In 1980 when Prince Charles visited India little did we know that it would be another 44 years before he would be the King Of England.

The very talented Padmini Kolhapure had the rare distinction of kissing Prince Charles when he visited India.

“I had no idea I was pecking the future King Of England. I was very young back then. I had started as a child actor and before I knew it I was shooting multiple projects as a leading lady. One of them was director Esmayeel Shroff’s Ahista Ahista. I was shooting for the film at Rajkamal Studios when we were told that Prince Charles was coming.”

Padmini still recalls that historic day. “I think he just wanted to see a Hindi film shooting. If I remember correctly , he also met the dabbawallas of Mumbai on the same day. When we heard Prince Charles was dropping in we were in a state of disbelief. I thought it was a prank. But he did arrive.Shashikalaji(the late actress) greeted him in the traditional way with a thali and tikka.”

What was Padmini’s reaction on seeing the future King Of England ? “I was too young to realize he was the future King Of England. To me he was Prince Charles ,the Queen’s son. A superstar in his own right. All the girls had a crush on him.I rushed to him like an excited schoolgirl and greeted him.”

That’s when the historic kiss happened.

“It wasn’t a kiss, please,” protests Padmini. “It was just a friendly affectionate peck. Little did I I know it would create such a storm. Even now when the Queen is no more, God Bless her soul, you are calling me to ask about it. Thank God there was no social media back then. Otherwise I would have been trolled mercilessly after the so-called kiss would have gone viral.”

Not that the Prem Rog actress was not criticized for an innocent move. “Oh yes! I was reprimanded for spoiling bharatiya sabhayata. But I repeat, it wasn’t a kiss , it was just a harmless innocent peck.”

Now that the man Padmini pecked is the King Of England what does she have to say? “Der aaye durust aaye. His mother has brought great glory to the throne. I am sure Prince Charles, I mean King Charles would live up to the legacy. My best wishes.”

As for the peck, “I am glad it made history. But I still don’t know why,” Padmini who is in the US, signs off.