LATEST IN NEWS
Sanjeev Kumar: The Unsung Hero Whose Love Life Was a Filmy Saga
Updated on: 10 July, 2025 12:13 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Sanjeev Kumar
Sanjeev Kumar, an icon for an entire generation, captivated audiences with his diverse roles, leaving behind a legacy of powerful performances despite a tragically short life. While not as overtly famous as some of his contemporaries, his unique ability to portray older characters even in his 30s earned him a dedicated fan base. His personal life, however, was as dramatic and complex as any Bollywood script, marked by numerous relationships, heartbreaks, and an unfulfilled desire for a family and a home.
Close friend Anju Mahendroo once revealed his quirky habit of "numbering his girlfriends." She shared, "Whenever he was seeing a girl, he’d share it with me. We had numbered his girlfriends 1, 2, 3… He’d call up and say, ‘Number 3 called me up today, and number 9 reacted in this manner.’"
Sanjeev Kumar was linked to several prominent actresses, including Saira Banu, Jayshree T, Shabana Azmi, and Sulakshana Pandit. However, his most notable romance was with Hema Malini. Their bond blossomed on the sets of Seeta Aur Geeta (1972). Despite their growing affection, Sanjeev`s condition that Hema cease acting after marriage became a "bone of contention," as stated in the book An Actor`s Actor, ultimately leading to their separation.
Later, Sulakshana Pandit, who debuted opposite him in Uljhan (1975), proposed marriage, but he declined, still deeply in love with Hema. This rejection reportedly left Sulakshana heartbroken, and she never married. Sanjeev also harboured feelings for Shabana Azmi, but their potential union was thwarted by his mother`s disapproval of an interfaith alliance. In a 1979 interview, he confessed, "What she felt for me that time must’ve been mere puppy love, but it could have culminated in an alliance with me if my mother had not put her foot firmly down."
Also Read: Sholay`s Original Cut: Unseen Scenes to Premiere in Italy After 50 Years!
Despite undergoing bypass surgery for a congenital heart condition, which he knew ran in his family, he passed away from another heart attack in 1985 at the young age of 47. Tragically, he died without fulfilling his two deepest desires: a life partner and a home of his own. Sanjeev Kumar`s legacy remains not just in his iconic films but also in the poignant narrative of a brilliant actor whose personal life was a testament to love, loss, and the unyielding grip of fate.
Also Read: The Lunch That Ended an Alleged Affair: When Jaya Confronted Rekha
A Man of Many Hearts and Many Numbers
Born Harihar Jethalal Jariwala, Sanjeev Kumar was a rare outsider who carved a niche for himself in the Hindi film industry. Despite his on-screen versatility, his personal life often stole the spotlight. Known for his charm and magnetic personality, Kumar was popular among women, a fact he never shied away from.Close friend Anju Mahendroo once revealed his quirky habit of "numbering his girlfriends." She shared, "Whenever he was seeing a girl, he’d share it with me. We had numbered his girlfriends 1, 2, 3… He’d call up and say, ‘Number 3 called me up today, and number 9 reacted in this manner.’"
Sanjeev Kumar was linked to several prominent actresses, including Saira Banu, Jayshree T, Shabana Azmi, and Sulakshana Pandit. However, his most notable romance was with Hema Malini. Their bond blossomed on the sets of Seeta Aur Geeta (1972). Despite their growing affection, Sanjeev`s condition that Hema cease acting after marriage became a "bone of contention," as stated in the book An Actor`s Actor, ultimately leading to their separation.
Later, Sulakshana Pandit, who debuted opposite him in Uljhan (1975), proposed marriage, but he declined, still deeply in love with Hema. This rejection reportedly left Sulakshana heartbroken, and she never married. Sanjeev also harboured feelings for Shabana Azmi, but their potential union was thwarted by his mother`s disapproval of an interfaith alliance. In a 1979 interview, he confessed, "What she felt for me that time must’ve been mere puppy love, but it could have culminated in an alliance with me if my mother had not put her foot firmly down."
Also Read: Sholay`s Original Cut: Unseen Scenes to Premiere in Italy After 50 Years!
A Life Cut Short, Unfulfilled Dreams
Towards the end of his life, Sanjeev became wary of women, fearing they were only interested in his wealth. As Anju Mahendroo noted, "At the end of the day he had neither a home nor a wife." His failed relationships contributed to immense personal pain, leading him to drown himself in food and alcohol.Despite undergoing bypass surgery for a congenital heart condition, which he knew ran in his family, he passed away from another heart attack in 1985 at the young age of 47. Tragically, he died without fulfilling his two deepest desires: a life partner and a home of his own. Sanjeev Kumar`s legacy remains not just in his iconic films but also in the poignant narrative of a brilliant actor whose personal life was a testament to love, loss, and the unyielding grip of fate.
Also Read: The Lunch That Ended an Alleged Affair: When Jaya Confronted Rekha
ADVERTISEMENT
Dude, what's your Monday mood?
ADVERTISEMENT
