"Saagar" premiered in August 1985 and was controversial for several scenes featuring Kapadia, including one in which she was seen topless for less than a second. The film was chosen as India's official entry to the 58th Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film. Kapadia's performance as Mona D'Silva, a young Catholic woman who is torn between her friend (Kamal Haasan) and the man she loves (Kapoor), won her a second Best Actress award at the Filmfare Awards. A reviewer in "Asiaweek" appreciated the film for its "polished narration and masterly technique" and labelled Kapadia "a delight". According to Rediff.com, Kapadia "performed solidly and memorably, grounding the two male leads and making the film work". A 1993 issue of "India Today" wrote: ""Saagar" was in many ways a paean to her incredible beauty. She looked ravishing: auburn hair, classical face, deep eyes, an aura of sensuality. It was clear she was back."