Discovered at the age of just sixteen, Rati Agnihotri is a veteran in the Indian film world. Born in 1960, she has appeared in Indian films in various languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada.
Rati Agnihotri made her film debut in the 1979 film Pudhiya Varpukkal. Rati was performing in a high school play when the film's director, Bharati Raji saw her portrayal and casted her as the film's lead. She appeared alongside actor Bhagyaraj. The two got along so well that Bhagyaral served as Rati's acting coach. He even went so far as to teach her Tamil. The pair's chemistry translated to the big screen and the Pudhiya Varpukkal became a cinematic gem.
The film started Rati Agnihortri onto a successful path starring in South Indian films. She was hugely popular. In just three years, Rati starred in thirty-two films in the region. Her big break into Bollywood came in 1981 alongside Indian actor, Kamal Haasan. The Hindi film, Ek Duuje Ke Liye, earned Rati her first Filmfare nomination for Best Actress.
Rati was in high demand following the success of Ek Duuje Ke Liye, and she was slated to play in a number of subsequent Hindi films. She appeared in 1983's Coolie, which was followed up by Tawaif in 1985. Following her performance in Tawaif, Rati was awarded with the second Filmfare nomination for Best Actress in her career.
In 1985, Rati Agnihotri married Anil Virwani, an architect. The couple had a son, Tanuj, and for nearly two decades Rati's only starring role was that of wife and mother. Rati Agnihotri returned to acting in 2001 with a role in Kuch Khatti Kuch Meethil. That role was followed by her first Malayalam film, her debut in English and even a return to her Tamil roots. Rati is currently working in a variety of television sitcoms and theater performances. |
