Padmini Kolhapure is an acclaimed Indian actress, singer, and producer known for her significant contributions to Hindi and Marathi cinema. She emerged as one of the leading actresses of the 1980s, with a career spanning over four decades and more than 100 films to her credit. Kolhapure has received multiple accolades, including three Filmfare Awards, solidifying her status in the film industry. She began her on-screen journey at the tender age of seven. She went from a child actor to a full-fledged heroine at the age of 17, essaying some of the most powerful roles in Hindi cinema, from a young widow to a courageous rape victim, garnering much critical acclaim as well as public acclaim.

She began her acting career in 1972 at the age of seven, and her early works include a child artist debut film Zindagi (1976) and Dream Girl (1977). She had her breakthrough with the film Satyam Shivam Sundaram (1978), starring as the young Roopa. Born into a Marathi and Konkani family, Padmini is the second of three daughters to musician Pandharinath Kolhapure and Nirupama Kolhapure. Her family hails from Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India, and includes notable figures in the Indian music scene, such as her great-aunts Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle.They three sisters are named after the three famous characters played by Dadaji - Padmini, Shivangi, and Tejaswini. Music and acting run in his blood.

Kolhapure gained prominence with her breakthrough role as the young Rupa in Raj Kapoor's Satyam Shivam Sundaram (1978). Padmini completed her hat-trick of award-winning performances. She won her first Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress at the age of 13 for her role in Insaaf Ka. Won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress at the age of 17 for Tarazu (1980), Ahista Ahista (1981)won her the Special Award and later Prem Rog (1982), "Three awards in three consecutive years seems like a big deal today. But then it wasn't out of the blue. They didn't even have a party to celebrate." No - she took the trophy home and put it on the shelf.

She continued to receive nominations and accolades throughout her career, Vidhaata (1982), Woh Saat Din (1983), Souten (1983), and Pyaar Jukta Nahi (1985) opposite Mithun Chakraborty were box office successes and the duo was well received by audiences. came and they worked together in many films. Swarg Se Sunder (1986), Aisa Pyar Kahan (1986),Muddat (1986), Sagar Sangam (1988), and Daata (1989), Dana Paani (1989) and more.

Throughout the 1980s, Kolhapure was noted for her professionalism and dedication, often working despite personal challenges, and she enjoyed numerous box office successes. After a brief hiatus in the 1990s, during which she produced the film Rockford, she made a return to acting in the 2000s with notable performances in both Hindi and Marathi films. Her work in Chimani Pakhar (2000) earned her a Screen Award for Best Actress in Marathi.

In addition to her film career, Kolhapure has ventured into television and web series, making her debut in Ekk Nayi Pehchaan and later appearing in Dil Bekaraar. She has also taken on stage roles in various productions, showcasing her versatility as a performer.

Recognized as one of the most popular actresses of the 1980s, Kolhapure was featured in Outlook India's "75 Best Bollywood Actresses" list in 2022. Her enduring legacy and impact on the film industry are further highlighted by the praise from her co-actors, including Anil Kapoor, who credits his success to her willingness to work with him early in his career. In 1981, Kolhapure had given King Charles III, a peck on the cheek. This created a great deal of buzz in the British media

In recent years, Kolhapure has also ventured into fashion design, launching her clothing brand "PadmaSitaa", which her niece, actress Shraddha Kapoor, unveiled. On a personal note, Kolhapure married producer Pradeep Sharma in 1986, and they have a son, Priyaank Sharma. Priyaank has pursued a career in acting and filmmaking.

Since 2024, he has been the Senior Vice President of the Cine and TV Artistes' Association (CINTAA).