Where-you-at Bollywood stars from the 80s & 90s that I loved - where are they now?

It is not surprising that most people assocaited the 80s era of Bollywood as the worse ever! However, for me, it was the beginning of my Bollywood love connection and passion. Look at me now! I am in my early 30s now and still trying to find some Bollywood films that were dubbed in Hmong and grew up with.

80s and 90s Bollywood stars are what I grew up with. Watching their films bring back so many nostalgia moments. Therefore, I decided to see what the stars are up to these days. I miss them!!

I can not start off my list without one of my all-time favorites -- Neelam!!!!



Neelam
Neelam Kothari, better known as just Neelam. Even though she was born in Hong Kong and grew up in Thailand, she ended up in Bollywood films! Debuted at the age of 14 in Jawaani, she is one of the cutest Bollywood actresses ever! Being paired with Govinda and known as the dancing hit jodi in films -- Ilzaam, Love 86, Farz Ki Jung & Hatya. Kasak is her most well-known acting performance. No matter how big or small her role was, she was memorable.

Being divorced and single doesn't stop her for being successful. She moved on in the fashion world. Jewelry-making was always in her family's bloodline. Owning her own jewelry line and business, Neelam Jewels, she successfully has her own showroom in Mumbai.

Why I like her?
Why not? She's cute, bubbly, and cute. And still cute. I must say that Neelam has aged very well and still looking, well, cute! Love 86 and the Govinda-Neelam dancing jodi are what made me adore her so much! Usually Neelam is smiling, looking naive, and dancing with her long, silky hair flipping. Her cute modern outfits and dance steps rocked the 80s and 90s, which many actresses were only good with the traditional look and dancing.

Pooja Bhatt
Daughter of the film producer/director, Mahesh Bhatt. At the age of 17, she debuted in Daddy and her career was just getting started. She starred in memorable films -- Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin with Aamir Khan, Sadak with Sanjay Dutt, Junoon with Rahul Roy, Chaahat with Shah Rukh Khan, Tamanna with Manoj Bajpai & Sharad Kapoor, & Zakhm with Ajay Devgan & Sonali Bendre.



She has married her long-time boyfriend, Munish Makhija, who was a former VJ. Even though she has given up on acting, she is still around in Bollywood as a producer and director. Film-making was in her blood. If you have not seen Dhokha, you must! My favorite film of her as a producer. Her other two films she directed/produced are Paap & Holiday.

Why I like her?
Growing up in a male-dominated filmi family, Pooja came out and just showed everyone what she was made of. I love her ambitious goals to succeed at what she is able to do. Even though her films didn't do well at the box office, she still manage to stay on top of her game.

Rahul Roy
Before the cool, long hairstyles of John Abraham, there was the cool, long hairstyle of Rahul Roy. His debut film, Aashiqui, storming the box office and won many fans. Although he isn't the best actor, he still has entertaining movies to look out for -- Junoon with Pooja Bhatt, Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayee with Pooja Bhatt & Pooja Bedi, & Sapne Saajan Ke with Karisma Kapoor. He had potential but just never made it that big.



Married to model, Rajalaxmi -- You may remember her as the the girl in the "Aa Toyar Hoja" song from Asoka. He has not given up acting yet. His most recent films have been Meri Aashiqui (2005) and Naughty Boy (2006). In 2006, Rahul appeared Big Boss, which is the Indian version of Celebrity Big Brother in the UK and won on the first season.

Why I like him?
He's good looking! Yes, he is. He was one of the sexiest Bollywood stars, I've ever seen onscreen. Well, you know me and my shallowness. Without Rahul kicking it off in the 90s eye candy for me, I wouldn't have lured more of my Hmong girl friends to watch Bollywood films.



Tina Munim
Dev Anand found the beauty and launched her in his film, Des Pardes. In addition, she starred in a few more Dev Anand films -- Lootmaar and Man Pasand. She was casted as the leading heroine and love interest in Sanjay Dutt's debut Rocky. Her other well-known co-stars were Rishi Kapoor -- Yeh Vaada Raha & Karz -- and Rajesh Khanna -- Fifty Fifty & Souten.

Since she has retired from the industry, she has been involved with charities, art events, and shows. Married to the billionaire, Anil Ambani, they both have two sons, Anmol & Anshul.

