Sanjeev Kumar, known for his impeccable acting prowess, had a lesser-known but deeply emotional personal life, especially when it came to matters of love. His unrequited love story with Hema Malini, one of the most iconic figures of Indian cinema, remains a poignant chapter in Bollywood history.
Sanjeev Kumar and Hema Malini: A Heartbreaking Love Story
Sanjeev Kumar, despite his reserved and humble demeanor, developed deep feelings for Hema Malini during the early years of their collaboration. They worked together in several films, including Seeta Aur Geeta (1972), where their chemistry was admired by fans. Off-screen, Sanjeev Kumar was said to be smitten by Hema’s beauty and grace. He decided to propose to her, and many believed that the two might make a wonderful couple.
However, Hema Malini’s heart belonged to another leading man—Dharmendra. Although Hema respected and admired Sanjeev as a colleague, she did not reciprocate his romantic feelings. When Sanjeev Kumar mustered the courage to propose, Hema rejected his advances. The rejection was said to be painful for Sanjeev, as he had hoped for a future with her.
Despite the rejection, Sanjeev and Hema continued to work together in several films, including the legendary Sholay (1975). However, their dynamic on set changed. Sanjeev’s heartbreak became one of Bollywood’s most talked-about love stories, one filled with pain, longing, and professionalism, as he never let his feelings impact his work.
Aftermath of Rejection: Sanjeev’s Emotional Struggles
Sanjeev Kumar never married, and many speculate that Hema Malini’s rejection played a significant role in his decision to remain a bachelor. Although there were other women who reportedly came into his life, his heart seemed to have remained attached to Hema. His close friends often spoke about how Sanjeev had a lonely personal life despite his stardom and success.
Interestingly, after being rejected by Hema Malini, another Bollywood actress—Sulakshana Pandit—developed feelings for Sanjeev Kumar. She even expressed her love for him, but Sanjeev, heartbroken after Hema’s rejection, declined to enter into another relationship. Sulakshana Pandit, who never married after that, spent a lifetime in solitary admiration of the actor she could never have.
Sanjeev Kumar’s Prediction and His Untimely Demise
Sanjeev Kumar’s rejection and unfulfilled love seemed to have taken a toll on his emotional well-being. He is said to have made a rather eerie prediction after Hema’s rejection—that he wouldn’t live past the age of 50. Unfortunately, this prediction turned out to be true. Sanjeev Kumar passed away at the age of 47, in 1985, due to a heart attack, cutting short a brilliant career.
Legacy of His Love Story
While Sanjeev Kumar’s acting legacy remains immortalized in his films, his personal life, especially his love for Hema Malini, has added a layer of melancholy to his story. His devotion, his heartbreak, and his decision to remain single are often viewed as signs of how deeply love affected him. His story is remembered as one of Bollywood’s most tragic love tales—where true love existed, but was never returned.
