Veteran Bollywood actor and politician Shatrughan Sinha recently took to social media to pen a heartfelt birthday message for former co-star and rumoured ex-lover, actress Reena Roy. The public wish, shared on January 7, has reignited discussions about their past relationship, which Sinha had openly addressed in his biography years ago.
A Public Tribute to a "Dear Friend"
On his official social media handles, Shatrughan Sinha posted a series of nostalgic film stills featuring him with Reena Roy from their movies together. Accompanied by the images was a warm note that read, "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 #ReenaRoy. May you stay abundantly blessed always."
The post quickly garnered attention from fans and netizens, many of whom were impressed by the evident respect and admiration Sinha still holds for Roy. One user commented in Hindi, praising the gesture, which roughly translates to, "Wow sir!! Can someone write so much for Reena Roy as well!! I am impressed!!"
The Past Affair Acknowledged in Biography
The birthday wish holds significant weight as it references a chapter from Sinha's past that he himself made public. In his authorised biography titled 'Anything But Khamosh: The Shatrughan Sinha Biography' by Bharathi S Pradhan, the actor had candidly written about having an extra-marital affair. He had referred to the other woman as 'baharwali' (the outside one), which was widely understood to be Reena Roy.
Sinha is married to actress Poonam Sinha, and the rumours of his relationship with Reena Roy persisted even after his marriage. The couple has three children together: actress Sonakshi Sinha, and sons Luv and Kussh.
Guilt and Reflections on a "Difficult Phase"
In a previous interview with Lehren Retro, Shatrughan Sinha expressed feelings of guilt about the period when he was involved with both women. When asked if it was a challenging time, he did not name names but acknowledged the turmoil. The interviewer specifically mentioned Reena Roy's name, to which Sinha laughed before elaborating.
He explained the emotional and physical toll of maintaining two committed relationships. "When a man is good at heart, and he is having two committed relationships simultaneously, he too suffers a lot in terms of his mental and physical health. You also feel guilty," Sinha stated. He described the constant inner conflict: feeling guilty for his wife when with his lover, and feeling bad for his lover when at home.
Reena Roy eventually moved on from the relationship and married Pakistani cricketer Mohsin Khan. The couple has a daughter named Sanam Khan.
Netizens Applaud the Mature Gesture
The recent birthday post has been largely received positively by the online community. Fans have highlighted the maturity and grace in Sinha's public acknowledgment of Roy, not just as a former flame but primarily as a talented actress and a remarkable person. It showcases a relationship that has evolved from romance to lasting respect, long after the end of their alleged affair.
This episode offers a glimpse into the complex personal lives of Bollywood legends, where past relationships are often part of public discourse. Sinha's open admission in his book and his subsequent dignified public interaction with Roy years later frame a narrative of regret, acceptance, and eventual peaceful coexistence.
