Sanjeev had a profound affection for Hema Malini, and during the filming of Seeta Aur Geeta and Sholay, their relationship strengthened considerably. His traditional family was supportive but insisted that she cease acting after their marriage. However, Hema’s mother was adamant that she would continue her career.
Sanjeev Kumar proposed to Hema Malini on two occasions, but he was left deeply wounded when she declined. This heartbreak left him emotionally devastated and led him to believe that marriage was not meant for him.
Sulakshana had developed profound feelings for him during the filming of Uljhan (1975) and even suggested marriage. However, Sanjeev graciously declined, stating that he was still in love with Hema Malini and had made a commitment never to marry anyone else.
Sulakshana’s sister, Vijeta Pandit, disclosed that Sanjeev, who suffered from significant heart problems, was concerned that his premature death could jeopardize her future. Consequently, he intentionally refrained from marrying her.
In a memoir, Sulakshana reminisced about their relationship: “He was deeply in love with Hemaji… Once he moved on from that, I wished to express my feelings to him, but I never had the opportunity… He was still in a state of heartbreak… and for this reason, he rejected Pandit’s proposal.
He was known to have had romantic interests in actresses such as Shabana Azmi, Saira Bano, and Jayshree T, yet none of these relationships culminated in marriage.
Despite his many romantic involvements, Sanjeev never entered into matrimony and ultimately passed away in solitude, lacking both a home and a spouse, a situation often regarded as tragic considering his circumstances. He left behind a remarkable legacy of performances, but his personal existence was overshadowed by isolation and idealistic pursuits.
Sanjeev Kumar’s love life was influenced by his perfectionist standards, familial expectations, skepticism, and a pessimistic outlook regarding his health. These elements collectively hindered him from achieving enduring companionship, even though he engaged in significant and active relationships throughout his lifetime.
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