Sanjeev Kumar, a celebrated Bollywood actor, led a complex personal life marked by numerous relationships, trust issues, and a poignant end without finding a life partner or owning a home.
The Enigmatic Actor Sanjeev Kumar
Hailing from a middle-class background in Surat, Sanjeev Kumar carved a unique niche in the Hindi film industry. Unlike many of his peers, he was renowned for taking on bold, character-driven roles that showcased his versatile talent.
He famously played older characters in films like Sholay and Trishul even while still in his thirties. His dedication to his craft earned him a dedicated and admiring following.
A “Numbered” List of Romances
Beyond his captivating on-screen presence, Sanjeev Kumar’s personal life frequently captured public attention. He was widely popular among women and was quite open about it.
His close friend, actress Anju Mahendroo, once revealed a surprising habit. She shared that Sanjeev actually used to “number” his girlfriends, keeping a unique tally of his many romantic interests.
Heartbreak and Unfulfilled Love
Sanjeev Kumar was linked to many prominent actresses throughout his career, yet a series of heartbreaks ultimately left him without a life partner.
The Hema Malini Chapter
His relationship with Hema Malini was perhaps the most talked about. Sanjeev deeply wished to marry her, but he had a firm condition: she must quit acting after marriage. This stipulation became a major point of contention.
Despite their growing closeness, Hema Malini reportedly refused his proposal, leading to the unfortunate end of their romance.
Sulakshana Pandit’s Unrequited Love
Singer and actress Sulakshana Pandit harbored deep feelings for Sanjeev. She even proposed marriage to him after making her acting debut opposite him in Uljhan.
However, Sanjeev turned her down, as he was still hopeful about Hema Malini at the time. Sulakshana was reportedly heartbroken by his rejection and never married.
Shabana Azmi and Family Disapproval
Sanjeev was also infatuated with Shabana Azmi and acknowledged that she had a fondness for him too. Yet, this potential relationship never moved forward.
His mother’s strong disapproval of a Muslim daughter-in-law, combined with religious differences, ultimately prevented him from pursuing a deeper connection with Shabana.
A Fear of Gold-Diggers
Despite his numerous admirers, Sanjeev Kumar struggled with trusting the women in his life. His experiences and perhaps the advice of those around him made him increasingly wary.
Anju Mahendroo noted that he began to suspect many women were only interested in his wealth. This deep-seated fear was particularly tragic, as he genuinely longed for a genuine connection but became jaded and distrustful.
Tragic End to a Life
Sanjeev Kumar was aware of a congenital heart condition that ran in his family, where men rarely lived beyond the age of 50. He also had a fondness for food and alcohol, though he reportedly reduced his drinking after a heart attack and bypass surgery.
He harbored two unfulfilled dreams: finding a life partner and owning a home of his own. While he eventually managed to purchase a large property, a legal dispute meant he could never claim full ownership.
Sanjeev Kumar sadly passed away from a heart attack in 1985 at the young age of 47, leaving both his lifelong desires unfulfilled.
- Sanjeev Kumar kept a personal “numbered” list of his many girlfriends.
- His demand for Hema Malini to quit acting led to their breakup.
- Religious differences, influenced by his mother, hindered a relationship with Shabana Azmi.
- He developed a significant fear that women were only after his wealth.
- He died at 47 without fulfilling his dreams of having a wife or owning a home.
Sanjeev Kumar’s life stands as a poignant testament that immense professional success doesn’t always guarantee personal fulfillment, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances and a profoundly sad personal story.
