Dashing and handsome, Raj Kiran was one of the most sought-after actors of the 1980s. He made a mark with his powerful performances in films like Shikshaa (1979), Maan Abhiman (1980), Ek Naya Rishta (1988), Karz (1980), Baseraa (1981), Arth (1982), Raaj Tilak (1984), Waaris (1988), and many more.
Early Life
Raj Kiran Mahtani, known simply as Raj Kiran in the Hindi film industry, was born on February 5, 1949. His father Govind Mahtani belonged to a Sindhi family in Bombay. He completed his schooling in Bombay where he started his acting career with small theater roles.
Raj Kiran’s journey in the films began with his debut in the 1975 film “Kaagaz Ki Nao,” opposite Sarika. His good looks and charm earned him early attention, leading to a steady stream of opportunities. His career peaked in the 1980s, when he appeared in over 100 films, showcasing his versatility as an actor through both leading and supporting roles.
Breakthrough
His second film was Amrit Nahata’s controvercial political satire “Kissa Kursi ka (1977),” with Shabana Azmi, Raj Babbar and Utpal Dutt. He then acted in Shikshaa (1979), Prem Jaal (1979), Manokaamnaa (1980), and Patita (1980). He satrred in Subhash Ghai in “Karz” in 1980. In the incarnation drama he played Ravi Verma, who was born again as Monty (Rishi Kapoor).
In 1981, he starred as the lead in “Nakhuda” opposite Swaroop Sampat. He also acted in Bulundi with Raj Kumar, Baseraa (1981) with Shashi Kapoor, Rekha, Rakhi, and Poonam Dhillon, Kaaran (1981) with Shoma Anand, and Khara Khota (1981) opposite Sarika.
Raj Kiran – The Able Support
Raj Kiran’s performances in Bezubaan (1981) with Reena Roy and Sashi Kapoor gets widespread critical acclaim. Arth (1982), directed by Mahesh Bhatt, saw him play a supportive friend to Shabana Azmi, earning critical praise. He was immortalised by Jagjit Singh’s voice in gems like “Tum Itna Jo Muskura Rahe,” “Jhuki Jhuki Si Nazar,” “Koi Yeh Kaise Bataye,” and “Tere Khushboo Mein Base.”
His performances were characterised by a romantic charm and a kind-hearted persona, which became his signature in the industry. Films like Mazdoor (1983), Ghar Ek Mandir (1984), Raaj Tilak (1984), Hip Hip Hurray (1984), Ghar Dwaar (1985), Faasle (1985), Arjun (1985), Teri Meherbaniyan (1985), Ilzaam (1986), Pyar Ka Mandir (1988), and Waaris (1988) are a few examples where his acting prowess was evident.
He often played the quintessential supoorting hero who, despite apparent flaws, revealed a generous heart by the story’s end. Some of his other films include Ek Naya Rishta (1988), Ghar Ho To Aisa (1990), Police Public (1990), Pyar Ka Devta (1991), Karz Chukana Hai (1991), and many more.
Personal Life and Decline
He married Rupa (Patel) in 1983. They had two daughters, Rishika and Mannat. Rishika works in marketing at Hearst Magazine in Chicago. Mannat is a digital coordinator at Human Capital Media. The family lived in Bombay’s Shyam Niwas building. All was getting well. Raj was fairly successful in his work and had a beautiful family, but it did not last.
However, the bright lights of fame often cast the darkest shadows. The 1990s marked a slowdown in his career, and he eventually vanished from the public eye. Rumours and speculation filled the void left by his absence. It was reported that he faced a series of domestic crises, leading to acute depression. In the early 2000s, he was admitted to Byculla Mental Asylum in Mumbai. After that the disappeared from both the industry and the public eye. Reportedly, he moved to the USA after being released from the asylum. There was no news of him for a long time, and useful people started to notice his absence.
Search For Raj Kiran
His co-stars, Deepti Naval and Rishi Kapoor, were most vocal about it. In 2011, a glimmer of hope emerged when his co-star Rishi Kapoor, after a long search, found out from his brother that Raj Kiran was alive and residing in a mental health institution in Atlanta, USA. This revelation came as a shock to many, as Raj Kiran had been a well-read and articulate individual, known for his engaging personality and clever repartees.
His daughter has refuted claims of his presence in an asylum in Atlanta and has continued the search with the help of the New York police and private detectives.The mystery surrounding his disappearance and current whereabouts has been a topic of intrigue and concern among his fans and colleagues.
Raj Kiran’s story is a poignant reminder of the transient nature of fame and the personal battles that often remain hidden behind the screen.
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Raj Kiran on IMDB