Why I like her?
Ever since I first saw her in Yeh Vaada Raha, I knew there was something special about her. She played the role, Sunita, so well that I wanted to see more of Tina Munim. Not only could she act, she is gorgeous.



Poonam Dhillon
After winning the Femina title of Miss Young India, Yash Chopra approached her and launched her debut film, Trishul with Sanjeev Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor, Hema Malini, Raakhee Gulzar, Waheeda Rehman, & Prem Chopra. The song pictured on her, "Gapoochi Gapoochi Gum Gum" was a hit. Afterwards, Yash Chopra gave her a leading heroine role in Noorie, which she got a Filmfare nomination. Since then she has starred in many other films-- Yeh Vaada Raha with Rishi Kapoor, Romance with Kumar Gaurav, & Red Rose with Rajesh Khanna.



She is divorced and has two children -- son, Anmol and daughter, Paloma. Having her own personal website, Poonam is very much active, such as participating in the Bharatiya Janata Party and running the makeup van company, Vanity. Not too long ago, she played Maddy's mother in 13B.

Why I like her?
Look at those eyes! She has one of the most beautiful and seductive eyes! In addition, she graces the screen with her innocence. Unfortunately, she never gotten the recognition she deserved. But that has not stopped her for continuing to strive to be her best.



Padmini Kolhapure
Singing is in Padmini's family blood and as a child, Padmini sang for songs from films such as Kitab, Dushman Dost, & Yaadon Ki Baraat. Because of her musical talent, her aunt, Asha Bosle, recommended Padmini to Dev Anand. He casted her in Ishq Ishq Ishq. As a child star, she also appeared in other films, such as Dreamgirl, Zingagi, Saajan Bina Suhagan, & Satyam Shivam Sundaram. Bagging the Filmfare Best Supporting Actress for Insaf Ka Tarazu, she was also appreciated in her leading acting debut film, Ahista Ahista. Later on she took the Filmfare Award Best Actress Award for Prem Rog. She's had many memorable films, such as Pyar Jhukta Nahin with Mithun Chakraborty, Woh Saat Din with Anil Kapoor, & Souten with Rajesh Khanna. Since singing was one of her passions as a child, she even sang for the movies she has starred in -- Vidhaata, Hum Intezaar Karenge, & Sadak Chaap.



At the age of 21, she retired from the film industry after marrying Tutu Sharma, who casted her in his film, Aisa Pyar Kahan. They both have a son, Priyank. When he got older, Padmini decided to go back into acting in Marathi films -- Manthan, Eight, & Chimnee Pakhra. She continues to act but in dramas -- Mera Bachpan & Daughter -- and on stage -- Kaash, Abhi To Mein Jawan Hoon, & Aasman Se Gire Khajoor Pe Atke. She has a personal website for her fans to keep up with her.

Why I like her?
Ahista Ahista is one of the earlier Bollywood films that I grew up and loved. Therefore, Padmini will always be one of my favorites. She was so memorable and good, which turned me into a fan. Not only is she talented and beautiful, I admire and adore her for balancing her family life and career.

Kumar Gaurav
Son of Rajendra Kumar, Kumar debuted in Love Story and became an instant hit. His nickname is "Bunty" just like his character in his debut film, but his real name is Manoj Tuli. His hit films, both opposite Poonam Dhillon, Teri Kasam & Naam, couldn't do justice to his acting career.



Even though his film career didn't do well, Kumar landed a role in a Hollywood film, Guiana 1838. He is married to Sanjay Dutt's sister Namrata and has two daughters, Saachi & Siya. At the moment, he hasn't given up acting yet. He is filming for director, Rahul Kapoor's My Daddy Strongest.


Why I like him?
Bunty is the first Bollywood guy who I found so cute and adorable onscreen. Even though he doesn't have the box office hits to his credit, I still continued to be loyal and watch his films. He has that boyish-charmed look to him, which was rare, to me, during the 80s.



