Nagarjuna’s co-star’s debut film ran for 100 days in theatres. Later, she was thrown out of Aamir Khan movie, went into a three-decade hiatus

Geetanjali became a box-office phenomenon when it hit the theatres in 1989. Mani Ratnam’s only Telugu movie, this romantic drama ran for over 100 days in theatres. The film, which depicted a tender love story between two terminally ill people, became a milestone in Nagarjuna’s career, turning him into a heartthrob overnight. The movie also marked the debut of Girija Shettar and made her a household name, thanks to chartbusters such as ‘O Priya Priya’, ‘Jallanta Kavvinta.’

A Promising Start Across Industries

Girija’s early career expanded beyond Telugu cinema the same year when she appeared opposite Mohanlal in the Malayalam crime-comedy Vandanam. In this story, she portrayed the daughter of a radical figure who unexpectedly develops feelings for the officer investigating her father. The Priyadarshan-directed film continues to be regarded as one of Malayalam cinema’s most cherished romantic narratives, despite its sorrowful conclusion. Her emotional final sequence still circulates widely online, drawing comments from admirers who wish the protagonists—Mohanlal’s character and Girija’s Gadha—had been allowed a happier destiny.

Opportunities Lost and Projects Shelved

Despite her strong beginning, Girija’s momentum dimmed. She was initially chosen to star opposite Aamir Khan in Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander, but she stepped away from the film, prompting director Mansoor Khan to overhaul the cast and bring in Ayesha Jhulka as the replacement lead. A few early portions featuring Girija reportedly remain in the film. Her challenges continued when the Mohanlal-starrer Dhanushkodi collapsed midway due to financial setbacks.

A Delayed Triumph and a Long Absence

One moment of hope emerged when she completed her second Telugu film, Hrudayanjali, directed by A. Raghurami Reddy. Although shelved for years, it was finally released in 2002, earning critical praise and securing three state awards. Following this period, Girija moved abroad and later admitted to PTI that she avoided Indian films for years to prevent rekindling professional regret.

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A Return to Screens

After decades away from the spotlight, Girija Shettar stepped back into cinema in 2024 with the Kannada romantic drama Ibbani Tabbida Ileyali, marking a heartfelt and widely welcomed comeback.

She has earned her doctorate in Integral Yoga Philosophy and Indian spiritual psychology from Cardiff University in 2003. She now dedicates as much time as she can to staying at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Puducherry.