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I've only included actors who did not willingly drop their careers. Therefore, the likes of Bhagyashree are not included.
1. Kumar Gaurav: He had a very successful debut with Love Story, and he also had another hit in Naam, in which he played the' good' brother. That film did wonders for Sanjay Dutt, who got all the accolades as the 'bad' brother. Reportedly, Gaurav's father Rajendra Kumar was apprehensive about financing Naam, because he could tell from the script that the anti-hero would walk away with public sympathy. Something similar happened with Kumar Gaurav's and Sanjay Dutt's fathers in Mother India, where Rajendra Kumar was the 'good' brother, but Sunil Dutt, as the anti-hero, got more appreciation from the audience.
2. Rahul Roy: His first film, Aashiqui, a musical, was a bit hit and consequently, Rahul received multiple offers and did numerous films in the 90s. He tried to recreate the success of his first film with other musicals like Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayi and Sapne Saajan Ke, but he couldn't survive as a leading man for long. He has since appeared on the reality television show Big Boss, which he won in 2006. He has also continued to do supporting roles in small budget films.
3. Mahima Chaudhary: Her debut, Pardes, was a tremendous success and made her a household name. She became popular with the masses for her portrayal of a sweet, innocent traditional Indian girl who moves abroad hoping to begin her marital life. She has done multiple films since, and her dance on Yaad Piya Ki Aani Lagi in her film Pyar Koi Khel Nahin was popular in the late 90s. She worked with A-listers in her films Khiladi 420 and Dil Kya Kare, but received a lukewarm response. Her film Daag The Fire was a success, but didn't take her career anywhere. She did receive appreciation for her supporting role in Dhadkan.
4. Vivek Oberoi: For a long time in the mid 2000s, Vivek was touted as the next big thing. He gave not only commercially successful films like Saathiya, Masti and Kaal, but also critically acclaimed performances in Company and Omkara. His case was different from that of other actors who fizzled out. Negative publicity associated with his relationship with actress Aishwarya Rai and an infamous press conference, in which he disclosed his issues with superstar Salman Khan, turned away many industry insiders who then stopped working with him. His career lost track thereafter. He has continued to give occasional hits like Grand Masti and his performances in Rakht Charitra ! & 2 received acclaim.
5.Gracy Singh: She started her career in a supporting role in the film Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain as Kajol's sister and another small role in Tabu's Hu Tu Tu, but Gracy Singh had a spectacular debut as a leading lady in the critically and commercially successful film Lagaan in 2001. The film was nominated in the foreign language category at the Academy Awards. She then followed this up with another success, namely Munnabhai MBBS, a film that revived Sanjay Dutt's career. However, the lack of a glamorous image and little publicity or media coverage meant that she could not sustain her success.
Who would you add to the above list?
Anupamaa
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