Bollywood is full of stories that rise like stars and fall like dust. One such story is of Mahesh Anand – a name that once roared on the silver screen but faded into silence when the lights went off. Known for his towering presence and intense villainous roles in the 80s and 90s, Mahesh Anand became a feared name in action films. But behind his successful film career was a painful story of loneliness, broken relationships, and a death that shocked many.
Mahesh Anand Ruled Bollywood as a Villain
In the era of action-packed movies, Mahesh Anand appeared in more than 300 films. His strong physique, angry eyes, and deep voice made him a perfect fit for villain roles. He shared screen space with stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, and Govinda. Films like Thanedaar, Coolie No. 1, Vishwatma, Krantiveer, Diljale, Baaghi, and Gumrah had his stamp of power.
Directors often repeated him for similar roles because of his commanding screen presence. He never played the hero, but his negative roles won audiences. Mahesh became a regular part of the villain squad in big-budget movies during that time.
Personal Life Full of Ups and Downs
While his career had fame and respect, his personal life told a different tale. Mahesh Anand got married five times. It is also believed that he had over 12 love affairs. Despite so many relationships, he ended up alone. None of his marriages gave him lasting peace. His family ties broke down, and his friends turned away. In his final years, he lived alone in a small flat in Versova, Mumbai.
Money Woes and Social Media Plea
As Mahesh Anand aged and work offers stopped coming, he began facing financial problems. His social media posts hinted at his difficult situation. In one heartbreaking post, he mentioned he did not have money to buy drinking water. That one line showed the sad reality of someone who once worked with top stars in the industry.
Mahesh also accused his half-brother of cheating him out of ₹6 crore. His son, Trishul, also stayed away. He felt abandoned by both his family and the film industry. The man who once worked in films with millions of rupees in budget was now struggling to meet basic needs.
No One Knew He Was Dead for Two Days
In February 2019, Mahesh Anand passed away alone in his Mumbai home. His maid had been knocking for two days without any response. Worried, she informed the police. When the police broke open the door, they found Mahesh lifeless on the sofa. His body had already started to decompose. Alcohol bottles and leftover food lay around, showing he had spent his final days in silence, pain, and addiction.
The scene shocked many. A once-loved actor died without anyone knowing for two days. His body was found only because of the maid’s alertness. This news raised serious questions about how Bollywood forgets its old stars after their shine fades.
Last Rites in Silence, A Final Wish Unfulfilled
The saddest part was that even in death, he did not get the attention or respect he once enjoyed. Only a handful of people from the film world came to say goodbye. His fifth wife, who was living in Russia, came to perform his last rites.
One of Mahesh Anand’s last wishes was to hug his son Trishul once. Unfortunately, that wish remained unfulfilled. His son did not come to meet him in his final days, nor was he present during the last rites. Mahesh Anand longed for love, support, and dignity till the very end, but was left alone.
A Shocking Example of Bollywood’s Harsh Reality
Mahesh Anand’s story highlights a bitter truth. The film industry is glamorous on the outside but can be very lonely inside. Today’s stars are tomorrow’s forgotten faces. Once the cameras stop and the fans disappear, very few stand by those who gave their life to cinema.
Despite working in hundreds of movies, Mahesh died in silence, in a one-room flat, with no family around. His death reflects the painful reality many ageing artists face — no job offers, no friends, no financial support, and worst of all, no one to talk to.
Remembering the Man Beyond the Roles
Today’s generation may not know much about Mahesh Anand. But during his time, he stood tall among the best villains of Bollywood. He gave everything to his work. His performances were strong, and his voice had power. Even if he was not the hero, people noticed him. He played the bad guy, but his real-life pain was bigger than any role he ever played.
The film industry must learn from his story. It should not only celebrate stars at their peak but also support them when they fall. Many other artists like Mahesh Anand still live in silence, hoping someone will remember them — not just for what they did on screen but for the people they were in real life.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on public reports, news sources, and available interviews. It is written to highlight the forgotten journey of actor Mahesh Anand and is not meant to disrespect any individual or organisation.
Source: India Today, ABP News, Amar Ujala, Filmfare, Mid-Day.
