Mahesh Anand fought Amitabh Bachchan in films, became alcoholic after brother defrauded him, died pining for only son; body found in decomposed state

Mahesh Anand, best remembered for his powerful villainous roles in films such as Shahenshah and Coolie No. 1, passed away after battling severe depression and alcoholism. Despite his 5 marriages and a son, he died alone, with body found after days.

By: Entertainment Desk

Mumbai | Updated: November 5, 2025 01:50 PM IST

5 min read

Govinda and Mahesh Anand in the film Khuddar. (Photo: Express Archives)

Amitabh Bachchan’s Shahenshah holds a special place in Hindi cinema for obvious reasons. But for actor and dancer Mahesh Anand, the film was life-changing as it finally put him on the map. Before that, he had struggled to find recognition, but his turn as one of Bachchan’s on-screen antagonists in Tinnu Anand’s action drama made audiences take notice.

Mahesh Anand made his acting debut in 1984 with Karishmaa, a film that starred Kamal Haasan, Reena Roy, Tina Munim, and Danny Denzongpa. However, his connection with this stellar cast went back even further. Two years before Karishmaa, he had performed a striking silhouette dance in the opening sequence of Sanam Teri Kasam (1982), also produced by Barkha Roy, Reena’s sister. It was while working on these films that Mahesh met Barkha, and their professional association soon blossomed into romance. The two got married, but their relationship did not last long.

Mahesh Anand and Jeetendra in the film Tahqiqaat. (Express Archives)

In 1987, he married Erika Maria D’Souza, a former Miss India. The couple had a son, whom Mahesh Anand lovingly named Trishul. Unfortunately, this marriage too ended in separation, with Erika moving to Canada with their son. By 1992, Mahesh found love again with actress Madhu Malhotra, known for films like Cheekh and Padosi Ki Biwi. But as fate would have it, this relationship also fell apart.

Amitabh Bachchan, and Mahesh Anand in the film Indrajeet. (Photo: Express Archives)

Even as his personal life was marked by turmoil, Mahesh Anand’s career in the 1990s was thriving. He appeared in five to six films a year, often playing memorable negative roles opposite leading stars such as Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Sunny Deol, Govinda, Akshay Kumar, and Salman Khan. His collaborations with Bachchan included Gangaa Jamunaa Saraswati, Toofan, and Lal Baadshah.

In 1999, Mahesh married actress Usha Bachani, best known for her role in Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge. However, this relationship too broke down, reportedly due to Mahesh’s struggle with alcoholism. Around the same time tragedy struck as an accident on a film set left him seriously injured. With no safety cables in use in those days, he spent six months in the hospital and nearly three years bedridden. The injury cost him his livelihood and industry connections. Work dried up, and the once-promising actor sank into depression and financial distress.

Mahesh Anand and Usha Bachani got married in 1999. (Photo: Express Archives)

Also Read | Bollywood’s infamous villain’s henchman, body double to Amitabh Bachchan, met an untimely end at just 37

During this difficult period, Mahesh Anand also faced a severe personal setback when his stepbrother allegedly defrauded him of Rs 6 crore. Isolated and battling emotional pain, he often turned to social media to express his loneliness. In one of his heart-breaking Facebook posts, he wrote: “My son, Trishul. May God bless you. Just hug me once before I die. Love you for life.” In another, he shared: “I cry seeing this all day and night. I love you, my son Trishul. I’m your real papa. I know they changed your name to Anthony Vohra. Please hug me once before I die.”

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Amrish Puri, Mahesh Anand, and Sunny Deol in the film Vishwatma. (Photo: Express Archives)

In 2018, during a Facebook Live session, Mahesh Anand reportedly hinted at suicidal thoughts. Thankfully, the Cine and TV Artistes’ Association intervened and offered him support. That same year brought him two turning points, one professional and another personal. He married Laana, a Russian citizen, and seemed to find some stability. Around the same time, director Pahlaj Nihalani cast him in Rangeela Raja, co-starring Govinda. Mahesh expressed his joy on Facebook, calling it a “new beginning” after 18 years without work.

Mahesh Anand and Soni Razdan in the film Swayam. (Photo: Express Archives)

Sadly, Rangeela Raja failed at the box office, and just 22 days after its release, tragedy struck again. On February 9, 2019, Mahesh was found dead in his Versova apartment in Mumbai. His body was reportedly discovered in a decomposed state, with the television still on, a plate of food nearby, and a bottle of liquor beside him. The post-mortem report indicated natural causes, though the exact reason remains unclear. His maid had alerted the police after receiving no response for two days. Mahesh’s wife, Laana, flew in from Belarus to claim his body.

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