Madhoo Shah, popularly known as Madhoo, is an Indian actress known for her remarkable performances in multiple Indian film industries, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada cinema. She gained immense recognition for her roles in Phool Aur Kaante (1991) and Roja (1992). Over the years, she has worked in diverse roles across various languages and has left a lasting impression on the Indian entertainment industry.
This article provides a comprehensive insight into Madhoo’s life, including her personal details, career milestones, and complete filmography.
Personal Details of Madhoo
| Full Name | Madhoo Raghunath Shah (Madhoo) |
| Date of Birth | March 26, 1969 |
| Age | 55 years (as of 2024) |
| Place of Birth | Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) |
| Weight | 58 kg (128 lbs) |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Profession | Actress |
| Years Active | 1991 – Present |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Anand Shah (m. 1999) |
| Children | 2 Daughters |
| Father | Raghunath |
| Mother | Renuka Raghunath |
| Religion | Hinduism |
Early Life Bio & Background
Madhoo was born into a Tamil-speaking family in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. She is the niece of Bollywood actress Hema Malini. Her upbringing in a film-oriented family led her to develop an interest in acting from a young age.
She completed her schooling in Mumbai and later pursued her college education at the University of Mumbai. During this period, she trained in acting and dance, preparing herself for the world of cinema.
Career Journey
Madhoo made her debut in Bollywood with the blockbuster Phool Aur Kaante (1991), starring opposite Ajay Devgn. The film’s success established her as a promising actress. However, it was her role in Mani Ratnam’s Roja (1992) that turned out to be a game-changer. The film became an international success and received several accolades.
Following Roja, Madhoo gained prominence in the South Indian film industry and delivered stellar performances in films like Yodha (Malayalam), Gentleman (Tamil), and Allari Priyudu (Telugu).
Filmography
Madhoo has acted in a variety of films across different languages. Here is a detailed look at her film and television career.
Feature Films
| Year | Film Name | Character | Language | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Azhagan | Swapna | Tamil | |
| 1991 | Phool Aur Kaante | Pooja | Hindi | Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut |
| 1991 | Ottayal Pattalam | Gopika Varma/Indu | Malayalam | |
| 1991 | Neelagiri | Anitha | Malayalam | |
| 1992 | Ennodishtam Koodamo | Aarathi Menon | Malayalam | |
| 1992 | Yodha | Ashwathy | Malayalam | |
| 1992 | Vaaname Ellai | Karpagam | Tamil | |
| 1992 | Roja | Roja | Tamil | Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize, Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil |
| 1992 | Allari Priyudu | Kavita Rani | Telugu | |
| 1993 | Annayya | Saraswathi | Kannada | |
| 1993 | Gentleman | Susheela | Tamil | |
| 1993 | Pehchaan | Tina | Hindi | |
| 1994 | Fauj | Kamli | Hindi | |
| 1994 | Elaan | Mohini Sharma | Hindi | |
| 1994 | Prem Yog | Anita | Hindi | |
| 1994 | Avesham | Madhu | Telugu | |
| 1994 | Senthamizh Selvan | Vaidegi | Tamil | |
| 1994 | Zaalim | Madhu | Hindi | |
| 1995 | Mohini | Ragini | Hindi | |
| 1996 | Mr. Romeo | Madhu | Tamil | |
| 1996 | Diljale | Shabnam | Hindi | |
| 1997 | Chilakkottudu | Madhu | Telugu | |
| 1997 | Iruvar | Dancer | Tamil | Special appearance in “Narumughaye” song |
| 1998 | Hafta Vasuli | Inspector Durga | Hindi | |
| 1999 | Chehraa | Simran | Hindi | |
| 2002 | Mulaqaat | Archana Patkar | Hindi | |
| 2011 | Tell Me O Kkhuda | Geeta | Hindi | |
| 2015 | Ranna | Saraswathi | Kannada | Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Kannada |
| 2020 | Thalaivi | V. N. Janaki Ramachandran | Hindi/Tamil | |
| 2023 | Shaakuntalam | Menaka | Telugu | |
| 2024 | Eagle | Gayatri Devi | Telugu | |
| 2024 | Kartam Bhugtam | Hindi |
Television Series
| Year | Film Name | Character | Language | Remarks |
| 2001 | Kaveri | Kaveri | Tamil | |
| 2004 | Devi | Devi Parvati | Hindi | |
| 2012 | Soundaravalli | Soundaravalli | Tamil | Cameo |
| 2017 | Aarambh: Kahaani Devsena Ki | Maharani Sambhavija | Hindi | |
| 2021 | Super Dancer | Guest | Hindi | Grandparents Special episode |
| 2023 | Sweet Kaaram Coffee | Kaveri | Tamil | Amazon Prime Video |
| 2024 | Manorathangal | Gita Parekh | Malayalam | ZEE5 Anthology Film |
Affairs & Personal Life
Madhoo was linked with a few of her co-stars during the early phase of her career, but she kept her personal life private. In 1999, she married Anand Shah, a businessman. The couple has two daughters, and Madhoo has since balanced her professional and personal life gracefully.
Net Worth & Lifestyle
Madhoo has amassed wealth from her successful film career, television projects, and brand endorsements.
- Estimated Net Worth: $5 Million (Approx.)
- Sources of Income: Films, Television, Brand Endorsements
- Assets: Properties in Mumbai and Chennai
- Luxury Cars: Owns premium vehicles
Awards & Recognition
Madhoo has received several accolades for her outstanding contributions to the film industry, including:
- Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize – Roja (1992)
- Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut – Phool Aur Kaante (1991)
- Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Kannada – Ranna (2015)
Conclusion
Madhoo remains one of the most celebrated actresses in Indian cinema. With a career spanning multiple decades, she has proven her versatility across various film industries. Whether it was her groundbreaking performance in Roja or her recent web series roles, Madhoo continues to captivate audiences.
