Sangeeta Bijlani, a name that was once synonymous with beauty and grace in the Bollywood industry, has often been in the limelight not just for her acting career but also for her personal life. The former Miss India and Bollywood actress was closely associated with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, and their relationship was a hot topic for years. Their love story seemed like it was heading toward marriage, but things took a different turn, leaving fans surprised.
The Almost Marriage with Salman Khan
Sangeeta and Salman Khan were one of the most talked-about couples of the ’90s. Their relationship lasted almost a decade, and there were even reports that the two were all set to marry. Wedding cards were allegedly printed for a ceremony in May 1994. However, things did not go as planned. Rumors suggest that Salman’s infidelity, particularly his alleged involvement with Pakistani actress Somi Ali, led to the abrupt end of their relationship. Despite the breakup, Salman and Sangeeta have maintained a cordial friendship over the years.
A New Chapter: Marriage with Mohammad Azharuddin
After her relationship with Salman Khan ended, Sangeeta Bijlani found love again, this time in former Indian cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin. Azhar was already married to his first wife, Naureen, when he met Sangeeta. The cricketer was so smitten by her that he divorced Naureen to marry the actress in 1996. Their wedding made headlines not only because of Azhar’s previous marriage but also due to the expensive divorce settlement, reportedly around Rs 1 crore.
Leaving Bollywood for Love
After marrying Azhar, Sangeeta embraced a new life, converting to Islam and stepping away from the film industry. She gave up her acting career to focus on her marriage and personal life. However, after 14 years of marriage, their relationship also came to an end. Reports suggest that the marriage fell apart due to Azhar’s alleged affair with badminton player Jwala Gutta. Sangeeta filed for divorce in 2010, marking the end of their 14-year relationship.
Life After Divorce
Post-divorce, Sangeeta Bijlani has remained single. Despite the ups and downs in her personal life, she has managed to stay strong and independent. While Azhar moved on and remarried Shannon Marie, an American, Sangeeta has focused on living life on her own terms. The actress has made sporadic appearances in public but has chosen to keep her personal life private.
A Promising Start in Bollywood
Born in Mumbai to a Sindhi family, Sangeeta started her career at the young age of 16 as a model. In 1980, she won the Miss India title, which opened doors for her in the entertainment industry. She made her Bollywood debut in 1988 with the film Qatil and went on to appear in more than 25 films throughout her career. Though she eventually left films, Sangeeta’s beauty and grace left a lasting impression on her fans.
Sangeeta’s Thoughts on Relationships and Growth
In an interview, Sangeeta once reflected on the nature of relationships and personal growth. “If you have a connection with someone, it never truly ends,” she said. Her words reflect the maturity she has gained through her experiences, both in love and life. Despite the challenges she faced, Sangeeta has evolved into a stronger and wiser person, choosing to live her life without regrets.
Sangeeta Bijlani’s journey, from being one of Bollywood’s leading ladies to navigating complex personal relationships, showcases her strength and resilience.