Rati Agnihotri
Making her mark in South Indian films first, Rati was already a well-established actress. Her Hindi debut film, Ek Duje Ke Liye, was just a stepping stone to her Bollywood career. Interesting enough, her debut film also was Kamal Hassan's Hindi debut and is a remake of his film, Maro Charithra. For her outstanding performance, she got a Filmfare nomination for Best Actress. She continued to rise high with hits -- Shaukeen with Mithun Chakravorty, Farz Aur Kanoon with Jeetendra, Coolie with Amitabh Bachchan. For her performance in Tawaif with Rishi Kapoor, Filmfare nominated Rati again for Best Actress.



After her father's death and marrying her love, Anil Virwani, Rati decided to take a break from acting and raise their only son, Tanuj. During her hiatus, she received a degree in Reiki, healing people. After many years of staying out of the filmi industry, Rati made a comeback playing Kajol's mother in Kuch Khatti Kuch Meethi. Since being active in acting again, overall, she has starred in films in 10 languages, including English, Kannada, Bengali, & Punjabi. Besides acting in films, she has been on the tv series, Kaajjal - Sabbki Aankhon Mein Basi. In addition, in 2006, Rati and her husband opened a shopping mall, Virwani Plaza, located in Pune. One of the stores, Om to Home – Candles and More, has house artifacts, fashion accessories, and candles, which are all personally designed by her.



Why I like her?
She's a multi-tasked, talented mom!! I love that. Not only is she beautiful, and talented, she makes time to be a part of her wonderful family. She always lightens up the screen with her cute smile. Staying true to her beliefs, she has never taken her nose ring off while filming and rocks the look!

Kimi Katkar
The spelling "Kimi" stuck in the film industry even though her name is spelled Kimmy. Even though her debut film, Tarzan flopped, she still got recognition and oozed the screen with her sexy image. She continued to make more films -- Dariya Dil with Govinda, Ustaad with Vinod Khanna, Abhimanyu with Anil Kapoor, Khoon Ka Karz with Vinod Khanna & Sanjay Dutt, Hum with Amitabh Bachchan, re-defined her sexiness.



After marrying photographer, Shantanu Sheroy, and settling down, she gave birth to their son, Siddhanth. Because of Siddhanth's illness at a young age, she and her family moved to Melbourne, Austraila, because of her husband's brother is a doctor. Because of his occupation, Shantanu switched from Mumbai to Melbourne while Kimi stayed in Melbourne taking care of Siddhanth. Her name is mentioned in the book, Shantaram, Gregory David Roberts. With Karen Anand, Kimi will co-host a food show.

Why I like her?

Finding recent pictures of Kimi was such a difficult task since there were not much current information on her. In addition to her seductive eyes, she was the only actress in the 80s who I thought looked good with wavy hair. Ever since I saw her in Tarzan, I adored her and took the sexy look to another level. She made that tough decision of quitting films to be with her son and I admire her for that.

Ahista Ahista - old movie with Kunal Kapoor & Padmini Kolhapure, not the one with Abhay Deol & Soha Ali Khan

Growing up, Ahista Ahista is one of my favorite tear-jerking movies. Whenever I want a good movie to cry and bawl, I watch this film. Although I have seen it so many times and know what to expect, the expressions and emotions form the stars get me each time. Many Hmong people have also found a special place for this film their heart. This is one of the few films that my cousins and I would watch over and over again when we were younger. My parents own the Hmong dubbed version on VHS and let her friends, Hmong and non-Hmong, watch it and they loved it. Because I am so attach to this film, I've been waiting and waiting for it to release on dvd one day with English subs. Still, no word on the version. However, a friend sent me the VCD version with no English subs, I was satisfied since I wanted to see it again anyways. Many Hmong people have asked me about this movie, about where could they could purchase it.

While watching the film again, I want to complain that the quality sucks. Hubby came by and joked with me was I watching a 1970s film. I replied back with "sorta" and told him it's an older Indian movie that I grew up with and been dying to watch again. He laughed and told me that even the dvds for older films have better quality. True, but still...

Dear Indus Video Pvt. Ltd,

Since you already distribute a horrible VCD version of the 1981 film, Ahista Ahista, could you please consider releasing a version on dvd with English subtitles? Please? Pretty please? Oh yeah, please subtitle the songs too. Just hate it when the movie has subtitles but the songs are ignored. Why? Don't you know the music also drives the movie as well?

