Bhagyashree Dassani, Actor

“I was an introverted, complex girl with no confidence at all”

How would you describe your state of mind at the age of 22?

I was basking in the euphoria of motherhood and the success of my debut film, Main e Pyar Kiya. A huge crowd of people could be seen perpetually at the gate of the building where I lived. And the postman would deliver a huge sack of letters for me everyday—he would ask for a bonus every week because of the load he had to carry. Strangely, however, I was oblivious to this craze because I was already married and a mother. I was caught up in my own small world and was busy playing with my new-born son.

What was the state of your acting career?

I had packed it up and thrown it away. The whole world thought I was crazy to give it all up for love... but I did.

Your bank balance at that time?

I have no memory of it. Money was never on my mind; my hubby, son and family was all that mattered. I remember though that

“THE WHOLE WORLD THOUGHT I WAS CRAZY TO GIVE IT ALL UP FOR LOVE... BUT I DID”

At Abhimanyu’s first birthday party, which was celebrated with 400 guests

On her wedding day, January 19, 1989

THEN AND NOW Bhagyashree at 22 (top) and at 52 (above)

Snapped at the first photoshoot for Maine Pyar Kiya before shooting had begun

With new-born son Abhimanyu in 1990 after a darshan at the mandir in Vile Parle