Meenakshi Seshadri

Meenakshi Seshadri, born as Shashikala Seshadri, made her debut in the flop film Painter Babu, a 1983 Telugu/Hindi bilingual film opposite Rajiv Goswami, brother of Manoj Kumar. After Painter Babu, Sheshadri decided to quit acting. She was encouraged by Subhash Ghai who cast her as his leading lady alongside another newcomer Jackie Shroff in Hero. The fim went on to become a blockbuster and Sheshadri became an overnight star. She and Jackie Shroff were cast in several films together after Hero. She then appeared with Rajesh Khanna in Awara Baap in which she appeared in a double role and in Bewafai, both the films underperformed at the box office. She appeared in many commercially unsuccessful films mainly Love Marriage, Paisa Ye Paisa and Lover Boy. Though some of her films were moderately successful namely Mera Jawab and Aandhi Toofan. She then appeared in the film Hoshiyar alongside Jeetendra, the film was a success further cementing her position in the industry. Subhash Ghai again cast her in his next film, Meri Jung alongside Anil Kapoor. It was one of the highest grossing films of the year. After the release of Meri Jung Sheshadri became one of the top actresses of the era.