Sanjeev Kumar and Hema Malini’s half-written love story: The real reason they broke up, it wasn’t Dharmendra

Harihar Jethalal Jariwala - the man the world lovingly knows as Sanjeev Kumar - remains one of the most gifted performers to have ever graced Hindi cinema. His nuanced acting and unforgettable roles, from Sholay’s stoic Thakur to Koshish’s tender hero, made him a legend. But behind the spotlight and applause lay a chapter of unfulfilled love - a story that linked him with none other than the Dream Girl herself, Hema Malini.

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As we mark Sanjeev Kumar’s 40th death anniversary today, it’s worth revisiting a love story that once bloomed beautifully but wilted in silence- that of Sholay’s Thakur and Basanti.

When Sanjeev Met Hema: A Love Written in Stardust

During the filming of Seeta Aur Geeta, sparks flew between Sanjeev Kumar and Hema Malini. Their chemistry wasn’t just reel - it was real, tender, and filled with mutual admiration. Those close to them recall how Sanjeev, deeply in love, had even proposed marriage.

During an interview with Hari Bhai’s niece Jigna Shah, veteran journalist Hanif Zaveri, who authored An Actor’s Actor: The Authorized Biography of Sanjeev Kumar, confirmed the depth of their bond. They weren’t just two co-stars - they were two hearts that genuinely beat for each other.

The ‘Condition’ That Changed Everything

Speaking to Vickey Lalwani, Zaveri revealed what ultimately shattered their love story. He said, "Bakaida rishte ki baat gayi thi Madras. Hema Malini ki mother ne shart rakhi thi that my daughter will continue to work after marriage but he wanted his wife to stay at home. (They were officially in a relationship and he had sent the proposal to her mother in Madras but she had this condition that her daughter Hema will work after marriage)."

At the time, Hema Malini was the reigning queen of Bollywood - a superstar at the peak of her powers. 

Zaveri added, "It that time, she was at the peak of her career and I don’t think anyone who is at number 1 would want to leave her career. Hema Malini thought she would be able to convince him but he didn’t agree. That led to their break-up.”

It was a clash between love and ideals - Sanjeev’s traditional view of marriage and Hema’s dream of continuing her craft. Neither was wrong, yet destiny chose a cruel path of separation.

The Truth About Dharmendra and Hema

Their love story blossomed even as rumours about Hema Malini and Dharmendra began swirling through Bollywood. But as Zaveri clarified, “Dharmendra and Hema Malini ke romance ke charche tab udd rahe the when Sanjeev Kumar and Hema Malini were deeply in love. There was nothing between Dharmendra and Hema when rumours about them started. It was just that their on-screen pairing became a hit.”

So while gossip columns were busy spinning tales, the truth was that Hema’s heart, at that moment, belonged only to Sanjeev.

The Aftermath: A Broken Heart and an Empty Frame

Heartbreak hit Sanjeev Kumar hard. After their breakup, he found it painful even to share a screen with her. Hanif Zaveri revealed, “He was heartbroken so he did not want to get into the same frame anymore. Sanjeev Kumar was supposed to do the film but he refused the film because of Hema Malini after the break-up.”

Later, he reluctantly agreed to appear with her in Trishul - but only under one strict condition.

“Sanjeev Kumar agreed to do the film because there was not an interaction between them. But Yash Chopra just said in the climax there is a scene where the entire cast is in one frame but they are not talking to each other.”

Ripple Effects in Bollywood

Their separation had consequences that reached far beyond their hearts. “When Sanjeev Kumar, Hema Malini broke up, their film Dhoop Chaav which they were doing together, got affected,” recalled Zaveri. “But another film which got affected was Apne Dushman which starred Dharmendra and he said he doesn’t want to work with Sanjeev. So that film got stuck for a long time.”

A Man of Love and Loneliness

Zaveri also spoke about Sanjeev Kumar’s later years - filled with longing and restraint. “It’s true that he was involved with Nutan and then Hema Malini but after that it was one sided. For instance, Sulakshana Pandit wanted to marry him but he was not interested. She also took him to temple to get married but he said no because he had this intuition that he won’t live long so he did not want to spoil someone’s life.”

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That intuition, tragically, came true. Sanjeev Kumar passed away far too young, leaving behind films that immortalized his artistry - and a love story that forever remained incomplete.