Madhoo Shah
Also known as Madhoobala Raghunath Malini
Career
Active 1991 – present
Biography
About Madhoo Shah
Madhoo Shah is an Indian actress with a career spanning over three decades. She began acting in the early 1990s, making her film debut in the Tamil movie Azhagan (1991), directed by K. Balachander, and her Hindi debut in Phool Aur Kaante later that same year. Over the years, she has worked in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada films, establishing herself as a versatile performer. Her breakout role came in 1992 when she played the title character in Mani Ratnam's critically acclaimed Roja, which brought her widespread recognition. She has acted in five films under her real name Madhu, showcasing her range as an artist. After a brief hiatus, she returned to the screen in 2008 with Kabhi Socha Bhi Na Tha and has since taken on supporting roles. In 2014, she made a comeback to Tamil cinema with Balaji Mohan's bilingual film Vaayai Moodi Pesavum.
Beyond cinema, Madhoo has expanded her presence to television and hosting. Since August 2019, she has been hosting the DD National music series Rangoli, and she has acted in television serials such as Kaveri, Devi, Soundaravalli, and Aarambh: Kahaani Devsena Ki. She has also appeared as a guest judge on a few reality shows. With her natural black hair, brown eyes, and average build, Madhoo stands at 5'6" and maintains a professional and grounded approach to her craft. Her longevity in the industry reflects her adaptability and enduring appeal. She has also embraced social media, amassing a substantial following on Instagram, where she connects with fans and shares glimpses of her life and projects.
Record
Profile details
Personal
- Years Active
- 1991-present (started around 22 years old; 35 years active)
- Birthplace
- Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Ethnicity
- Asian
- Sexuality
- Straight
Body
- Hair Color
- Black
- Eye Color
- Brown
- Weight
- 123 lbs (or 56 kg)
- Measurements
- 34–28–36 (B–W–H) · WHR 0.78
- Boobs
- Real/Natural
Extra
- Instagram Followers
- 580k (as of March 2026)
Frequently asked
What is Madhoo Shah's first film in each major language?
Her Tamil debut was Azhagan (1991), her Hindi debut was Phool Aur Kaante (1991), and her Malayalam debut was Ottayal Pattalam (1991).
What role brought Madhoo Shah widespread popularity?
She gained popularity after starring in the title role of Mani Ratnam's Roja (1992).
Has Madhoo Shah acted under a different name?
Yes, she has acted in five films using her real name, Madhu.
Did you know
- Madhoo Shah made her acting debut in the same year across three different film industries (Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam).
- She took a break from acting and returned in 2008 with Kabhi Socha Bhi Na Tha, then made a Tamil comeback in 2014.
- Since 2019, she has hosted the DD National music series Rangoli on television.
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