Priyanka Tiwari
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Despite coming from a family full of Bollywood stars, Mohnish Bahl carved his own niche in the film industry. Many of his relatives were already big names in Bollywood—four of his cousins were well-known actresses—but that didn’t make his journey any easier. He had to struggle to establish himself, proving his talent through hard work and dedication. However, over time, film offers started to dwindle.
The Bollywood Connection
Mohnish Bahl, the son of legendary actress Nutan, stepped into Bollywood in 1983 with the film Beqarar. Unfortunately, it flopped at the box office. His initial years were marked by a string of failures, though he did find some success with the 1984 horror film Purana Mandir. While the movie became a hit, it was classified as a B-grade film, which did little to boost his career.
The Turning Point
Born on August 14, 1961, in Mumbai, Mohnish struggled with back-to-back flops. After six unsuccessful films, he even considered quitting acting to pursue a career as a pilot and had begun preparing for a commercial flying license. But fate had other plans. Salman Khan introduced him to director Sooraj Barjatya, and that introduction changed everything.
In 1989, Mohnish landed the role of the antagonist in Maine Pyar Kiya, Salman Khan's blockbuster hit. This performance earned him recognition, and he soon became a familiar face in Bollywood.
A Successful Collaboration with Salman Khan
Following Maine Pyar Kiya, Mohnish appeared in several successful films, often alongside Salman Khan. Fans loved their on-screen chemistry, whether they played brothers or rivals. Some of their hit films together include Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, Hum Saath Saath Hain, and Kahin Pyar Na Ho Jaye. His role in Hum Saath Saath Hain (1999) remains one of his most appreciated performances.
Gradual Decline in Film Offers
Despite his success, the number of film roles coming his way started to decrease. In a 2020 interview with Hindustan Times, Mohnish revealed that filmmakers stopped offering him roles because he had become more active in television. His work in popular TV shows like Dil Mil Gaye made producers hesitant, as they believed he wouldn’t be able to commit to film schedules.
Life Beyond Bollywood
For the past five years, Mohnish Bahl has not appeared in any films or OTT projects. His last movie was Panipat (2019). In a 2021 interview, he mentioned that he was waiting for a strong parallel lead role, but if that didn’t happen, he might have to settle for supporting roles again.
Currently, he manages his family’s properties and business. He owns significant real estate in Lonavala and Mumbra, where he now spends most of his time. While he remains away from the limelight, fans continue to hope for his return to the screen.
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