Latest news with #Bhrashtachar
News18
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Bollywood Called This Actress ‘Fat' And ‘Unattractive', Then Mithun Chakraborty Stepped In
Shilpa Shirodkar faced rejection in Bollywood despite her family background but got her break due to Mithun Chakraborty. She later acted with top stars before settling in London 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.
News18
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Shilpa Shirodkar Credits Mithun Chakraborty For Rescuing Her From ‘Jinxed' Tag
Shilpa Shirodkar revealed that Mithun Chakraborty had recommended her name to Ramesh Sippy, which is how she landed her first film Bhrashtachar. Bigg Boss 18 fame Shilpa Shirodkar has starred in several Bollywood films. Her career in the film industry was marked by several obstacles at the start. In an interview with Pinkvilla, Shilpa recently recalled how Mithun Chakraborty re-launched her career after she was deemed 'jinxed' by the industry. She said that she got the 'jinxed' tag after her early projects didn't take off. She recounted how Rikku Rakesh Nath, Madhuri Dixit's manager, presented her portfolio to Mithun, and advocated for her talent. Mithun Chakraborty, trusting Rikku's judgment, decided to give her a chance. 'When Boney ji's film didn't happen and all these press people were talking about how unfortunate or jinxed I am, whatever it is! Rikku ji (Rikku Rakesh Nath, Madhuri Dixit's manager) took my album and went to Dada. And he said, Ek ladki hai Dada. Mujhe aisa lagta hai wo bahut talented hai lekin koi film materialise nhi ho rahi uske liye, abhi to log aise bhi likhne lage hain. To aap usko ek opportunity doge? (There's a girl, Dada. I feel she's very talented, but none of her films are materializing yet. Now people have even started writing that she's unlucky. So would you give her an opportunity?)," she said. Shilpa described how Mithun Chakraborty launched her with a Bengali film in Calcutta, marked by a grand muhurat event. 'Since Dada was very close to Rikku Ji, without thinking, he said, I'll launch her. And, he let the news come out that Mithun Da is launching her. So I met him and he launched a Bengali film in Calcutta. And we had a fabulous launch-muhurat-kind of thing in a theater in Calcutta," said Shilpa. She also recalled that Mithun Chakraborty recommended her to Ramesh Sippy, leading to her role in the film Bhrashtachar. 'So I have to say that I got this opportunity because of Dada (Mithun) and I am here because of him," she said. Shilpa Shirodkar and Mithun Chakraborty collaborated on several films including Bhrashtachar (1989), Swarg Yahan Narak Yahan (1991), Trinetra (1991), Jeevan Ki Shatranj (1993), and Hitler (1998). 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.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Shilpa Shirodkar recalls how Mithun Chakraborty rescued her when she was considered 'jinxed': 'I am here because of him'
Shilpa Shirodkar who was last seen in ' Bigg Boss ', is remembered for a number of movies like 'Gopi Kishan', 'Aankhen' and more. But, her journey into Bollywood wasn't paved with a red carpet. It saw a lot of struggle and breaking barriers. Early in her career, after a project backed by Boney Kapoor fell apart, the actress found herself labelled 'jinxed' by an industry that was quick to pass judgment. Offers dried up, and hope seemed distant, until Mithun Chakraborty stepped in. In an interview, Shilpa recounted how her big break came courtesy of the veteran star. It all started when Rikku Rakesh Nath, Madhuri Dixit 's manager, reached out to Mithun with a request to give the struggling newcomer a chance. 'When Rikku ji asked Mithun Chakraborty to launch me, he, without thinking, said, 'I will launch her,'' she recalled during a chat with Pinkvilla. True to his word, Mithun went above and beyond. He announced Shilpa's casting in a Bengali film during a grand event in Calcutta. 'We had a fabulous mahurat kind of thing, and the news came that Shilpa has been signed with Mithun. Cut to he introduced me to Ramesh Sippy,' she shared. That introduction led to her debut in Bhrashtachar, and marked the beginning of her film journey. 'That's how I got Bhrashtachar, and I started working in the film industry . So I have to say that I got this opportunity because of Dada (Mithun) and I am here because of him.' Shilpa has immense gratitude towards Mithun Chakraborty till date. She describes her feelings towards him as 'full of love, respect, and ever so grateful.' But even with his support, stepping onto a film set alongside him was intimidating for the newcomer. She admitted to feeling the pressure of performing opposite someone she owed her break to. 'He was a senior to me and during shooting, I would reach the set in the morning and I would start preparing and giving my solo shots and Dada would come in the afternoon for the combination shots,' she said. 'But I used to be under so much pressure to not give retakes that I would give the shots while being scared.' Despite her nerves, their on-screen chemistry clicked. When Mithun noticed her discomfort, he asked her about it. Shilpa confessed, 'I told him that I don't want to give retakes in front of him, and he told me that I am crazy.'
