Bollywood's Forgotten Villain: 5 Marriages, 12 Affairs… and a Tragic End in Silence and Solitude

He once terrified audiences on screen, standing tall as one of the most feared villains of the 80s and 90s. Mahesh Anand—the man who went toe-to-toe with the likes of Amitabh Bachchan and Akshay Kumar—lived a life as dramatic and tragic as any Bollywood script. But while his reel life was larger-than-life, his real life ended in heartbreaking loneliness.

A Familiar Face in 300 Films, Now Faded From Memory

For those who grew up watching Bollywood action flicks, Mahesh Anand was a constant. With his towering physique, sharp features, and piercing eyes, he was the villain you loved to hate. From Shahenshah to Swarg, Gumraah to Krantiveer, Mahesh appeared in over 300 films, cementing his place in Bollywood’s golden era of villains.

But like many in showbiz, fame is fleeting. And no one noticed when Mahesh Anand slowly disappeared from the limelight.

A Glamorous Life Crumbling Behind Closed Doors

While his on-screen persona roared with strength, Mahesh’s personal life was marred by pain. Five marriages, over a dozen affairs, yet not a single relationship that lasted. In his final years, he was completely isolated. Friends vanished, family ties broke, and the man once surrounded by spotlights was left in darkness.

In one haunting social media post, he wrote:

“I don’t even have money for drinking water.”

This wasn’t a cry for attention—it was a reality. Despite working in big-banner films, he struggled with financial ruin, mental health issues, and betrayal. He even accused his stepbrother of cheating him out of ₹6 crore. His own son, Trishul, had distanced himself.

A Death No One Noticed

In February 2019, Mahesh Anand died alone in his Versova flat in Mumbai. His maid, concerned after two days of silence, called the police. When the door was broken down, a grim scene awaited: Mahesh lay lifeless on his sofa. The body had begun to rot. Empty liquor bottles and half-eaten food lay around. A man who once lived in luxury had died in neglect.

His final rites were performed quietly. Only a handful of Bollywood faces showed up. His fifth wife flew in from Russia for the funeral. Mahesh’s final wish? To embrace his son one last time—a wish that remained unfulfilled.

A Bitter Reality Behind the Bollywood Dream

Mahesh Anand’s story is more than just a personal tragedy—it is a reflection of Bollywood’s brutal indifference. An industry that celebrates stardom often forgets its fallen heroes, especially those who slip out of the limelight. His story is a stark reminder: fame fades fast, and behind the glamour, loneliness lurks.