Latest news with #Mayoori
India.com
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
This actress made her debut at a very young age, worked with superstars, became most popular actress of.., ended her life at 22, she was...
In the late 1990s, a young actress emerged in South Indian cinema, captivating audiences with her expressive eyes and emotive performances. Her debut in the Tamil film 'Kumbakonam Gopalu' showcased her talent, leading to roles in various Malayalam films. Notably, she portrayed Ganga in the horror film 'Aakasha Ganga,' leaving a lasting impression as she got the title of 'yakshi.' Despite her rising fame, her life was tragically cut short at the age of 22. Who Was This Actress? Here we are talking about Malayalam actress Mayoori, born as Shalini in Kolkata in August 1983 to Tamil parents, she entered the film industry while she was in the 8th standard. Her role in 'Summer in Bethlehem' (1998) marked her Malayalam debut with legendary actor Mohanlal, where she stood out among a star-studded cast. Over the next few years, she took on diverse roles in films like 'Chandamama featuring Kunchakko Boban' and 'Prem Poojari,' showcasing her versatility. Her performances were characterized by depth and sincerity, earning her recognition across the Malayalam, Tamil, and Kannada film industries. Mayoori's Collaboration With Legends Of Malayalam Cinema In the impactful family drama Arayannangalude Veedu (2000) by legendary filmmaker AK Lohithadas, she portrayed Ragini, the love interest of Mammootty's character Raveendranath in his younger days. Unlike her previous roles, Ragini was much more emotionally complex and demanding. As is typical with most of Lohithadas's works, the role required the actress to delve into profound emotions, which Mayoori executed exceptionally well, proving that she could not be limited to just one type of character. Although she went on to star in Summer Palace (2000) and Chethaaram (2001), those films did not bring her the same level of acclaim. The Tragic End Of Mayoori Despite her professional success, she faced personal challenges. Reports suggest she struggled with depression, and on June 16, 2005, she was found deceased in her Chennai residence. A note reportedly indicated she had lost hope in life. Her untimely passing shocked fans and colleagues alike, highlighting the pressures faced by young actors in the industry.
Indian Express
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Malayalam cinema's most beloved ‘yakshi', who also shared screen with Mammootty and Prithviraj, took her own life at 22; was in Class 8 when she debuted
The Malayalam film industry loves to make horror movies. Well, to be precise, it loves to make movies featuring yakshis (ghosts of deceased women). Until recently, when it began exploring the horror genre more inventively with films like Bhoothakaalam (2022) and Bramayugam (2024), yakshis were the go-to trope Malayalam filmmakers relied on to induce fear in audiences. Despite such stories often hitting the screens, a few movies remain particularly beloved to Malayalees, one among which is director Vinayan's Aakasha Ganga (1999). Not because it was a path-breaking horror film, but because it used an already hackneyed trope well and delivered genuine chills, the movie remains a fan favourite. And the thanks here is due to actor Mayoori, who played Ganga — a dasi (servant) girl murdered by the patriarch of a royal household over her romantic relationship with his son and who returns as a yakshi to avenge her death by eliminating all the men in the family. Although actor Divya Unni played the woman who becomes possessed by Ganga's spirit, effectively becoming the face of the ghost for most part in the movie, the real Ganga appears on screen often, etching Mayoori's image in the hearts of audiences forever. Nonetheless, Aakasha Ganga was not the only film that brought Mayoori recognition. In fact, she impressed audiences in nearly every movie she appeared in, no matter how big or small her role. That's why Mayoori is still remembered even 20 years after she took her own life at the age of just 22. Born in Kolkata in 1983 to a Tamil couple, Mayoori (née Shalini) made her film debut while she was in Class 8. She landed the female lead role in her first film, director Keyaar's Kumbakonam Gopalu, opposite Pandiarajan. Despite being just a teenager, her mature performance as a nurse and her striking beauty impressed audiences and opened a flood of opportunities. The same year, she made her Malayalam debut as one of the five central female characters in Sibi Malayil's blockbuster romantic comedy Summer in Bethlehem (1998), starring Suresh Gopi, Manju Warrier and Jayaram, with Mohanlal in a striking cameo. Despite the film's many key characters, Mayoori effortlessly left a lasting impression, which led to more Malayalam offers. Over the next two years, she worked exclusively in Malayalam, appearing in several major films. Besides Aakasha Ganga and Bharya Veettil Paramasukham (1999), she acted opposite then-heartthrob Kunchacko Boban in Chandamama (1999) and Prem Poojari (1999). Though she wasn't the female lead in either, her performances as Annie and Chanchal, respectively, were widely noticed, thanks in large part to her expressive face and starry eyes. In legendary filmmaker AK Lohithadas' hard-hitting family drama Arayannangalude Veedu (2000), she played Ragini, with whom Mammootty's character Raveendranath was in love in his youth. Unlike her earlier characters, Ragini was far more emotionally demanding and layered. As with most Lohithadas creations, the role required the actor to tap into deep emotions, and Mayoori did so brilliantly, underscoring that she couldn't be confined to any single type. Though she later appeared in Summer Palace (2000) and Chethaaram (2001), those films did not earn her the same recognition. She then worked in the Kannada film Neela (2001) in a small role before shifting focus to Tamil, where she had a key part in Whistle (2003). In Selvaraghavan's 7G Rainbow Colony (2004), she made a special appearance in the song 'Naam Vayathukku Vandhom'. Subsequently, she acted in Silambarasan TR's Manmadhan (2004) and Sarathkumar's Aai (2004), but neither film truly explored her potential. That same year, she played a significant role in the Kannada film Sarvabhouma (2004), appearing alongside superstar Shivarajkumar. Portraying the wife of one of his two characters, she delivered a solid performance in both the younger and elderly getups. In 2005, she appeared in a small role in KV Anand's Tamil film Kana Kandaen, sharing the screen with Prithviraj Sukumaran, which unfortunately became her final screen appearance. Soon after the film's release, she was found hanging in her Anna Nagar residence on June 16, 2005, ending her life at just 22. Though the exact reason behind her decision is still not known, there were reports that she struggled with depression, allegedly linked to a rumoured stomach cancer diagnosis. However, no family member ever confirmed this. 