Sulakshana Pandit Passes Away on Sanjeev Kumar’s Death Anniversary: A Tragic, Unfinished Love Story

Veteran actress and singer Sulakshana Pandit passed away in Mumbai at the age of 71. She was among the few women in Hindi cinema who were equally admired for their melodious singing and graceful acting.

Her brother and music composer Lalit Pandit confirmed the news, stating that she died due to cardiac arrest on November 6 at 8 p.m.

During the 1970s and early 1980s, Sulakshana ruled millions of hearts with her soulful voice and charming on-screen presence. Yet, behind the glamour, her personal life was marked by deep sorrow. Despite a successful career and immense love from fans, she never married — her heart forever remained tied to the legendary actor Sanjeev Kumar. Their story was one of unfulfilled love — a one-sided affection that lasted her entire life. Sanjeev had declined her marriage proposal.

Their first meeting in 1975

Sulakshana met Sanjeev Kumar in 1975, the year she made her acting debut with Uljhan. At that time, Sanjeev was recovering from his breakup with Hema Malini. Sulakshana became his emotional support, someone he could confide in. Their friendship deepened.

Her affection gradually turned into unwavering devotion, and she believed that someday he would love her back. But fate had other plans. Unable to recover from emotional heartbreak, Sanjeev sought solace in alcohol, and soon his health deteriorated. After suffering a heart attack, he underwent bypass surgery in the U.S., during which Sulakshana’s love and concern for him grew even stronger.

The marriage proposal that never happened

In a heartfelt Filmfare interview, Sulakshana once revealed that she had taken Sanjeev to a temple and asked him to marry her.

“I have never loved anyone as deeply as I loved him. After his bypass surgery, we visited Hanuman Mandir in Delhi. I asked him to fill my hairline with sindoor and marry me so that I could care for him. But he refused, saying he could never forget his first love.”

After Sanjeev Kumar’s untimely death in 1985, Sulakshana slipped into a deep depression. Her mother’s passing soon after left her emotionally shattered. In a past interview, she shared, “These deaths had a lasting impact on me. They took a toll on my health. I was mentally disturbed and shaken for a long time.”

In 2006, her younger sister Vijayta Pandit and brother-in-law, music composer Aadesh Shrivastava, took her into their care. With their support, her condition improved slightly, but the trauma had left permanent emotional and physical scars. After suffering a hip injury and undergoing four surgeries, she largely withdrew from public life.

And in a poignant twist of destiny, Sulakshana Pandit passed away on November 6 — the same day that marks Sanjeev Kumar’s death anniversary.

Whether it was fate or coincidence, her eternal, unrequited love for the Sanjeev Kumar will forever be remembered as one of Bollywood’s most touching and tragic love stories.