Bollywood has seen its share of unsolved mysteries over the years. While some stars have faded from public memory, others have disappeared in circumstances that remain unknown.
One such case is that of actor Raj Kiran, best known for his performances in the films ‘Karz’ and ‘Arth’. Although he has been missing for more than two decades, his family continues to search for him, hoping to uncover what happened.Raj Kiran began his acting career with the film ‘Kaagaz Ki Nao’ in 1975. He later appeared in the political satire ‘Kissa Kursi Ka’, a film that was banned during the Emergency period. However, it was Subhash Ghai’s Karz, starring Rishi Kapoor, that brought him widespread fame. He also proved himself with his iconic performance in Mahesh Bhatt’s film ‘Arth’ alongside Shabana Azmi. Throughout the 1980s, Raj enjoyed a steady career in Bollywood, but his career slowed in the 1990s, as big lead roles became increasingly rare.In 1996, Raj found himself in the headlines for reasons that had nothing to do with cinema. Reports claimed that he was arrested after trespassing at Puttaparthi Sai Baba Ashram. He reportedly hired a tractor and ladder to enter the building at night. He was later released on bail, and his father secured his release.A year later, Raj spoke to Cineblitz about the emotional impact of spending more than a month in prison.
Reflecting on this experience, he said: “The shock I faced when I was put in prison is indescribable. You can never understand the fear one feels, when you are told that you cannot be saved. I spent 34 days in prison and sitting there, not sure if I would ever be free. This is a very scary feeling.”During his years in the film industry, Raj married Rupa, and they had two daughters, Rishika Mahtani and Mannat Mahtani.
As acting opportunities declined, Raj reportedly slipped into depression, which also affected his personal life. He eventually moved to the United States and remained in contact with his family for some time. But according to his daughter, all communications stopped, and he has not been seen since 2003.His family confirmed that Raj was suffering from mental health problems before his disappearance. exit
Mahesh
Bhatt, who directed him in ‘Arth’, recalled once visiting Raj at Mumbai’s Masina Hospital, where he was undergoing psychiatric treatment.
Speaking to Rediff, Bhatt said: “Many years ago when he was in the psychiatric ward at Massena Hospital. He was not the Raj Kiran I dealt with. He was a gloomy, depressed person and he communicated with me with great difficulty. There was no joy in life, no energy he exuded every time he met us; his friends.”
“At one point, there were reports that Raj was admitted to a mental health facility in Atlanta.
Speaking to Subhash K. Jha, Rishi Kapoor, who worked with Raj in the film Karz, said that he received this information from Raj’s brother.“I was very relieved when Govind told me that Raj was alive. But he was detained in an institution in Atlanta due to health issues.” However, the Raj family later disputed the allegations. In 2011, his daughter Rishika Mahtani explained that there was no confirmation that her father was receiving treatment in Atlanta. She said the family was unable to find him and continued searching for him. Despite admitting that Raj was suffering from mental health issues before his disappearance, the family never gave up hope of finding him.
