The Bollywood industry is often associated with glamour and success, but it has also witnessed heartbreaking tragedies, including the untimely deaths of talented actors. One such instance involves the 1989 blockbuster film Chandni, a romantic drama directed by Yash Chopra, where all three lead actors – Sridevi, Rishi Kapoor, and Vinod Khanna – passed away within a span of just four years.
Vinod Khanna, known for his powerful screen presence, passed away in April 2017 at the age of 70 due to advanced bladder cancer. Khanna had a successful career, appearing in numerous hit films and even venturing into politics. His death marked the beginning of a tragic period for fans of Chandni.
In February 2018, Sridevi, the lead actress of Chandni, died at the age of 54. Initial reports suggested a cardiac arrest as the cause of death while she was attending a family wedding in Dubai. However, the postmortem report revealed that she had drowned in her hotel bathtub after losing consciousness. Her sudden demise shocked the nation, leaving fans and the film fraternity in disbelief. Sridevi was one of the most iconic and loved actresses in Bollywood, and her death was widely mourned.
Rishi Kapoor, another lead actor in Chandni, passed away in April 2020 at the age of 67 after battling leukemia. Kapoor had been undergoing treatment in New York for over a year before returning to India. His death occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, adding to the somber atmosphere. Rishi Kapoor was a versatile actor known for his romantic roles and later, his character roles.
Chandni, which was one of the highest-grossing films of 1989, received positive responses from critics and audiences alike. The film's music, composed by Shiv-Hari, was also a major hit, with songs like "Chandni O Meri Chandni" and "Tere Mere Hothon Pe" remaining popular even today.
The successive deaths of the three lead actors have cast a shadow over the film. What was once a celebration of love and youthful exuberance is now a reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of fate. The passing of these three stars serves as a reminder of their contributions to Indian cinema and the void they have left behind.
While Chandni is a prominent example, it is not the only Bollywood film to have faced such tragedy. The epic film Love and God starring Guru Dutt, Sanjeev Kumar and directed by K Asif, was plagued by tragedy and took over two decades to complete. Guru Dutt died in 1964, K Asif in 1971, and Sanjeev Kumar in 1985.
The story of Chandni's lead actors serves as a poignant reminder of the ephemeral nature of life and fame. While their on-screen magic will continue to entertain audiences for generations to come, their untimely deaths serve as a somber reminder of the uncertainties of life.
