and a frequent collaborator of
Ram Gopal Varma
, Antara seemed poised for stardom.
But after a dozen years in the spotlight, she chose to walk away—leaving behind a brief yet memorable legacy, and later, headlines for reasons far removed from cinema.
Early Break and
RGV
's Muse
Daughter of renowned photographer Jagdish Mali, Antara made her Bollywood debut in 1998 with Dhoondte Reh Jaaoge!. While the film failed at the box office, her screen presence didn't go unnoticed. It was filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma who spotted her potential early on and soon became a key figure in shaping her cinematic journey.
Notable Roles but Missed Stardom
RGV cast her in several of his projects, including the Telugu film Prem Katha, Mast (1999), Road (2002), Company (2002)—where she played
Ajay Devgn
's wife—and Darna Mana Hai (2003). Her most acclaimed role came in Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon, a tribute to the legendary actress. While critics praised her performance, the film failed to click with audiences. Despite multiple opportunities and RGV's unwavering support, Antara never quite reached the stardom many had predicted for her.
Behind the Camera
By 2005, Antara took a bold step to steer her career by directing and starring in Mr Ya Mrs, a comedy-drama that unfortunately didn't make a mark. The film failed to revive her slipping stardom. She made one final attempt at a comeback in 2010 with
Amol Palekar
's ...And Once Again, but the film went unnoticed. After that, Antara quietly exited the film industry for good.
In 2009, the actress tied the knot with Che Kurrien, the editor of GQ India.
The couple later welcomed a daughter. Choosing a life away from the spotlight, Antara stepped back entirely from public life, dedicating herself to her family and keeping her personal affairs strictly private.
Controversy and Public Scrutiny
She returned to the headlines in January 2013—but this time, not for her films. Actress Mink Brar alleged that she found Antara's father, renowned photographer Jagdish Mali, wandering semi-nude on the streets of Versova.
Brar accused Antara of neglecting her ailing father, a claim that sparked widespread concern, controversy, and criticism in the media.
Quiet Farewell
At the time, Antara —who was pregnant—responded strongly to the allegations. She clarified that her father was not mentally ill but occasionally experienced disorientation due to diabetes. Antara accused Mink Brar of exploiting the situation for publicity and maintained that her father was otherwise being cared for.
Tragically, Jagdish Mali passed away just a few months later, on May 13, 2013.
Since 2010, Mali has remained completely out of the limelight—no films, no interviews, and no public appearances. Her quiet departure from Bollywood stands as one of the industry's most understated exits—a talented actress who once held immense promise but ultimately chose a path far removed from fame.