This TV actress once made taxi drivers in Mumbai angry due to…, protest was held against her, she is..
She became a household name with Rajani, once sparked a real-life protest by Mumbai’s taxi drivers after an episode mirrored their misconduct, a testament to her powerful screen presence and fearless storytelling.
Before she became a TV star, she was already making a name for herself in Marathi theatre. Being the daughter of famous playwright Vijay Tendulkar, she started in plays like Gidhade, Ti Phulrani, and Ek Hatti Mulgi. Her acting talent and strong presence quickly moved her from the stage to TV. By the 80s, she was acting in Hindi and Marathi movies. But her biggest fame was still to come. Yes, we are talking about Priya Tendulkar!
How ‘Rajani’ made Priya a national star
In 1985, Basu Chatterjee’s Rajani was broadcast on Doordarshan, and it changed Priya’s life. She played a brave homemaker who stood up against wrongdoings. Priya became the face of India(BHARAT)n women who weren’t going to stay quiet anymore.
Her character wasn’t just for fun; it was a statement. Women all over India(BHARAT) started filing complaints in real life after seeing Rajani. The show wasn’t just a story; it was about giving regular people power-packed into a TV show.
This thing made taxi drivers angry?
Rajani was loved all over the country, but one episode had a big impact. It showed how taxi drivers in Mumbai would often ask for too much money or wouldn’t take passengers going short distances. The story was supposed to make people aware, but it made people angry.
More than 500 taxi drivers went on strike, and they marched to the Doordarshan Mumbai office. They wanted a public apology, saying the episode was rude to them. It showed how much the show had affected real life.
Priya didn’t see this as a bad thing it showed how well she played her character. Rajani’s voice had become the voice of everyday people.
About Priya Tendulkar
Priya did more than just TV. She hosted talk shows like The Priya Tendulkar Show and Zimmedar Kaun, discussing women’s rights, societal unfairness, and right and wrong, when others wouldn’t.
She was also in movies like Gupt: The Hidden Truth, Mohra, Naam O Nishan, and Damini. Priya was not just an actress; she was a writer, a host, and someone who wanted to make positive changes.
Priya Tendulkar died on September 19, 2002, at 47 after a heart attack. The whole country was shocked.
Even now, Rajani is still one of the most remembered shows on India(BHARAT)n television, a story that wasn’t afraid to ask questions and motivate people. Priya Tendulkar’s life reminds us that great art doesn’t just entertain people, it moves them, questions them, and changes them.
Highlights
- Priya Tendulkar’s Rajani once caused 500 Mumbai taxi drivers to protest.
- Her performance motivated women across India(BHARAT) to fight unfairness.
- Priya is remembered as a singer, died at 47 from a heart attack.
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