Mumbai, July 9, 2025 – Sanjeev Kumar, born Harihar Jethalal Jariwala on July 9, 1938, in Surat, Gujarat, remains an enduring icon of Hindi cinema, celebrated for his extraordinary versatility and ability to portray complex characters across genres. Known for iconic roles in films like Sholay (1975), Aandhi (1975), Koshish (1972), Namkeen (1982), and Anamika (1973), Kumar carved a unique niche in an era dominated by stars like Rajesh Khanna, Dilip Kumar, and Amitabh Bachchan. While his on-screen brilliance captivated audiences, his off-screen life—marked by failed relationships, a high-profile romance with Hema Malini, and struggles with alcoholism—culminated in a lonely death at 47. As we commemorate his birth anniversary, we reflect on the legacy of this “actor’s actor” and the personal challenges that shadowed his stardom.
A Stellar Career in Hindi Cinema
Sanjeev Kumar’s journey in Bollywood began with humble roots. Born into a Gujarati family, he moved to Mumbai and joined the Indian National Theatre and Filmalaya Acting School, honing his craft under the influence of theatre stalwarts. His early roles in films like Nishaan (1965) and Smuggler (1966) were modest, but his breakthrough came with Sangharsh (1968) opposite Dilip Kumar. Kumar’s ability to embody diverse characters—ranging from the tragic Thakur Baldev Singh in Sholay to the hearing- and speech-impaired protagonist in Koshish—earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase.
His filmography, spanning over 150 movies, showcases his range: the romantic lead in Anamika, the politically nuanced hotel manager in Aandhi alongside Suchitra Sen, the emotionally layered father in Namkeen, and the comedic genius in Angoor (1982). Kumar’s willingness to play older roles, even in his 20s and 30s, set him apart. In Mausam (1975), he portrayed both a young doctor and an ageing, heartbroken man with equal conviction, earning praise for his nuanced performances. His work in Koshish, where he communicated through sign language, won him a National Film Award for Best Actor, cementing his reputation as a master of method acting.
Despite lacking the conventional hero image of his contemporaries, Kumar’s expressive eyes, impeccable dialogue delivery, and emotional depth made him a favorite of directors like Gulzar, Hrishikesh Mukherjee, and Satyajit Ray (who cast him in Pratidwandi and Shatranj Ke Khiladi). Social media posts on X highlight his enduring appeal, with users like @FilmHistoryPics calling him “the most versatile actor of his time” and @bollywoodirect praising his ability to “steal the show even in ensemble casts like Sholay.”
A Tumultuous Personal Life
Behind the silver screen, Sanjeev Kumar’s personal life was fraught with challenges. Known for his charm and popularity among women, Kumar was open about his romantic relationships, which included some of Bollywood’s leading actresses. According to a report by The Indian Express’ Screen, his close friend, actress Anju Mahendroo, revealed that Kumar humorously numbered his girlfriends, sharing updates like “Number 3 called me today” or “Number 9 reacted in this manner.” His relationships with Hema Malini, Sulakshana Pandit, and Shabana Azmi were widely reported, though none culminated in marriage.
Romance with Hema Malini
Kumar’s most publicized relationship was with Hema Malini, his co-star in films like Seeta Aur Geeta (1972) and Sawa Lakh Se Ek Ladaun (1976). According to An Actor’s Actor by Hanif Zaveri and Sumant Batra, Kumar fell deeply in love with Malini and proposed marriage. However, cultural differences and Kumar’s expectation that Malini retire from acting post-marriage—a condition she was unwilling to accept—led to their breakup. Malini later married Dharmendra, leaving Kumar heartbroken. This rejection reportedly lingered as a significant emotional wound, shaping his later years.
Unfulfilled Proposals
In the late 1970s, playback singer and actress Sulakshana Pandit, who co-starred with Kumar in films like Uljan (1975), proposed marriage to him. Kumar, still reeling from his failed romance with Malini, declined, citing personal reasons. Pandit, deeply affected, chose to remain unmarried, dedicating herself to her career and later withdrawing from the spotlight. Similarly, Kumar’s rumored relationship with Shabana Azmi faced obstacles due to his mother Shantaben’s disapproval of an interfaith marriage. Azmi, a close friend and co-star in films like Parichay (1972), later married poet Javed Akhtar.
Struggles with Alcoholism
Kumar’s failed relationships contributed to his emotional turmoil, leading him to seek solace in food and alcohol. Friends and colleagues noted his increasing dependence on alcohol in the early 1980s, a period marked by professional highs but personal lows. In 1984, at age 46, Kumar suffered a massive heart attack, necessitating bypass surgery in the United States. He attempted to curb his drinking post-surgery, but his health continued to decline. On November 6, 1985, a second heart attack claimed his life at his Mumbai residence, just months after his brother Kishore’s death from the same cause. Kumar’s passing at 47 shocked the industry, with fans and peers mourning the loss of a talent gone too soon.
Legacy and Reflections
Sanjeev Kumar’s contribution to Hindi cinema remains unparalleled. His ability to portray characters across age groups, emotions, and genres—often outshining bigger stars in ensemble films—earned him the moniker “actor’s actor.” His performances in Gulzar’s Aandhi and Mausam are studied for their subtlety, while Angoor remains a benchmark for comedic timing. The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) and cinema scholars frequently cite Kumar as a pioneer of naturalistic acting, influencing generations of actors like Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri.
However, his personal struggles highlight the toll of fame and heartbreak. Posts on X reflect this duality, with users like @CinemaRareIN lamenting that “Sanjeev Kumar’s talent deserved more recognition in his lifetime,” while @Bollywoodirect noted, “His lonely end doesn’t diminish his on-screen magic.” The absence of a stable personal life and his early death underscore the challenges faced by even the most gifted artists.
Critical Perspective
Sanjeev Kumar’s legacy is a testament to his unparalleled skill, but his life also serves as a cautionary tale about the pressures of stardom. His insistence on Hema Malini retiring reflects the patriarchal norms of the era, which clashed with the independence of actresses like Malini and Azmi. His struggles with alcoholism, exacerbated by personal setbacks, mirror those of other Bollywood icons, raising questions about the industry’s support systems for mental health. While Kumar’s contributions endure through restored prints and streaming platforms like Zee5 and Amazon Prime, his story prompts reflection on balancing professional brilliance with personal well-being.
As fans celebrate his birth anniversary, Sanjeev Kumar remains a towering figure whose performances continue to inspire, even as his lonely end reminds us of the human cost behind the celluloid glory.