'No one has any role in my death. I am leaving because I have lost hope in life,' she reportedly wrote in a letter to her brother abroad, according to Manorama Online. A sensitive child who entered the world of cinema as a teenager, it was also rumoured that the dark realities of the film industry took a toll on her mental health. Many colleagues recalled seeing her after shoots, sitting in her room playing with dolls, underscoring that she was still a kid at heart. Reports also suggest that on numerous occasions, Mayoori faced the heartbreak of being promised a role only to find out later that someone else had been cast in her place. This, too, is believed to have caused her deep distress. But the true reason remains a mystery to this day. Actor Sangeetha Krish, who shared the screen with Mayoori in Summer in Bethlehem, once told Kerala Kaumudi Weekly, 'Mayoori was three years younger to me and was a foolish one. Only after asking me, she used to even tie her hair. Once the shooting is over, she will be with her toys in her room. She later died by suicide. Personal and film lives are entirely different. One needs to be flexible to carry the two together.' Though she worked in cinema for just seven years, Mayoori remains an unforgettable presence for audiences, especially Malayalees. Whenever we hear songs like 'Puthu mazhayayi vannu nee', 'Confusion Theerkaname', 'Devaragame Mele', or 'Manassin Manichimizhil', her breathtaking face comes flooding back to our minds. Thanks to her exceptional talent, that face will never fade.
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
She left IIT for Bollywood dreams then joined Google: Ajay Devgn and Mahesh Babu were once her co-stars
Mayoori Kango 's entry into the film industry in the mid-1990s marked the beginning of a brief yet memorable stint in Bollywood. Born in Aurangabad to a theatre artist mother and a politician father, Mayoori was drawn to performance early on. She was discovered by director Saeed Akhtar Mirza during a trip to Mumbai with her mother and was offered a role in the critically acclaimed film Naseem (1995). Initially hesitant due to her board exams, she eventually accepted the role. Her performance caught the attention of filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, who cast her in Papa Kehte Hai (1996). Though the film did not achieve commercial success, Mayoori's portrayal received considerable appreciation. Over the next few years, she appeared in multiple Hindi films including Betaabi (1997), Hogi Pyaar Ki Jeet (1999) with Ajay Devgn and Arshad Warsi, Baadal (2000) alongside Bobby Deol and Rani Mukerji, and Shikari (2000) with Govinda and Tabu. She also ventured into regional cinema with the Telugu film Vamsi (2000), co-starring Mahesh Babu and Namrata Shirodkar. Despite appearing in approximately 16 films, many of Mayoori's projects either failed at the box office or remained unreleased. Following this, she transitioned to television, featuring in shows like Dollar Bahu (2001), Thoda Gham Thodi Khushi, and Karishma: The Miracles of Destiny (2003), where she played Karisma Kapoor's daughter. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Remember Charlie Sheen's Ex-Wife? You Won't Believe What She Looks Like Now! Click Here Leaving Films Behind By 2003, Mayoori stepped away from the entertainment world entirely. That same year, she married NRI businessman Aditya Dhillon and moved to New York. Her decision to quit acting came at a time when her career had not translated into consistent success. Interestingly, prior to entering films, she had cleared the entrance exam for IIT Kanpur but had turned it down to pursue acting. Once in the U.S., she chose to redirect her career. Between 2005 and 2007, she completed her MBA in Marketing and Finance at Baruch College's Zicklin School of Business in New York City. Building a Corporate Career Her corporate journey began in 2007 when she joined the digital agency 360i as an Associate Media Manager. Two years later, she moved to Resolution Media in New York, and subsequently joined Digitas as Associate Director (Media) from 2010 to 2012. Returning to India in 2012, Mayoori continued her professional growth in digital marketing. She joined Zenith as Chief Digital Officer and served there for five years. In 2016, she became Managing Director at Performics, a performance marketing agency under the Publicis Groupe. In 2019, she made a significant leap by joining Google India. Initially working as the Head of Industry – Agency Partnership, she handled key responsibilities in media innovation and client relations. As per her LinkedIn profile, she is currently leading Google India 's AI, Martech, and Media Solutions @MPT as the Industry Head. Mayoori Kango's journey is a testament to professional reinvention . From a young actress admired for her role in Papa Kehte Hai to a senior leader at one of the world's most influential tech companies, her story reflects resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering focus on growth. Now settled in India with her family, Mayoori keeps a low profile away from the limelight. Describing herself as a "passionate marketer" on LinkedIn, she emphasizes her love for digital media and continuous learning.
