Viveka Babajee, born on May 27, 1973, in Port Louis, Mauritius, was a beacon of beauty, talent, and grace. Her life, filled with significant achievements and poignant struggles, serves as both an inspiration and a somber reminder of the hidden battles many face. Best known for her roles in the KamaSutra condom advertisements and her involvement in the 1994 Manila Film Festival controversy, Viveka’s story is one of triumph and tragedy.
Early Life and Rise to Fame
The youngest of four sisters, Viveka Babajee was born into a family with a rich cultural heritage. Her mother, originally from Hyderabad, India, instilled in her a blend of Mauritian and Maharashtrian values. Viveka’s journey to fame began in the early 1990s when she moved to India, bringing with her a unique charm and elegance that quickly captivated the nation.
Viveka’s breakthrough came when she won the titles of Miss Mauritius World in 1993 and Miss Mauritius Universe in 1994. Her success in these prestigious beauty pageants opened numerous doors, leading her to the world of modeling and acting. Her striking presence in the iconic KamaSutra condom advertisements of the 1990s cemented her status as a household name and a trailblazer in the industry.
Career Highlights of Viveka Babajee
Viveka Babajee’s career was marked by versatility and success. As a model, she graced the ramps for top designers such as Ritu Kumar, Ritu Beri, Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, Rohit Bal, Suneet Varma, JJ Valaya, and Tarun Tahiliani. Her poise and professionalism made her a favorite in the fashion industry.
In addition to modeling, Viveka appeared in music videos, including Daler Mehndi’s “Boom Boom,” Harbhajan Mann’s “Hai Meri Billo,” and Abbey’s “Phir Se.” Her foray into Bollywood with the film “Yeh Kaisi Mohabbat” in 2002 showcased her acting talent, even though the film did not achieve commercial success.
In 2009, Viveka ventured into event management with her company, Cream Events, which she founded with her then-boyfriend and business partner, Kartik Jobanputra. Despite the success they achieved together, Viveka eventually parted ways with the company. Undeterred, she established VIBGYOR ENT in January 2010, focusing on lifestyle and boutique events. One of her notable projects included the Arjun Khanna show at Taj Colaba.
Personal Struggles and Tragic Death
Despite her professional achievements, Viveka Babajee’s personal life was fraught with challenges. On June 25, 2010, Viveka was found hanging from the ceiling fan in her Bandra apartment in Mumbai. The police ruled her death a suicide, attributing it to depression. The last entry in her diary read, “you killed me, Gautam Vohra,” hinting at emotional turmoil following her separation from her boyfriend.
In 2012, the case was reopened after Gautam Vohra was arrested in connection with another murder case. The reopening of the case brought back painful memories and highlighted the need for greater awareness and support for mental health issues.
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