Mayoori Kango, a familiar name from Bollywood in the late 90s, took a bold career path that has inspired many. Known for her performance in the 1996 hit “Papa Kehte Hain,” Mayoori’s journey from a Bollywood actress to a top corporate executive at Google is a story of reinvention and determination.
Early Fame and Breakthrough in Bollywood
Mayoori Kango entered Bollywood in 1995, starring in “Naseem,” a film directed by Saeed Akhtar Mirza. She initially hesitated due to her studies, as she was still in school at the time. However, her performance in “Naseem” was well received, paving the way for her next big opportunity. Director Mahesh Bhatt then cast her in “Papa Kehte Hain,” a role that brought her widespread recognition. The song “Ghar Se Nikalte Hi” from this film remains popular to this day.
Following her success in “Papa Kehte Hain,” Mayoori acted in other films, including “Betaabi,” “Hogi Pyar Ki Jeet,” and “Badal.” Although she appeared in several films and TV serials like “Nargis” and “Thoda Gham Thoda Khushi,” her Bollywood career didn’t continue to shine as she had hoped.
The Shift to a Corporate Career
After experiencing limited success in the entertainment industry, Mayoori decided to pursue a different path. Remarkably, Mayoori had previously been offered a chance to study at IIT Kanpur, one of India’s most prestigious engineering institutions. However, she chose films over academics back then.
Following her marriage to NRI Aditya Dhillon in 2003, Mayoori moved to the United States, where she pursued an MBA in Marketing and Finance. Her career took a turn as she joined the corporate world and worked in the United States from 2004 to 2012.
Return to India and Career at Google
In 2013, Mayoori returned to India and explored job opportunities in the marketing sector. She initially joined Performix, a company under the French advertising giant Publicis Groupe, as the Managing Director. This role solidified her experience in digital advertising and marketing.
Her big breakthrough in the corporate world came in 2019 when she landed a role at Google India as an Industry Head. This high-profile position at Google brought her back into the public eye, though in an entirely new sphere. Today, Mayoori continues to share glimpses of her work life on social media, inspiring many who follow her story of resilience and reinvention.
Mayoori Kango’s transition from Bollywood to Google is a testament to her adaptability and drive to excel.
