When This Actress Started Smoking And Drinking Alcohol For Her Role In 1985 Film Tawaif

Actress Rati Agnihotri is one of the top-tier actresses of the Indian cinema. She has left an indelible impact on the Indian audience with her exemplary performances in the films. One of her most celebrated films remains the 1985 Tawaif directed by BR Chopra in which she played the role of a courtesan Sultana.

She earned accolades for her acting prowess but reportedly many didn’t like the idea of her playing the central role in film. They opined that Rati Agnihotri was not perfect for Sultana’s character and had to learn to smoke and chew paan to get into the skin of the role. The 63-year-old actress was apprehensive about the idea of doing both things but then shed her inhibitions for the sake of her character. She started drinking alcohol as well.

In an interview with a portal, Rati Agnihotri also opened up about how she started using cuss words while getting accustomed to her character’s preparations. Many of her fans will be surprised to know that she was not the first choice for Sultana’s character in Tawaif. Initially, the film was planned with actress Salma Agha in 1982, and titled Bahut Der Se. However, the veteran actress and BR Chopra had a falling out and she was replaced from the film.

Tawaif turned out to be Rati Agnihotri’s last film before she tied the nuptial knot with Anil Virwani, a Mumbai-based businessman and architect, on February 9, 1985. The 63-year-old actress’s life shifted radically at that point. She had been a star for a long time and bid adieu to her illustrious career post-marriage.

As per reports, this is when her life took a turn for the worse. The Tawaif actress was reportedly subjected to domestic violence at the hands of her husband. The couple was expecting their first child, hoping that things would improve. On November 28, 1986, Tanuj Virwani was born just over a year into their marriage.

Despite Tanuj’s arrival, Rati Agnihotri’s and Anil’s marriage was reportedly strained due to his abusive nature. For nearly 30 years, she allegedly endured abuse while putting on a brave face outside. However, at the insistence of her son, the actress decided to end her marriage in 2015, and she finally spoke out about it in public.