Imagine a Bollywood star whose life was a whirlwind of dramatic on-screen villainy and heartbreaking real-life tragedies—marriages that crumbled, battles with inner demons, and a lonely end that still haunts fans. That's the story of Mahesh Anand, the unforgettable antagonist who shared the screen with legends like Amitabh Bachchan and Govinda. If you've ever wondered how fame can mask profound personal struggles, stick around; this tale will pull you in.
Amitabh Bachchan's iconic film Shahenshah isn't just a milestone in Hindi cinema—it's a gripping tale of justice and revenge that redefined the angry young man trope for a new era. But for the talented performer and dancer Mahesh Anand, it was a true breakthrough moment. For years, he'd been toiling away in the shadows of the industry, barely getting noticed. Then, in this high-octane action drama directed by Tinnu Anand, Mahesh stepped into the role of one of Bachchan's fierce opponents. Suddenly, moviegoers across India sat up and took notice of his commanding presence and sharp intensity, launching him into the spotlight he so deserved.
Mahesh kicked off his acting journey back in 1984 with the movie Karishmaa, a star-studded affair featuring powerhouses like Kamal Haasan, the versatile Reena Roy, the charming Tina Munim, and the menacing Danny Denzongpa. But his ties to this glittering ensemble actually stretched back further. Just two years earlier, in 1982's romantic drama Sanam Teri Kasam—also backed by producer Barkha Roy, who happened to be Reena's sister—Mahesh had captivated audiences with a mesmerizing silhouette dance right at the film's opening. Working on these projects brought him close to Barkha, and what started as a professional spark quickly ignited into a passionate romance. They tied the knot, but sadly, like many whirlwind courtships in the fast-paced world of showbiz, it didn't stand the test of time and ended in divorce.
Take a look at this throwback image of Mahesh Anand sharing the frame with Jeetendra in the suspenseful thriller Tahqiqaat. It captures the raw energy of 90s Bollywood perfectly.
Fast forward to 1987, and Mahesh found himself drawn to Erika Maria D’Souza, a stunning former Miss India. Their union brought joy with the birth of their son, whom Mahesh affectionately called Trishul—a name evoking strength and power, much like the weapon in Hindu mythology. Yet, this chapter too closed painfully; the couple parted ways, and Erika relocated to Canada with their little boy, leaving Mahesh to grapple with the ache of separation.
By 1992, hope flickered again when Mahesh connected with actress Madhu Malhotra, remembered for her compelling performances in films like the eerie Cheekh and the bold Padosi Ki Biwi. For beginners dipping into Bollywood lore, these movies often explored themes of mystery and domestic intrigue, showcasing actors like Madhu in vulnerable yet fierce roles. But alas, destiny had other plans, and this romance, like the ones before, unraveled, adding another layer of heartbreak to his personal story.
Here's a classic shot of Amitabh Bachchan and Mahesh Anand in the action-packed Indrajeet. Their chemistry as hero and villain was electric, wasn't it?
While his love life felt like a rollercoaster of ups and downs, Mahesh's professional path in the 1990s was on fire. He was churning out appearances in five or six movies annually, stealing scenes with his unforgettable portrayals of baddies. He went toe-to-toe with Bollywood's biggest names, including Amitabh Bachchan in hits like the ensemble adventure Gangaa Jamunaa Saraswati, the stormy Toofan, and the royal drama Lal Baadshah. And that's not all—he shared intense showdowns with Sanjay Dutt in gritty tales, Sunny Deol in revenge epics, the comedic Govinda in light-hearted capers, Akshay Kumar in high-stakes thrillers, and even Salman Khan in blockbuster spectacles. For those new to these stars, think of them as the A-listers who defined an era of masala entertainment, blending action, drama, and song. Mahesh's knack for making villains both terrifying and oddly charismatic made him indispensable.
In 1999, Mahesh took another shot at marital bliss by wedding actress Usha Bachani, forever etched in fans' minds for her lively turn in the romantic comedy Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge. This film, by the way, was a massive hit that mixed family drama with feel-good vibes, helping launch several careers. But whispers in the industry suggested Mahesh's ongoing fight with alcoholism strained their bond, leading to yet another split. And here's where it gets controversial: Was the pressure of Hollywood's relentless spotlight to blame, or were deeper personal issues at play? We'll circle back to that.
Around this time, disaster hit on a movie set—a fall without safety harnesses, which were rare back then in Indian productions. Mahesh endured six agonizing months in the hospital and almost three years confined to bed, his body and spirit broken. This setback didn't just halt his career; it severed his ties to the industry, leaving projects high and dry. The man who'd once been a go-to for villainous flair now faced a stark void: no roles, no income, and mounting despair that spiraled into deep depression and money woes.
This poignant photo shows Mahesh Anand and Usha Bachani on their wedding day in 1999, a moment of optimism amid the storm.
Also worth checking out: The tragic tale of Bollywood's shadowy henchman and Amitabh Bachchan's body double, Manik Irani, who left us way too soon at 37.
The hits kept coming during this dark phase. Mahesh suffered a massive betrayal when his stepbrother supposedly swindled him out of a whopping Rs 6 crore—enough to rebuild a life, but instead, it deepened his isolation. Cut off from friends and family, he poured his soul into social media, sharing raw glimpses of his loneliness. One gut-wrenching Facebook post read something like: 'My dear son Trishul, may the heavens watch over you. Just one hug before I go—that's all I ask. I love you eternally.' In another, he lamented: 'Tears stream down my face day and night as I watch this. I adore you, Trishul. I'm your true father. They might have changed your name to Anthony Vohra, but please, hold me once before it's too late.' These words hit hard, revealing a father's desperate longing in a way that tugs at the heartstrings.
Relive the tension in this still from Vishwatma, with Amrish Puri, Mahesh Anand, and Sunny Deol locked in a dramatic standoff.
And this is the part most people miss: In 2018, during a live Facebook session, Mahesh openly shared thoughts of ending it all, a cry for help that spotlighted the mental health crisis lurking in showbiz. Luckily, the Cine and TV Artistes’ Association stepped in with aid, offering a lifeline. That year held glimmers of light too—a fifth marriage to Laana, a kind-hearted Russian national, which brought a sense of calm and companionship. Professionally, director Pahlaj Nihalani revived his spirits by casting him in Rangeela Raja alongside old pal Govinda. Mahesh beamed about it online, dubbing it a 'fresh start' after nearly two decades in the wilderness. For context, Rangeela Raja was a colorful comedy-drama aiming to recapture 90s nostalgia, but it faced its own hurdles.
Don't forget this gem: Mahesh Anand opposite Soni Razdan in the introspective Swayam, showcasing his range beyond just villains.
Tragically, the film bombed at the box office, and mere 22 days later, on February 9, 2019, the unthinkable happened. Mahesh was discovered lifeless in his modest Versova apartment in Mumbai. The scene was somber: his body in an advanced state of decomposition, the TV flickering on, an untouched meal nearby, and a liquor bottle close at hand. Autopsy pointed to natural causes, but the precise details remain a mystery, fueling endless speculation. His housekeeper had called the cops after days of silence. Laana rushed from Belarus to handle the final arrangements, a bittersweet end to a life full of highs and lows.
Mahesh Anand's journey raises tough questions about Bollywood's underbelly—does the industry abandon its own when the lights dim? Or could better support for mental health and addiction have changed his fate? What do you think: Was his story a cautionary tale of fame's fragility, or proof of untapped resilience? Share your thoughts in the comments—agree, disagree, or just reflect; let's keep the conversation going.
