Padmini Kolhapure is considered one of the most prominent actresses of the 80s. In a career spanning over four decades, she has starred in over 75 films, most of which have been superhits. She is still widely rememberd for films like Insaaf Ka Taraju, Aahista-Aahista, Pyaar Jhukta Nahi, and Prem Rog. In personal life, the actress got married to Pradeep Sharma, and share a son, named Priyank Sharma. While her legacy is well known, few remember her unique connection with Prince Charles, who she kissed on cheek, making global headlines.
When Padmini Kolhapure kissed Prince Charles on set
Prince Charles, who officially became the king of UK following Queen Elizabeth II’s death, visited India many years ago. During his Mumbai trip, he spent some time on the sets of the Hindi movie Ahista Ahista (1981) as he wanted to grab knowledge on how movies are filmed in India. Padmini Kolhapure, the film’s leading lady, met him on the set and surprised him with a peck on his cheek. After this, British media began referring her, “the woman who kissed Prince Charles.”
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Padmini Kolhapure opened up about the incident
In 2013, Kolhapure broke her silence and recalled how the incident became a ‘big thing.’ She told The Times of India, “He was visiting Mumbai and I don’t know what he thought that he wanted to see a shoot. We were shooting for Ahista Ahista at Rajkamal Studios. Shashikala ji did his Indian aarti and I just greeted him with a peck on his cheek. But, in those days, it became a big thing. I remember I went to London for a holiday and this British immigration officer asked me, ‘Are you the same person who kissed Prince Charles?’ I was left embarrassed.”
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About film Ahista Ahista (1981)
Interestingly, Ahista Ahista became one of Padmini Kolhapure’s most finest works. Helmed by Esmayeel Shroff, the film featured her alongside Shammi Kapoor and Nanda. Its melodious music, composed by Khayyam, elevated its charm, making it an impactful cinematic experience.