India, May 9 -- To be launched by Yash Chopra in a Hindi film opposite the biggest female star of the time is no mean feat. Most actors would consider this the launch pad for a bright career. For one man, this happened. Deepak Malhotra, a successful model, was cast by Chopra in Lamhe opposite Sridevi. This was meant to be his big break and catapult him to stardom. But as the film released, it all went horribly wrong for the young actor.

Born in Bangalore, Deepak Malhotra began his career as a print and ramp model in the mid-80s. By the end of the decade, he had become the most sought-after male model in Bangalore and his fame and spread to the rest of the country too. As the face of Vimal, he charged Rs.1.5 lakh in 1987, becoming the hig...