Padmini Kolhapure

She was the second child to her parents among three daughters.
She belonged to a music-rich family. Her father was a trained Classical Singer and Veena player. She started learning music at an early age.
The “Kolhapure” surname of her family connotes the place “Kolhapur” in Maharashtra; from where the family belongs.
Her father’s mother was the half-sister of Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar. In this way, Padmini is the niece of legendary singers Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle.

She always wanted to be a singer. In 1973, she made her singing debut as a child for the film, ‘Yaadon Ki Baaraat.’ She sang in the chorus for songs with her sister Shivangi.
Reportedly, it was Asha Bhosle who suggested Padmini’s name to Dev Anand, who then cast her as a child artist in Ishq Ishq Ishq (1975).
In 1977, she played as a child artist in the film, ‘Satyam Shivam Sundaram,’ which went on to become her most famous child role.

In 1980, she was condemned by the Indian media and public for kissing Prince Charles, during his India visit.

In 1981, at the age of 15, she received her first Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress.
In 1982, she appeared in the film, ‘Prem Rog’ opposite Rishi Kapoor and won her Filmfare Award for Best Actress at the age of 17.
In 1985, she did a film, ‘Do Dilon Ki Dastaan.’ During the shooting, she was not well and even worked when had a fever on.
In 1993, she appeared in the movie, ‘Professor Ki Padosan’ and took a break from the film industry.

In 1999, she made a comeback as a Producer for the film, ‘Rockford.’
In 2003, she returned to acting after almost 10 years with a Marathi film, ‘Chimani Pakhar.’
She was selected for the TV serial, ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’ to play the role of Tulsi Virani, after Smriti Irani left the show. Due to some reasons, the role went to Gautami Kapoor.
She was also offered to work in the films such as Ek Duuje Ke Liye, Silsila, and Ram Teri Ganga Maili. But due to her busy schedule, she couldn’t be a part of these hit films.
She has opened acting schools in Hyderabad & Delhi and a grooming and modelling academy in Mumbai.