Since I am just a Hmong Chick who Loves Indian Cinema, I don't know if Ahista Ahista fared well or not at the box office, at that time. You see, just checking it up on the Internet was not convenient back then. However, if you would like, I could get the entire Hmong population to sign a petition so you could see how much we, Hmong people, love this film.

Impatiently waiting for so many years for Ahista Ahista to release on dvd,

Nicki aka ApunBindaas

Why does the Hmong people like this movie so much? I can not answer that question on behalf of Hmong people but for me, it's the storyline that is good and the acting.

Subbalaxmi (Shashikala) is a courtesan who manages and oversees a household of women. When one of the women in the house, Sangeeta (Nanda), gives birth to Chandra (Padmini Kolhapure), Subalaxmi is estastic. Chandra befriends Kunal (Kunal Kapoor) and his family; she wants to study and not train to dance. Disappointed Subalaxmi is heart broken but allows Chandra to continue her studies. Kunal and Chandra start to fall in love. Can a young, beautiful girl born in a family of courtesans be accepted by Kunal's family? Or the society? Or is her life destined to be a courtesan?

Chandra is a beautiful, young lady born in a courtesan environment. But that doesn't stop her for being ambitious and deciding what her future has in store for her! She fights against all the rumors and stand on her own. All she wants is Kunal's love.

Even though, Padmini is credited third, I believe the movie revolves around her. When I was younger, I was told at the guys at the Indian store that Ahista Ahista is her debut film. I'm not sure about it. Even though the Internet is available and ready, sites like Wiki and IMBD is not always reliable. I want to believe Ahista Ahista is Padmini's debut film as a leading role.

I freaking love her. Seeing her in Ahista Ahista, turned me instantly to one of her fans. Not only is she beautiful, but I enjoy her on-screen presence. I want to see more of her films and hope that her older films will be available on dvd with English subtitles soon.

Ahista Ahista is Padmini's film all the way.

Kunal loves Chandra and defends her to so many people. However, problems start to occur when Chandra is unable to tell him a secret in which she had promise her mom.

Kunal Kapoor - this Kunal Kapoor is the offspring of Shashi Kapoor, the oldest son. Not the same Desi version of Jesus that is popular now-a-days, the one in Rang De Basanti. Ahista Ahista is his debut film but he didn't stay in Bollywood long.

Sagar - the sweet, understanding father of Kunal and Deepa. He welcomes Chandra to his home despite what others have to say about Chandra's status of being born in a courtesan environment, gives her blessings, and loves her like his own daughter.

Shammi Kapoor is actually credited first but I'm introducing him third. Why? Although his role is significant as well, I feel that the movie is target more towards Kunal and Chandra's love. With roles that are endearing to me, such as in Romance and Yeh Vaada Raha, I love his characters he portrays and think Hmong people love him as much also.

Sangeeta (Nanda) - Chandra's mother. She doesn't want Chandra to follow her footsteps and wants Chandra to continue her education and make a name for herself.

Subbalaxmi (Shashikala) is in charge of the courtesans. Sadly, Sangeeta and Chandra live with her as well. All she thinks about is money, money, money.

Deepa (Soni Razdan) - Kunal's sister. Both of them have befriended Chandra when she was young. All three grew up together.

Sagar's wife. Kunal & Deepa's mother. She isn't happy when her husband and family start to hang around with Chandra but allowed it. Bothered by what the society has to say, she lets Savitri's words get to her.

Savitri (Aruna Irani) likes to gossip and stir up problems.

The music is very soothing to listen to. Till this day, I still listen to it.

Song #1 - "Kabhi Kisi Ko"
Sangeeta is worried about the future of her daughter, Chandra

Song #2 - "Ahista Ahista"
Kunal and Chandra are falling in love.

Watch Below

Song #3 - Bin Bhulaye Hum Chale"
Chandra wants Kunal's attention.

Song #4 - "Humko Mile Tum"
Kunal and Chandra promise to be together.

Song #5 - "Bhuja Saka Hain"
Kunal is upset with Chandra. She is sad because she has a secret and promises her mom she won't reveal it to anyone, not even Kunal.

Ahista Ahista will always be an all-time favorite of mine. I would like to hear from people in India telling me how it did at the box office at that time.