Sanjeev Kumar Numbered His Girlfriends and Feared Gold-Diggers; He Died Without a Home or Wife After Failed Relationships with Hema Malini, Sulakshana Pandit, and Shabana Azmi
Veteran Bollywood actor Sanjeev Kumar remains one of the most respected names in Indian cinema. Known for his iconic performances in films like Sholay, Aandhi, and Koshish, Sanjeev Kumar left behind a legacy of powerful acting. However, his personal life was far more tragic and lonely than his cinematic triumphs suggested. Actress Anju Mahendroo, a close friend of Sanjeev Kumar, recently made shocking revelations about the actor’s private life. According to her, Sanjeev Kumar used to number his girlfriends instead of referring to them by name. This odd behavior stemmed from his deep-rooted fear of gold-diggers. Despite being one of the most eligible bachelors in the industry, Sanjeev Kumar died without a wife or a home. His life was marred by heartbreaks, especially his failed relationships with actresses Hema Malini, Sulakshana Pandit, and Shabana Azmi.
Sanjeev Kumar’s Love Life: A Web of Tragedy and Trust Issues
Sanjeev Kumar, born as Haribhai Jariwala, was known not only for his acting skills but also for his introverted and private personality. Though he played romantic leads onscreen, in real life, he struggled with emotional intimacy. According to Anju Mahendroo, he never fully trusted women. His fear of being used for fame or money led him to develop a strange coping mechanism—he numbered the women he dated.
Rather than calling them by their names, he would refer to them as “Number 1,” “Number 2,” and so on. This practice wasn’t just strange but also a window into the emotional detachment he felt. It showed how guarded he was about opening up to someone fully. Friends of the actor believe that his insecurities and past rejections worsened his mistrust toward women.
His Unrequited Love for Hema Malini
One of the most publicized chapters of Sanjeev Kumar’s love life was his deep affection for Hema Malini. He reportedly proposed marriage to her, but Hema turned him down. According to film historians, Hema’s family and her inclination towards Dharmendra led her to reject Sanjeev’s proposal. This rejection hit Sanjeev Kumar hard. He never truly recovered from it and, according to Anju Mahendroo, this heartbreak deepened his mistrust toward relationships.
Sanjeev Kumar continued to remain cordial with Hema Malini professionally, but emotionally, he grew distant. The rejection left a void in his heart that no other woman could fill. He turned increasingly inward, building emotional walls around himself.
Sulakshana Pandit’s Lifelong Love for Sanjeev Kumar
Another heartbreaking relationship was with singer and actress Sulakshana Pandit. She reportedly loved Sanjeev Kumar deeply and even proposed marriage. However, Sanjeev turned her down. According to industry insiders, Sanjeev was still nursing his emotional wounds and did not want to enter another serious relationship.
Sulakshana Pandit remained unmarried her entire life, dedicating her love to Sanjeev Kumar even after his death. In interviews, she has admitted that she could never imagine marrying anyone else. Their tragic story remains one of Bollywood’s most melancholic love tales.
Brief Romance with Shabana Azmi
Sanjeev Kumar also had a brief romantic association with acclaimed actress Shabana Azmi. Their relationship, however, never reached the stage of commitment. Shabana was career-focused, and Sanjeev’s emotional baggage possibly added to the distance between them. Though both respected each other professionally, their romance fizzled out quickly.
The pattern repeated—Sanjeev Kumar desired love but couldn’t sustain emotional closeness. According to Anju Mahendroo, he created emotional barriers, which became the biggest hurdle in his relationships.
Fear of Gold-Diggers and Emotional Isolation
Sanjeev Kumar’s fear of gold-diggers was not unfounded. Being a wealthy and successful actor, he attracted attention from people who didn’t always have sincere intentions. His insecurity led him to adopt cold and detached behavior. According to Anju Mahendroo, the actor preferred the company of close friends over romantic partners. He often feared that women loved his fame and money more than his real self.
Even though he dated several women, he never truly committed to any of them. The practice of numbering his girlfriends reflected his desire to keep emotions at bay. Friends noticed his increasing loneliness, but he refused to change his ways. Despite having fame, money, and talent, Sanjeev Kumar lived and died alone.
A Lonely Death Without a Home or Wife
In 1985, Sanjeev Kumar died of a massive heart attack at the age of 47. At the time of his death, he was unmarried and living in a rented flat. Despite his successful career and numerous hit films, he didn’t own a home. His tragic demise shocked the film industry and left fans mourning the loss of a gifted actor.
His close friends, including Anju Mahendroo, often say that he died of a broken heart more than any illness. Also, his unresolved emotions, failed relationships, and deep mistrust left him emotionally hollow.
Sanjeev Kumar’s Legacy Lives On
Though Sanjeev Kumar’s personal life was filled with sorrow, his professional life tells a different story. He was a method actor far ahead of his time. His performances in Aandhi, Mausam, Khilona, and Angoor are still studied by aspiring actors. He took on challenging roles and portrayed them with unmatched realism.
Even today, fans remember him for his versatile acting and timeless charm. But behind the camera, he lived a life of solitude and emotional turmoil. The stories shared by Anju Mahendroo and others serve as a sobering reminder that fame and success cannot always buy happiness.
Conclusion
Sanjeev Kumar’s life was a paradox—celebrated on screen and isolated in real life. According to Anju Mahendroo, he numbered his girlfriends and feared gold-diggers, building emotional walls that no one could penetrate. His failed relationships with Hema Malini, Sulakshana Pandit, and Shabana Azmi added to his loneliness.
He died without a home or wife, leaving behind a powerful yet tragic legacy. While his films continue to entertain and inspire, his personal story remains a poignant reminder of the importance of emotional connection, trust, and vulnerability in human life.
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