Simi Garewal, fondly known as the ‘Lady in White,’ has lived a fascinating life that blends cinema, love, and self-discovery. With her striking elegance and fearless choices, she has left a lasting impression in the film industry. Although Simi appeared in fewer films than other stars, she made headlines with her bold roles, distinct style, and personal life.
Born on October 17, 1947, in Ludhiana, Punjab, Simi was originally named Simrita Garewal. Her family has a rich military background—her grandfather Kahar Singh served as ADC to Queen Victoria, and her father, Brigadier JS Grewal, was in the Indian Army.
The Garewal sisters, Simi and Amrita, were raised in England after their father’s untimely death at 52. Today, they remain each other’s only family, as Simi never married or had children.
From London Dreams to the Silver Screen
Simi had a passion for acting from a young age, but convincing her parents wasn’t easy. Determined to follow her dreams, she even went on a hunger strike to get their approval. At just 15 years old, Simi moved to Bombay (now Mumbai) with the dream of becoming a star.
Her fluency in English opened doors, and she landed her first role in ‘Tarzan Goes to India’ (1962). This marked the start of her acting career, which spanned over 50 films. Some of her notable performances include:
- ‘Do Badan’ (1966)
- ‘Siddhartha’ (1972)
- ‘Karz’ (1980)
Apart from acting, Simi explored direction, production, and writing. Her chat show, ‘Rendezvous with Simi Garewal,’ became a massive hit, where she interviewed leading personalities from Bollywood and beyond.
The Bold Scene That Shocked the Nation
Simi was ahead of her time, breaking stereotypes with her choices. In ‘Siddhartha,’ she made waves by performing a topless scene with Shashi Kapoor, which triggered a nationwide controversy. But Simi stood by her decision, proving she wasn’t afraid to push boundaries.
Love, Heartbreak, and Relationships
Simi’s love life has always intrigued the public. She was briefly linked with Pakistani journalist Salman Taseer. She also dated Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, cricketer and father of Saif Ali Khan, but their relationship ended when he met Sharmila Tagore.
At 17 years old, Simi fell in love with Maharaja Shatrusalyasinhji of Jamnagar, her neighbor in England. They were together for three years, but she later married Ravi Mohan of Delhi’s Chunnamal family in 1970. However, the marriage ended in divorce in 1979. On her website, Simi reflected, “Two good people, but wrong for each other. Marriage isn’t necessary for happiness.”
The Unfulfilled Dream of Motherhood
Simi once planned to adopt a girl named Vijaya from an orphanage, but just as the paperwork was completed, the child’s biological parents returned. This left Simi with a lingering regret of never becoming a mother.
Why Simi Garewal Wears Only White
Simi is known for her signature style—always dressed in white. On her website, she explains, “White is a happy color, and it makes me feel good. So why not be happy all the time?”
Her elegant, all-white wardrobe reflects her personality—graceful, unique, and timeless.
Simi Garewal, now 77 years old, continues to inspire generations with her fearless spirit and charm. While her professional journey may have slowed, she remains an iconic figure in the entertainment industry, celebrated for her bold choices and elegance.
