A Star Gone Missing: The 20-Year Search for Raj Kiran

If you’ve ever watched classics like Karz or Arth, you might remember Raj Kiran—a gentle, talented actor who shared the screen with stars like Rekha and Rishi Kapoor. But what many people don’t know is that Raj Kiran’s life took a heartbreaking turn, and he’s been missing for over 20 years.

 

Raj Kiran was once a promising name in Bollywood, known for his sensitive roles and quiet charm. He worked with some of the industry’s biggest names and seemed set for a long, successful career. But behind the scenes, things were falling apart. He struggled with mental health issues and, after a series of setbacks, his personal life crumbled. He left behind his wife, Roopa, and their two daughters, and eventually moved to the US.

 

Then, in the early 2000s, Raj simply disappeared. There were rumors he was in a mental health facility in Atlanta, but his family searched everywhere—New York, Atlanta, and beyond—without any luck. His daughter Rishika has spoken about the pain of not knowing what happened, and how the family involved police and private investigators, but never found closure.

 

Even actors like Rishi Kapoor tried to help track him down, but the trail went cold. Raj Kiran’s story is one of Bollywood’s saddest mysteries—a reminder that fame doesn’t always protect you from life’s hardest struggles, and that some stories remain heartbreakingly unfinished.

 

Source: Indian Express, Times of India, BollywoodShaadis, Economic Times