Divya Bharti

Divya Om Prakash Bharti (February 25, 1974 – April 5, 1993) was an Indian film actress, who starred in a number of commercially successful Hindi and Telugu motion pictures in the early 1990s. Known for her versatility and lively nature, she was one of the most sought-after actresses of her time.

Bharti started to get offers in films as early as 14 years of age, making her debut at age 16 with a lead role in the successful Telugu drama Bobbili Raja (1990). After starring in a number of high-grossing Telugu films, she progressed to mainstream Bollywood films in 1992 with the action thriller Vishwatma. Bharti further went on to have commercial success alongside actors such as Govinda and Rishi Kapoor in films like Shola Aur Shabnam and Deewana, respectively; the latter of which was also the debut film of Shahrukh Khan. Both films received critical appreciation the latter garnered her a Filmfare Award for Lux New Face of the Year.[1] Bharti acted in over 14 Hindi films between 1992 and early 1993 which is to date an unbroken record for a newcomer in Bollywood.[2]

Bharti died on 5 April 1993 at the age of 19,[3] from injuries sustained after falling off the balcony of her fifth-floor apartment at Tulsi building in Versova.[4] The cause of her falling was never officially confirmed, that whether it was a murder, suicide or accident.[5] Mumbai Police closed the investigations into her death in 1998, labeling it as accidental.[6]

Bharti was born in Mumbai, India, to Om Prakash Bharti, an insurance officer, and his wife, Meeta Bharti.[7] She had a younger brother named Kunal and two half-siblings who were the children of Bharti's father first marriage.[8] She spoke Hindi, English, and Marathi fluently. In her early years, Bharti was known for her bubbly personality[9] and for her doll-like looks.[10] Actress Kainaat Arora is her second cousin.[11]