Mandakini was only 16, when Raj Kapoor cast her for his 1985 movie, Ram Teri Ganga Maili. Just like Bobby, this was also a launch vehicle for another son of Raj, this time his youngest, Rajiv. The film caused quite a stir because of some exposing scenes like Mandakini bathing in a waterfall in a white sari or breastfeeding her kid. the movie caused a lot of controversy. However the movie went on to become a hit, and Mandakini became a nationwide star.