Where is Ram Teri Ganga Maili star Mandakini, who was once linked to underworld don Dawood Ibrahim?

At the peak of her success, Mandakini was rumored to have ties to an underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. Then this happened and...

Some actors rise to fame with their talent, beauty, and charm, becoming household names as they deliver hit films and dominate headlines. However, just as quickly as they shine, some fade away due to controversies or scandals. One such actress we are talking about today is a veteran who was once a major star but mysteriously vanished from the limelight.

Mandakini, originally named Yasmeen Joseph, was born in Meerut to a British father and a Kashmiri mother. At just 16, she was discovered by legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor, who launched her in the 1985 hit Ram Teri Ganga Maili. Her bold role and on-screen presence made her an overnight sensation. She went on to work in popular films like Dance Dance with Mithun Chakraborty, Kahan Hai Kanoon with Aditya Pancholi, and Pyaar Karke Dekho with Govinda. However, her career soon hit a rough patch, and a major controversy was often blamed for this decline.

Mandakini’s connetion with Dawood Ibrahim

At the peak of her success, Mandakini was rumored to have ties to an underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. A photo of her with the don surfaced, sparking a huge controversy. Although Mandakini repeatedly denied these allegations, the rumors damaged her reputation, and many filmmakers were reluctant to cast her. According to former Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar’s book Dial D For Don, the don reportedly pressured producers to give her roles, which only further isolated her in the industry.

Mandakini’s marriage with…

In the 1990s, Mandakini married Dr. Kagyur T. Rinpoche Thakur, a former Buddhist monk, and embraced Buddhism. After her last film, Zordaar (1996), she stepped away from acting. She now runs Tibetan yoga classes, while her husband operates a Tibetan Herbal Centre. The couple has two children, a son named Rabbil and a daughter named Rabze Innaya.

Mandakini’s comeback

In 2022, Mandakini made a comeback with the music video Maa O Maa, directed by Sajan Agarwal. Her son, Rabbil Thakur, also appeared in the video. The song, composed by Babli Haque and Meera and sung by Rishabh Giri, marked her return to showbiz. Mandakini has also hinted at working on a new film, though she hasn’t shared details yet.