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Shilpa Shirodkar recalls how Mithun Chakraborty rescued her from ‘jinxed' tag: ‘I am here because of him'
Actor Shilpa Shirodkar was tagged as 'jinxed' at the beginning of her career after her film bankrolled by Boney Kapoor got shelved. While she was struggling to bag film offers, it was veteran star Mithun Chakraborty who came to her rescue and offered her a role in his film Bhrashtachar. In a conversation with Pinkvilla, Shilpa revealed how Rikku Rakesh Nath, the manager of Madhuri Dixit, introduced her to Mithun and requested him to launch her, as people in the industry had started calling her 'jinxed'. Shilpa recalled that Mithun agreed without any hesitation. Later, he introduced her to Ramesh Sippy, the director of Bhrashtachar, which became Shilpa's debut film. Shilpa Shirodkar said, 'When Rikku ji asked Mithun Chakraborty to launch me, he, without thinking, said, 'I will launch her.' Later, Mithun announced a Bengali film in Calcutta in a theatre, and we had a fabulous mahurat kind of thing, and the news came that Shilpa has been signed with Mithun. Cut to he introduced me to Ramesh Sippy.' She added, 'That's how I got Bhrashtachar, and I started working in the film industry. So I have to say that I got this opportunity because of Dada (Mithun) and I am here because of him.' Shilpa described her relationship with Mithun Chakraborty as 'full of love, respect, and ever so grateful.' She also recalled being nervous while shooting with Mithun, as she wanted to deliver her best performance in front of the man who gave her a break in the industry. The actor said, 'He was a senior to me and during shooting, I would reach the set in the morning and I would start preparing and giving my solo shots and Dada would come in the afternoon for the combination shots. But I used to be under so much pressure to not give retakes that I would give the shots while being scared. But that chemistry between us worked. He asked me why am I nervous, and I told him that I don't want to give retakes in front of him, and he told me that I am crazy.'
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Famous Bollywood actress did not hesitate to put Class 12 Fail in her CV when she looked for other jobs. Did she get any?
Shilpa Shirodkar first stepped into the limelight in 1989, quickly winning the hearts of Indian audiences with her memorable performances. Throughout the 1990s, she became a familiar face in Indian cinema, delivering multiple hit films and gaining widespread recognition. However, after appearing in Gaja Gamini in 2000, she quietly withdrew from the entertainment industry. Choosing a different path, she tied the knot with banker Aparesh Ranjit, and the couple shifted base overseas—first to the Netherlands, eventually settling in New Zealand. A Life Far from the Cameras During a heartfelt conversation with actress Gauahar Khan, Shilpa offered rare insights into her life abroad. Wanting to stay engaged and productive, she enrolled in a hairdressing course while in New Zealand, which aligned with her interest in makeup and aesthetics developed during her film career. After completing the course, she briefly worked in a beauty salon for two months. However, the demanding work schedule began to conflict with her personal life. Newly married and seeking to spend quality time with her husband, who only had weekends off, she found the salon hours untenable and ultimately chose to step away. An Unexpected Career Twist Hoping to find a new direction, Shilpa made an unusual but bold move—she asked her husband to create a resume for her. She instructed him to be honest and include everything, even her failing SSC and background in film. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Amazing Moments Captured in Perfectly Timed Photos Read More Undo 'I told him, 'Make my resume.' He asked, 'What should I put in it?' I said, 'Don't lie—just put the truth, even SSC fail and my film work," she said. With no major expectations, she sent her resume to a few companies. To her surprise, she was called for two interviews on the same day and received two job offers. She accepted a position as a credit controller at Dun & Bradstreet, where she began a new chapter of her life. A Joyful Turn: Embracing Motherhood Not long after settling into her new role, Shilpa began experiencing fatigue and indigestion. Mentioning these symptoms to a friend, she was jokingly told she might be pregnant. A pregnancy test confirmed it. Shilpa was stunned, and when she broke the news to her husband, his reaction was one of pure joy. That moment marked the beginning of yet another transformative journey—motherhood—which became the focal point of her life for the next several years. Struggles in Bollywood and Unreleased Dreams In an earlier interaction with The Times of India, Shilpa reflected on her initial struggles in the film industry. She revealed that she was once branded as unlucky by many within Bollywood. However, she credited Rikkuji, a stalwart of the industry, for believing in her and tirelessly promoting her portfolio. Eventually, this led her to roles in films like Bhrashtachar, where veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty played a pivotal role in overturning her 'jinxed' label. She also acknowledged a few projects that could have significantly altered her trajectory but were never released. These included Kalinga, directed by the legendary Dilip Kumar; Singer, opposite Ajay Devgn and directed by Sunil Agnihotri; and Ladies Only, produced by Kamal Haasan. While she expressed a sense of what could have been, she held no regrets and cherished every film she was a part of. Return to the Spotlight After taking a 13-year break to focus on her personal life and family, Shilpa made a comeback in 2013—not in films, but on television. She appeared in popular shows like Ek Mutthi Aasmaan, Silsila Pyaar Ka, and Savitri Devi College and Hospital, reconnecting with audiences in a new format and era. Roots and Relationships Shilpa comes from a family deeply connected to the world of entertainment. She is the younger sister of former actress and Miss India Namrata Shirodkar. Their grandmother, Meenakshi Shirodkar, was a prominent figure in Marathi cinema. Namrata is married to Telugu film superstar Mahesh Babu, and Shilpa shares a warm relationship with him, often posting heartfelt moments on social media. Agencies From the big screen to distant shores and back again, Shilpa Shirodkar's journey has been filled with reinvention, resilience, and a quiet grace that continues to inspire.
