When Hema Malini ended her relationship with Sanjeev Kumar because his parents wanted her to quit films and stay at home after marriage

When Hema Malini ended her relationship Sanjeev Kumar because his parents wanted her to quit films and stay at home after marriage

When we talk about the finest actors of Indian cinema, Sanjeev Kumar’s name inevitably comes up. Known for his versatility and ability to portray a wide range of characters with ease, Sanjeev Kumar left behind a legacy of powerful performances in films like Koshish, Aandhi, Sholay, and Angoor. Despite all the fame and accolades, his personal life remained a quiet tragedy, marked by a love story that never found its happy ending. The woman he loved was none other than the Dream Girl of Indian cinema—Hema Malini.

Their relationship blossomed during the filming of Seeta Aur Geeta in 1972. As documented in An Actor’s Actor by Hanif Zaveri and Sumant Batra, Sanjeev and Hema grew close while shooting the song “Hawa Ke Saath Saath.” During one scene in Mahabaleshwar, the two actors were involved in a frightening accident when a trolley they were riding broke loose and hurtled toward a cliff. Though both sustained minor injuries, what stayed with them was how they were more worried about each other than themselves.

That moment created a deep emotional bond between them. The Jariwalas, Sanjeev’s family, soon took a formal step and visited Hema’s home with sweets to propose the alliance. Her mother, Jaya Chakravarthy, received them warmly. Cultural differences were never an issue. But trouble brewed over expectations from the marriage.

Hema was at the peak of her career, admired and sought after across the industry. Her mother was also deeply involved in managing her professional life. Still, Jaya Chakravarthy was willing to consider the proposal—on one condition: “Hema must be allowed to continue working after marriage.”

However, Sanjeev had traditional expectations. He wanted a wife who would leave the film industry, stay home, and take care of his aging mother. Hema later revealed in a 1991 interview with Junior G magazine:
“He wanted me to stay at home, look after his mother, and be there for him—completely, always. He did not want me to continue my career.”

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While Hema hoped Sanjeev would understand her passion for cinema, Sanjeev believed that love would lead her to compromise. They stood at an impasse. Neither was willing—or perhaps able—to fully give up their values and dreams for the other.

The relationship, though filled with affection and understanding, could not survive this fundamental difference. It ended, quietly and without drama, but left an emotional void that neither would completely fill. Hema eventually moved on and married Dharmendra, while Sanjeev remained a bachelor until his untimely death in 1985 at the age of 47.