The world of cinema is a dazzling realm that attracts countless dreamers, all hoping to shine as future stars. However, not all dreams come true, and many who once basked in the limelight are eventually forgotten. One such name is Mayuri Kango, a once-famous Bollywood actress best known for the hit song “Ghar Se Nikalte Hi, Kuch Door Chalte Hi…” from the movie Papa Kehte Hain. Today, Mayuri has left the film industry behind and made her mark in the corporate world, where she now holds the prestigious position of Head of Google India.
Mayuri Kango’s Early Life and Academic Excellence
Born on August 15, 1982, in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, Mayuri Kango was raised in a family with strong roots in both politics and the arts. Her father, Bhalchandra Kango, is a politician affiliated with the Communist Party of India, while her mother, Sujata Kango, was an actress. As the only child, Mayuri was encouraged to excel academically, and she did not disappoint. She attended St. Francis School in Aurangabad, where she consistently demonstrated her academic prowess. Her hard work paid off when she secured admission to IIT Kanpur, one of India’s most prestigious engineering institutes.
How Mayuri Entered the Film Industry
Mayuri’s journey into the film industry was unexpected. After completing her 12th grade, she accompanied her mother to Mumbai for a film shoot. It was during this trip that destiny intervened. While visiting the set with her mother, Mayuri caught the eye of director Saeed Akhtar Mirza, who offered her the lead role in his film Naseem. At first, Mayuri hesitated, as she was focused on her studies at IIT Kanpur. However, after some contemplation, she decided to take the plunge into acting, leaving her academic dreams behind. Her mother also played a role in Naseem, which went on to win the National Award for Best Screenplay and Best Director.
Mayuri’s performance in Naseem caught the attention of filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, who cast her in the film Papa Kehte Hain. Released in 1996, the movie became a superhit, and the song “Ghar Se Nikalte Hi” became an anthem for the youth. Overnight, Mayuri Kango became a household name. Following this success, she appeared in films like Betaabi, Hogi Pyar Ki Jeet, Mere Apne, and Badal, where she shared the screen with prominent actors like Ajay Devgan, Mahesh Babu, and Sanjay Dutt.
The Decline of Mayuri’s Acting Career
Despite her early success, Mayuri’s acting career began to falter. After signing several films, many of them were shelved due to various reasons, leading to her being labeled as “jinxed” in the industry. As a result, film offers gradually dried up. In an attempt to revive her career, Mayuri turned to the South Indian film industry, but success eluded her there as well. She then transitioned to television, appearing in popular serials like Nargis, Dollar Bahu, Kusum, and Karishma. However, by this time, Mayuri had lost her passion for acting, and in 2003, she decided to leave the entertainment industry for good.
A New Beginning: From Actress to Corporate Leader
In 2003, Mayuri married Aditya Dhillon, an NRI businessman, and moved to the United States. Once settled in America, she rekindled her academic ambitions and pursued an MBA, earning a scholarship to help fund her studies. After completing her MBA, Mayuri embarked on a successful career in the corporate world, working for several top companies. However, balancing a demanding career with motherhood proved challenging, prompting her to return to India.
Back in India, Mayuri’s career took an unexpected turn when she was offered a position at Google. In 2019, she became the Head of Google India, a role that allows her to leverage her business acumen and leadership skills. Today, Mayuri Kango stands as a testament to resilience and reinvention, proving that it is possible to rise above setbacks and find success in new arenas.
Mayuri Kango’s Journey: A Tale of Transformation
Mayuri Kango’s journey from IIT to Bollywood and then to the corporate world is nothing short of inspiring. She transformed from a promising engineering student to a Bollywood actress and eventually became a leader in one of the world’s most influential companies. According to the website NCERTpoint, Mayuri’s net worth is estimated to be around ₹12.40 crore. Her story is a reminder that life can take unexpected turns, but with determination and adaptability, one can achieve greatness in any field.
