Avantika Kamath won the Main Bhi Madhuri contest organised by a leading cosmetic brand in 2003. After being crowned the next Madhuri Dixit by the judges Dharmendra, MF Husain and Madhuri Dixit herself, Avantika was promised a sparkling debut in Bollywood opposite Salman Khan by the organisers. The promise never materialised. And the new age Madhuri faded into oblivion.
Mumbai Mirror found Avantika, who has just completed shooting for three Marathi films. "I was promised a film opposite Salman, a portfolio shoot by a celebrity photographer and a dinner with Madhuri. None of these ever happened. However, I did say anything at that time since people might have perceived it as a cheap publicity stunt," revealed Avantika.
What was worse, Avantika wasn't even allowed to approach other filmmakers in the industry. "I had even dropped out of college for the film," added Avantika.
Looking back at the contest held in December 2003, Avantika, currently living in Mira Road, said, "It was painful. When my dreams were shattered, I went into depression. It took me two years of medication to recover and start my struggle all over again."
The cosmetic brand that organised the contest, when contacted, said, "The range called 'Madhuri's Secrets' was discontinued due to Madhuri's pregnancy. So, the whole project was cancelled. However, few of the commitments we made were even carried out.
A television show performance was also organised for Avantika." Madhuri Dixit currently in Dehradun, remained unavailable for comment.
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