“Meet the Actress Who Gave King Charles a Kiss, Became a Star at 17, and Is Shraddha Kapoor’s Aunt”
Meet the actress who captivated Bollywood with her talent and charm—Padmini Kolhapure, a star who made a lasting impact on the industry. Beginning her career as a child artist, she had already become a sensation by the age of 17. Her journey from a young performer to one of the most iconic actresses of the 1980s was nothing short of extraordinary. Off-screen, her life was equally fascinating, filled with headlines and surprises. And if you didn’t know, she’s also the aunt of actress Shraddha Kapoor, adding to her family’s legacy in the film world.
Padmini Kolhapure, born in November 1965, boasts a career spanning over four decades and more than 75 films, many of which were massive hits. She earned fame for her powerful performances in films like *Satyam Shivam Sundaram*, *Prem Rog*, and *Souten*, solidifying her status as a leading actress of her time. She showcased her versatility in notable films such as *Ahista Ahista*, *Vidhaata*, *Insaaf Ka Tarazu*, *Woh Saat Din*, and *Pyaar Jhukta Nahi*. Her big break came when she was cast in *Satyam Shivam Sundaram* at just 12 years old. By 17, her performance in *Prem Rog*, opposite Rishi Kapoor, catapulted her to stardom, making her a household name.
One of the most talked-about moments in Padmini’s career came in 1981 during the filming of *Ahista Ahista*. When Prince Charles visited the set, she playfully broke royal protocol by putting a garland around his neck and giving him a light kiss on the cheek. The gesture sparked a media frenzy, with British tabloids dubbing her “the woman who kissed Prince Charles.” Padmini later downplayed the event, saying, “It was just a peck on the cheek…the media took it somewhere else.”
Coming from a musical family—niece to legends Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhonsle—Padmini also made headlines when she married film producer Pradeep Sharma, known as Tutu Sharma, at age 21, defying her family’s wishes. Today, she is also known as the mother of Priyaank Sharma, continuing her legacy in Bollywood.
