Known for her versatile acting skills, captivating screen presence, and timeless beauty, Rati Agnihotri entered the Hindi film scene with a bang. Her debut movie, the “cult-tragedy film Ek Duje Ke Liye (1981),” becomes a rage among youth. And Rati becomes the darling of the nation. The song “Solah baras ki bali umar ko salaam” is still a fan favourite. Her roles in Ek Duuje Ke Liye and the drama film Tawaif earned her two nominations for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress.
Early Life and Debut
Rati Agnihotri was born on December 10, 1960, in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, into a conservative Punjabi family. Rati was a beautiful child and was offered her first modelling assignment when she was only 10. She also used to participate in school plays.
When Rati was a teenager, her family relocated to Chennai (then Madras) due to her father’s job. She attended Good Shepherd’s Convent School in Chennai, where she continued to nurture her passion for acting. It was during a school play that she caught the attention of renowned Tamil film director Bharathiraja. Raja offered her a role in his film Puthiya Vaarpugal (1979) opposite K. Bhagyaraj. It marked the beginning of her illustrious career in the film industry.
Breakthrough
Following the success of her debut film, Rati Agnihotri starred in several Tamil films, including Niram Maaratha Pookkal (1979), Murattu Kaalai (1980), and Ullasa Paravaigal (1980). Her versatility and ability to portray a wide range of characters earned her critical acclaim and a loyal fan base.
Some of her other notable films in this period include Kadhal Killigal (Tamil, 1979), Veettukku Veedu Vasapadi (Tamil, 1980), Murattu Kaalai (Tamil), Anbukku Naan Adimai (Tamil, 1980), Kaalinga (Kannada, 1980), Punnami Naagu (Telugu, 1980), Andala Raasi (Telugu, 1980), Maayadhaari Krishnudu (Telugu, 1980), Prema Pichchi (Telugu, 1981), Jeevitha Ratham (Telugu, 1981), Jagamondi (Telugu, 1981), Bhogimanthulu (Telugu, 1981), Tirugu Leni Manishi (Telugu, 1981), Kazhugu (Tamil, 1981), and Kaliyuga Ramudu (Telugu, 1982).
Rati Agnihotri In Mumbai
Rati made her Hindi film debut with the remake of Balachander’s Telugu film “Maro Charitra.” The resulting film, “Ek Duuje Ke Liye (1981),” which paired her with Kamal Haasan, is perhaps one of the most successful debuts of any actor. The film, which achieved cult status over time, is known for its poignant storyline, crackling chemistry between Haasan and Agnihotri, and its soulful music. Her portrayal of Sapna, a young woman in a tragic love story, earned her a Filmfare Award nomination for Best Actress and established her as a leading actress in Bollywood.
In 1982 she starred in Basu Chatterjee’s Shaukeen (1982), alongside Ashok Kumar, Utpal Dutt, and A.K. Hangal. Her portrayal of Anita, a young woman who becomes the object of affection for three elderly men, added charm and humour to the film.
Rati Ruled The 80s
One of her most successful films was Manmohan Desai’s Coolie (1983), which featured Rati Agnihotri opposite Amitabh Bachchan. She then starred in K. Raghavendra Rao’s “Farz Aur Kanoon (1982),” B. R. Chopra’s “Mazdoor (1983),” T. Rama Rao’s “Mujhe Insaaf Chahiye (1983),” Raj N. Sippy’s Boxer (1984), Yash Chopra’s “Mashaal (1984),” Mohan Kumar’s “All Rounder (1984),” Shammi’s “Pighalta Aasman (1985),” Virendra Sharma’s “Dekha Pyar Tumhara (1985),” and many more.
In 1985, she starred as Sultana, a courtesan who falls in love with a poet in B.R. Chopra’s Tawaif (1985). Her performance was both powerful and emotionally resonant, earning her a Filmfare Award nomination for Best Actress.
Directed by J. Om Prakash, the romantic drama Aap Ke Saath (1986) featured Rati Agnihotri opposite Anil Kapoor. Her portrayal of Seema, a woman torn between love and duty, was both heartfelt and impactful.
Some of her other notable films include Bepanaah (1985), Babu (1985), Begaana (1985), Dadagiri (1987), Itihaas (1987), Hukumat (1987), Zalzala (1988), and many more.
Personal Life and Later Career
Rati Agnihotri married businessman and architect Anil Virwani on February 9, 1985. The couple has a son, Tanuj Virwani, who is also an actor working in Hindi films and television. After her marriage she decided to leave films for a period to focus on her family.
After many years she made a comeback in Hindi films in 2001 with Rahul Rawail’s “Kuch Khatti Kuch Meethi,” opposite Rishi Kapoor. The same year she starred in Ravichandran’s Tamil film Majunu (2001). Since then, she has done a few selected films like Yaadein (2001), Kaante (2002), Anyar (Malayalam, 2003), An Ode to Lost Love (English, 2003), Hum Tum (2004), Dev (2004), Socha Na Tha (2005), Aaina-te (Bengali, 2008), Shaadi Ke Side Effects (2014), Purani Jeans (2014), and many more.
She also acted in the TV serials Kabhi To Milenge (2001) and Kaajjal (2006). She also participated in the dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 1 in 2006.
Rati Agnihotri on IMDB