India.com
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Meet actress who became star with a song, quit Bollywood forever after few films, got job with high salary, she works in...
You must have heard the superhit song of the 90s 'Ghar se nikalte hi…'. This song is from the 1996 film 'Papa Kehte Hain'. Jugal Hansraj and Mayoori Kango were seen in this film. Mayoori worked in many films, but suddenly she disappeared from the film industry. In all these years, Mayoori has changed so much that you will be stunned to see her new pictures. Before starting college, Mayoori went to Mumbai with her mother for a shoot. Here, a director decided to cast Mayoori in his film. After this, Mayoori entered the film world with that director's film 'Naseem'. After some time, Mahesh Bhatt cast Mayoori in his film 'Papa Kehte Hain'. The chemistry between Mayoori Kango and Jugal Hansraj in the film 'Papa Kehte Hain' was worth watching. The film proved to be a hit at the box office. The song 'Ghar se nikalte hi…' from the film was a big hit. Mayoori looked very beautiful in the song. This song remained a hit for years and rocked the music charts. After saying goodbye to the world of acting, Mayoori Kango started working at a good position at Google in the year 2019. Today, the actress is the head of the industry at Google India. According to reports, Mayoori's net worth is Rs 12.40 crore.
India.com
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Bollywood Bombshell To Google Boss: THIS IIT Dropout Quit B-Town, Joined Sundar Pichai, Now Earns In Crores
photoDetails english 2894883 Updated:May 03, 2025, 10:10 AM IST From Teen Idol to Tech Powerhouse 1 / 9 Back in 1996, Mayoori Kango became a household name with Papa Kehte Hain. With her fresh face and heartfelt expressions, she quickly captured the spotlight. But what many don't know is that this actress had brains to match her beauty—she was once selected for IIT Kanpur before Bollywood came calling. Mahesh Bhatt's Discovery 2 / 9 Mayoori's acting journey began when she was spotted by director Saeed Akhtar Mirza during a family trip to Mumbai. Initially hesitant due to her board exams, she eventually agreed to star in Naseem (1995). Her performance caught the eye of filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, who cast her in the lead role for Papa Kehte Hain. Though the film didn't shatter box-office records, Mayoori's charm left a lasting impact. Bollywood Hits and Misses 3 / 9 She went on to work with stars like Ajay Devgn and Arshad Warsi in Hogi Pyaar Ki Jeet and even appeared with Mahesh Babu in the Telugu film Wamsi. However, out of the 16 films she worked on, many were shelved or flopped. Her talent was undeniable, but box office success proved elusive. TV Career and the Final Goodbye 4 / 9 In the early 2000s, Mayoori switched to television, appearing in shows like Dollar Bahu and Karishma – The Miracles of Destiny. Despite her efforts, she didn't find lasting success on the small screen either. By 2003, she decided to step away from acting completely. Turning Point: From Screen to Classroom 5 / 9 That same year, she married NRI businessman Aditya Dhillon and moved to the U.S. Her transformation truly began there. Mayoori pursued an MBA in Marketing and Finance at the prestigious Zicklin School of Business, Baruch College, in New York—a bold and strategic move that would soon pay off big. The Rise of a Corporate Star 6 / 9 Between 2004 and 2012, she worked across major corporate roles in the U.S. After returning to India, she became the Managing Director at Performics, a digital media firm under the French advertising giant Publicis. Her rise was meteoric, proving her business acumen and leadership skills. The Google India Leap 7 / 9 In 2019, Mayoori joined Google India as Industry Head. Now, she holds the esteemed title of Head of Industry – Agency Partnership, where she leads campaigns, drives innovation, and commands a hefty pay package. From box office flops to corporate wins, Mayoori's story is a real-world fairy tale of resilience and reinvention. A Life Beyond Limelight 8 / 9 Mayoori Kango is now a proud mother and lives a fulfilling life away from paparazzi, focused on work and family. Her journey from red carpets to boardrooms is proof that success isn't confined to the spotlight—it can shine just as bright in the corridors of power. Mayoori Kango, Success Story 9 / 9 (This article is intended for your general information only. Zee News does not vouch for its accuracy or reliability.) Pic credits: Instagram, IMDb
