YASMEEN JOSEPH’S KARMA BITES
In the scandalous world of Bollywood, an encounter between two actors, Kumar Gaurav and Mandakini, ignited a tale of rejection and scorching revenge.
It was the 1980s, and Kumar Gaurav, the industry's golden boy, was riding high on the success of his debut film "Love Story" (1981). He was the heartthrob of millions. His father, the great Rajender Kumar financed and directed the film. This kid never understood that that this success was given to him on a platter.
He was offered a film titled, Shirin Farhad by eminent producer, Dinesh Bansal. Kumar Gaurav refused to sign the film when he came to know that Dinesh had planned to pair him with a new actress, Yasmeen Joseph. He said, “I am such a successful hero, who the hell is this Yasmeen Pasmeen, Joseph Poseph? I will not work with unknown girls “.
The film never saw the light of the day. Shirin Farhad was shelved and Yasmeen Joseph went back to her hometown with shattered dreams and tears of rejection. She was a nobody and returned to her mediocre life. Her life could go no lower than this.
But there is always a sunrise even after the darkest of nights. Sometime later, Yasmeen Joseph returned to Bombay again and was selected by the great Raj Kapoor as the lead actor to deliver sizzling performances in "Ram Teri Ganga Maili" (1985). Her beauty and skills set the industry ablaze and she becoming the most sought-after actress. Yasmeen Joseph was known as Mandakini in her films. She became a national sensation. A white saree under a waterfall would never be the same again !!!
Meanwhile, Kumar Gaurav's career began to plummet deeper with every film. His films flopped. The public rejected his films. Desperate for a comeback, Kumar Gaurav suggested Mandakini’s name to a producer of his films to be paired opposite to him. He now wanted to ride piggyback, on the success of Mandakini.
The producer approached Yasmeen Joseph (Mandakini) and said ,
“Madam, there is an offer from a hero to cast you opposite to him. Please accept. I will pay you 100 percent more than what you got for your last film !!!!”
Mandakini asked, “ Who is this hero who wants to work with me?”
“Kumar Gaurav”, came the reply.
Mandakini laughed. She took a sip Kadak chai and replied with a twinkle in her eyes ,
“Sir, I will definitely do this film. I will do it for free. No money. But change the hero!!!! I will not work with any Kumar Bimar, Gaurav Kaurav !!!!!!!”
Karma bit Kumar Gaurav.
The unknown Yasmeen Joseph rejected by Kumar Gaurav went on to become Mandakini and got her revenge.
Mandakini's rejection spread like wildfire, the industry whispered about the scorching revenge she had exacted. Kumar Gaurav's downfall served as a cautionary tale about the dangers of arrogance, while Mandakini's triumph proved that talent, determination, and a hint of seduction can conquer all odds.
Karma is a woman scorned and though she has a sweet innocent face, definitely bites back.