She loved him, he said no: Sulakshana-Sanjeev's tragic love story

In the golden era of Hindi cinema, the graceful Sulakshana Pandit and the exceptionally gifted Sanjeev Kumar shared more than just screen space. Behind the scenes was a one-sided love story that never bloomed into a lifelong bond.

While Sanjeev Kumar became a legend for his unforgettable roles in classics like Sholay and Koshish, his personal life remained a tale of solitude.

Sulakshana, deeply in love with the man who never returned her affection, chose to remain unmarried even after his death—turning their unfulfilled connection into one of Bollywood’s most poignant real-life love stories.Sulakshana fell in love with Sanjeev Kumar during the filming of Uljhan in 1975.

Deeply smitten, she reportedly proposed marriage to him. However, Sanjeev turned her down, as his heart was set on Hema Malini. When his love for Hema also remained unfulfilled, Sanjeev was left heartbroken and chose to remain unmarried for the rest of his life.In a past interview with a leading publication, Sulakshana opened up about the deep love she had for Sanjeev Kumar, describing it as the most intense love she had ever experienced.

She reflected on the emotional bond they shared, noting how both of them were Cancerians—sensitive and deeply emotional by nature. The two had worked together in several films, including Waqt Ki Deewar, Chehre Pe Chehra, Uljhan, and Apnapan.

Sulakshana believed that Sanjeev was a solitary soul and that marriage was simply not in his destiny. For her, no other relationship ever came close to what she felt for him.The actor battled a heart condition, but his persistent drinking habit only worsened his health.

Despite medical warnings, he continued to drink heavily, with no close companion to monitor or support his recovery. On November 6, 1985, he suffered a fatal heart attack and passed away at the age of 47, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances and a life marked by unfulfilled love.The news of Sanjeev's untimely death left the actress shattered. Deeply affected by the loss, she slipped into a severe depression and withdrew from the world.

In a candid reflection, she revealed that the grief pushed her to the brink, and she even contemplated ending her life. It was only by divine will, she believed, that she survived. Though the pain never fully left her, she slowly began trying to rebuild her life and find the strength to face the world again.Sanjeev Kumar passed away as a bachelor, and Sulakshana Pandit, despite the years that followed, chose never to marry—her heart forever tied to the memory of him. Her unwavering love for Sanjeev led her to a life of solitude, and with his passing, their poignant love story remained incomplete—marked by longing, heartbreak, and quiet devotion.