Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Feb 8: In the early 2000s, television audiences were introduced to CATS, a slick, stylish spy series that quickly became a cult favourite. Inspired by Charlie’s Angels, the show starred Nafisa Joseph, Kuljeet Randhawa and Malini Sharma as three glamorous undercover agents. Though the series aired only 32 episodes in 2001, it left a lasting impression — later remembered as much for its stars as for the tragedies that followed.
Nafisa Joseph, who led the show, was already a known face. A former Miss India 1997 finalist at Miss Universe, she went on to become one of MTV India’s most popular VJs during the channel’s golden era. Known for her intelligence and social awareness, Nafisa had spoken publicly about her concern for poverty and human injustice. After gaining fame on MTV, she transitioned into acting with CATS, calling it a stepping stone to more serious performance work.
In 2004, just three years after the show ended, Nafisa died by suicide at her Mumbai home at the age of 26. She was engaged to businessman Gautam Khanduja and was set to marry the following month. Her death sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry.
Kuljeet Randhawa, Nafisa’s co-star and close friend, had also been steadily rising. A psychology graduate from Delhi University, she gained popularity with Hip Hip Hurray before finding major recognition through CATS. She later starred in Star One’s Special Squad and Sahara One’s Kohinoor, and had completed shooting for her debut film.
In 2006, tragedy struck again when Kuljeet died by suicide at the age of 30. She left behind a note clarifying that her partner had no role in her decision. Her untimely death further deepened the sombre legacy surrounding CATS.
The third member of the trio, Malini Sharma, followed a very different path. A popular model and music video star, she featured in hit songs like Kya Soorat Hai and Sawan Mein Lag Gayi Aag. Her role in CATS helped her land a part in Vikram Bhatt’s horror blockbuster Raaz. Despite early success and visibility, Malini chose to step away from acting altogether. After a brief marriage and divorce from actor Priyanshu Chatterjee, she quietly exited showbiz and never returned to the screen.
Over time, CATS faded from mainstream memory, remembered less for its storytelling and more for the fate of its leading women. Once celebrated as symbols of style and independence on Indian television, the three actresses today remain part of one of the medium’s most haunting and forgotten chapters.