Mahesh Anand, a prominent Bollywood villain from the late 1980s and 1990s, lived a life marked by both professional success and personal tragedy. His story serves as a stark reminder of the fleeting nature of fame and the potential for isolation and hardship even after achieving considerable success in the film industry.
Anand appeared in over 300 films, often portraying the menacing henchman or right-hand man to the main villain. His towering physique and intimidating screen presence made him a popular choice for these roles. He shared screen space with some of Bollywood's biggest stars, including Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt and Govinda, in films like 'Shahenshah', 'Ganga Jamuna Saraswati', 'Coolie No. 1', and 'Vishwatma'.
Despite his successful career, Anand's personal life was fraught with difficulties. He was married five times, with each marriage ending in failure. His first marriage was to Barkha Roy, sister of actress Reena Roy. He then married Erica Maria D'Souza, a former Miss India International, with whom he had a son. Further marriages followed, including one to actress Usha Bachani and later to a Russian woman named Lana.
Adding to his personal woes, Anand faced significant financial struggles in the later years of his life. He revealed on social media that he had been cheated out of a considerable sum of money by his stepbrother, leaving him in dire straits. He described his poverty and isolation, stating that he didn't even have enough money to buy drinking water. He also expressed his longing to see his son, from whom he had become estranged.
Tragically, Mahesh Anand's life came to a sorrowful end on February 9, 2019. He was found dead in his Versova flat in Mumbai. Reports indicate that his maid alerted authorities after he failed to respond for two days. Police found his body in a decomposed state, lying on a sofa with alcohol bottles and food nearby. The post-mortem report suggested that he had been dead for about three days, and ruled out any foul play, indicating that he died of natural causes. He was 57 years old.
His death went largely unnoticed by the Bollywood fraternity, highlighting the ephemeral nature of fame. Despite having worked in numerous films and alongside major stars, Anand spent his final years in obscurity and poverty, a stark contrast to his earlier success. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of financial stability, personal relationships, and mental health, even in the face of professional achievement.
Mahesh Anand's life, marked by hundreds of films, multiple marriages, alleged affairs, and a haunting death, encapsulates the unpredictable and often harsh realities that can exist behind the glamorous facade of Bollywood. His memory remains a somber reminder of the importance of compassion and support for those who may be struggling, regardless of their past achievements.
