Veteran Bollywood actor and politician Shatrughan Sinha recently took to social media to extend warm birthday wishes to his former girlfriend, actress Reena Roy. His public post, filled with affectionate praise, has sent fans of classic Hindi cinema on a nostalgic trip down memory lane, recalling the pair's once-famous romance and their successful on-screen collaborations.
A Public Tribute Filled with Admiration
On the occasion of Reena Roy's birthday, Shatrughan Sinha shared a series of still photographs from the films they starred in together. Accompanying the images was a heartfelt note that celebrated Roy not just as a colleague but as a person. Sinha wrote, "Loving birthday wishes for a very dear friend, one of the best actresses ever, ever charming star, a great human being, wonderful personality in totality." He concluded his message with the blessing, "May you stay abundantly blessed always."
The post quickly garnered significant attention from fans and followers. The reason for the heightened interest lies in the shared history between the two stars. Shatrughan Sinha and Reena Roy were in a committed romantic relationship for several years during the peak of their careers in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Their relationship was widely known and adored by the public, who saw them as a perfect match.
The Story of a Classic Bollywood Romance
The duo first shared screen space in Subhash Ghai's 1976 hit film 'Kalicharan'. This film was a major breakthrough for Sinha, catapulting him to stardom. Their palpable on-screen chemistry in this and subsequent successful films like 'Milap', 'Sangram', 'Sat Sri Akal', and 'Chor Ho To Aisa' soon translated into a real-life romantic connection. For years, the industry and audiences alike speculated about an impending wedding between the two.
However, in a twist that surprised everyone, Shatrughan Sinha married actress Poonam Chandiramani (now Poonam Sinha) in 1980. He had known Poonam, his co-star from the film 'Sabak', for years, having first met her on a train journey. Reports indicate that his affair with Reena Roy ended around 1983, following his marriage.
Reflecting on that pivotal life decision in an old interview, Sinha had described the complexity of his choice. He stated that sometimes one reaches a difficult juncture in life where making a decision is hard, and once made, it may not be favourable for everyone involved. He even revealed last-minute doubts before his wedding to Poonam, contemplating bachelorhood but ultimately deciding to go through with the marriage.
Life After the Split: Different Paths
For Reena Roy, the end of the relationship was reportedly a period of significant heartbreak. It took her about three years to recover emotionally. She then moved on and married former Pakistani cricketer Mohsin Khan in 1983. This marriage, however, ended in separation in 1992. Roy faced a protracted legal battle thereafter to secure custody of her daughter from the marriage.
Despite the passage of decades and the different paths their lives took, Shatrughan Sinha's recent public birthday greeting shows a bond of mutual respect and enduring fondness. It underscores a mature friendship that has survived the highs and lows of a very public past. The post serves as a poignant reminder of a beloved chapter in Bollywood's history, celebrating Reena Roy's legacy as an actress and acknowledging a deep, personal connection that time has transformed into lasting camaraderie.
