Meet Anu Aggarwal Aashiqui fame One night transformed her.
Meet Anu Aggarwal Aashiqui fame
One night transformed her.
The thumping success of film “Aashiqui” made Anu Aggarwal an overnight sensation. It was her debut film that released in 1990. She gained instant fame and widespread recognition. But just as quickly as she rose to stardom, her career came to an abrupt end following a near-fatal car accident in 1999 following which she slipped into coma for 29 days with severe injuries, memory loss, and partial paralysis.
Anu Aggarwal recalled over her transformative journey after distancing from the limelight. She revealed that she spent 12 years living at a Yoga University, including six years as a sanyasi. Amidst this period, she embraced a minimalist lifestyle—shaving her head, owning just one bag and two sets of clothes, which she washed at 4 a.m., and walking with a single slipper.
Following years of recovery through yoga and spiritual healing, Anu chose a life away from the limelight, dedicating herself to social work and wellness.
Anu Aggarwal’s rise in Bollywood was anything but ordinary. Prior to embarking for a film career, she was already familiar to many as a model and video jockey. Her unconventional looks and natural screen presence helped her stand out in a competitive industry that often followed rigid beauty standards.
In 1990, was cast in Aashiqui, a romantic drama that went on to become one of the biggest hits of its time. Almost overnight, Anu became a sensation. Her portrayal of Anu Verghese, a shy and soft-spoken character, struck a chord with audiences and instantly made her a household name.
Aashiqui wasn’t just a
commercial success—it turned Anu into one of the most talked-about newcomers in Bollywood. The film’s popularity gave her an immediate stardom that many actors spend years trying to achieve.
She was soon flooded with film offers and worked in movies like King Uncle, Ghazab Tamasha, and Ram Shastra. With each new role, Anu was building a promising career in the film industry. But while her professional life was soaring, an unexpected tragedy was about to bring it all to a stop.
The Night That Changed Her Life
In 1999, after attending a party in Mumbai, Anu was on her way home when her car lost control and crashed near Chowpatty. The impact of the accident was so severe that she slipped into a coma and remained unconscious for 29 days. When she eventually woke up, her life had completely transformed.
Reportedly, she had lost her memory, and her body was partially paralysed, and her once-recognisable face was severely injured. The trauma was so intense that she had no recollection of her name, her family, or even her career in films.
Anu had to relearn the most basic functions eating, walking, even identifying herself. She lived away from the public eye, shaved her head, and retreated into a life of spiritual discipline.
In interviews later, she mentioned that she had forgotten even simple things like how to apply makeup. Initially, doctors were unsure if she would survive, but Anu began healing herself through yoga and meditation. Over time, she not only recovered physically but also transformed her outlook on life.
After years of therapy and spiritual exploration, Anu chose not to return to films. Instead, she dedicated her time to social work, especially through yoga therapy sessions for underprivileged children. She began sharing her story publicly, speaking at various forums about recovery, resilience, and inner healing.
Anu Aggarwal may have only spent a few years in the spotlight, but her story remains unforgettable. One film launched her to fame, and one night took it all away. Yet, in her second life, she found something perhaps even more enduring—purpose
News Edit KV Raman
