Doordarshan's famous superhero show ‘Shaktimaan’ still holds a special place in the hearts of 90s kids. The character of Shaktimaan, portrayed by Mukesh Khanna, proved to be a milestone in Indian television history.
Entertainment News: The superhit show ‘Shaktimaan’ (Shaktimaan) which aired on Doordarshan in the 90s, is still considered an iconic show in the history of Indian television. For the children of that era, known as “90s Kids,” Shaktimaan was not just a TV show but an emotion. India's first superhero, portrayed by Mukesh Khanna, remains etched in the memories of viewers.
However, behind the success of this show were not just the hero, but also its memorable villains and mysterious characters. One of them was the show's frightening and evil ‘white cat Shaliya’, who surprised everyone with her negative portrayal.
Who played the role of the ‘White Cat’?
In ‘Shaktimaan’, which was telecast on DD National in 1997, the main villain Tamraj Kilvish (Surya Prakash) had two special emissaries—the black cat Shalaka and the white cat Shaliya. Their objective was to eliminate Shaktimaan and plunge humanity into darkness. The character of ‘white cat Shaliya’ was portrayed by renowned actress Dolly Minhas (Dolly Minhas).
Dolly embodied this role with such depth that memories of her terrifying laughter and sharp gaze remain fresh in the minds of viewers even today. Shaliya's character even attempted to murder Shaktimaan's father, Major Ranjeet Singh, which was one of the show's most thrilling episodes.
Dolly Minhas's Career and Recognition
Dolly Minhas's journey was not limited to ‘Shaktimaan’. In 1988, she won the Femina Miss India Universe crown, after which she stepped into the world of modeling and acting. With her beauty and powerful acting, she made a name for herself on both the small and big screens. On TV, she has appeared in shows like Ramayan, Vishnu Puran, Punar Vivah, Dil Se Dil Tak, Behnein, and most recently, Prem Leela.
As for films, Dolly played a significant role in Akshay Kumar's early film ‘Mr. Bond’ (1992). Additionally, she appeared in Bollywood films like Dil Dhadakne Do, Kabir Singh, Ab Ke Baras, and Good Luck.
Look Has Completely Changed After 28 Years
Over time, Dolly Minhas's look has completely transformed. Fans are amazed by her recent pictures, seeing how the ‘evil cat’ who once instilled fear now looks so graceful and elegant. Her personality now reflects that of a mature and experienced actress. She remains active in the TV industry today and is appearing in various projects. On social media, Dolly is winning fans' hearts with her calm and simple demeanor.
Dolly Minhas is among those artists who have seen many ups and downs in their career, but her passion for acting never diminished. From the small screen to the big screen, she played every role with confidence and dignity. Her contribution to the success of ‘Shaktimaan’ was no less significant. Even 28 years after the show, the name ‘Shaliya’ brings back fresh old memories to the faces of viewers.
