The Cursed Show CATS: How a Hit TV Series Devastated the Lives of Three Leading Actresses

The early 2000s witnessed a stylish and thrilling Indian television series called CATS, India’s own take on Charlie’s Angels. Despite its popularity and 32-episode run, the show later earned a grim reputation for the tragic fates of its three lead actresses: Nafisa Joseph, Kuljeet Randhawa, and Malini Sharma.

Nafisa Joseph: From Miss India to Tragedy

Nafisa Joseph, a former Miss India and MTV VJ, was the first to star in CATS. Before the show, she had already made a mark in the entertainment industry, participating in Miss Universe 1997 and emerging in the Top 10. She aspired to work in human resources and help the underprivileged but quickly rose to fame as a model and VJ.

After her role in CATS, Nafisa’s career flourished, but tragedy struck in 2004 when she died by suicide at her Mumbai home, just a month before her wedding to businessman Gautam Khanduja. Previously, she had a brief engagement with actor Sameer Malhotra.

Kuljeet Randhawa: Friendship and Heartbreak

Kuljeet Randhawa, Nafisa’s co-star in CATS, developed a close friendship with her during the show. She too was a rising star, known for her earlier work in Hip Hip Hurray and later in Special Squad on Star One. Unfortunately, Kuljeet also met a tragic end in 2006 at the age of 30, dying by suicide at her Mumbai residence. Her boyfriend, Bhanu Uday, was away and could not attend her funeral.

Malini Sharma: The Survivor Who Chose Obscurity

The third member of the trio, Malini Sharma, gained fame through the Bombay Vikings music video Kya Surat Hai and later appeared in Mika Singh’s hit song Sawan Mein Lag Gayi Aag. Her role in Vikram Bhatt’s film Raaz gave her further recognition.

Despite early success, Malini Sharma eventually stepped away from the limelight. She married Priyanshu Chatterjee, known for his debut in Tum Bin, but the marriage ended in divorce. Malini briefly worked as an art director for Rani Mukerji and Saif Ali Khan’s film Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic but never returned to acting.

A Legacy Overshadowed by Tragedy

Though CATS was loved by audiences and set new standards for Indian TV thrillers, the personal tragedies of Nafisa Joseph, Kuljeet Randhawa, and Malini Sharma turned it into one of the most infamous chapters in Indian television history. Today, the show is remembered not just for its style and intrigue but also for the dark shadow it cast over the lives of its leading ladies.