It’s been over three decades since Maine Pyar Kiya made Bhagyashree an overnight sensation, but the actress still gets fans wondering ‘what if?’ In a candid chat with Variety India, she opened up about the controversial choice that shocked Bollywood—turning down a blockbuster career at its peak.
Why Bhagyashree Chose Family Over Fame
Back in 1989, Bhagyashree was just 20 when she delivered one of the biggest hits opposite Salman Khan. But instead of cashing in on the success, she quietly walked away from the limelight to marry businessman Himalaya Dassani. Explaining her decision, she told Variety India, “I was very young and very much in love. I wanted to get married and start a family. I think all young girls dream that.”
The actress revealed that she was already married and pregnant by the time the film released because of the year-long gap between the shoot and the premiere. “As a 20-year-old, it was only logical for me to make a choice—either follow my love, get married and lead my life that way, or get into films and forget about love. It was all about priority. It wasn’t possible then to have both.”
The One Decision Bhagyashree Regrets
While she stands by her choice to prioritise family, Bhagyashree admits there’s one thing she’d do differently. After Maine Pyar Kiya, she only agreed to films where her husband played her love interest—titles like Qaid Mein Hai Bulbul, Paayal, and Tyagi.
Looking back, she calls it a mistake. “Someone came to me and said they wanted to make a film with me and wanted my husband to play my love interest. I thought, why not? It seemed like the easiest thing to do. I didn’t think about what the audience would feel. I didn’t think about the repercussions. I still get flak for that, but that’s okay. You make a lot of mistakes when you’re young, and this was one of them. We had fun and finished that chapter.”
When Yash Chopra Scolded Her
Bhagyashree’s exit from mainstream cinema didn’t sit well with Bollywood’s biggest names. She recalled legendary filmmakers trying to win her back. “I was scolded by Yash Chopra ji. Manmohan Desai told me, ‘Bhagyashree, just say yes and I will announce the film tomorrow. Why are you not doing it?’”
Despite the weight of those missed opportunities, the actress doesn’t carry bitterness. “I don’t regret my decisions, but there is a wish. They were masters of their craft, and it would have been wonderful to work with them. Because of the choices I made, I missed the opportunity to work with some of the greatest filmmakers. But life goes on, and you don’t look back.”
Fellow star Juhi Chawla once paid her a surprising compliment, telling her it was a good thing she left the industry—or else… Bhagyashree took it in stride. “It was so sweet when Juhi told me once, ‘Good that you left the industry, otherwise you…’” But she firmly believes there’s room for everyone. “I feel there is enough grass for everyone. You need to be sincere with your work, and you will always find appreciation.” Bhagyashree may have left the big screen behind, but her legacy—and her candour—remain unforgettable.