Veteran singer and actress Sulakshana Pandit passed away on November 6, marking a poignant coincidence with the death anniversary of actor Sanjeev Kumar. Their lives were intertwined by a profound, unrequited love that deeply shaped Pandit’s trajectory. Her brother, music director Lalit Pandit, confirmed her passing.
Sulakshana Pandit remained unmarried throughout her life, a decision rooted in the heartbreak of her unfulfilled affection for Sanjeev Kumar. The renowned artist, celebrated for her beauty and talent in the 1970s and 80s, retreated from public life following the emotional toll of this rejection.
Pandit made her debut in the 1975 film “Uljhan,” starring opposite Sanjeev Kumar. It was during this film that she developed deep feelings for him.
However, Sanjeev Kumar was at the time captivated by actress Hema Malini. He had proposed marriage to Malini, but she rejected his offer due to her love for Dharmendra.
Despite his own heartbreak, Sanjeev Kumar and Sulakshana Pandit became close friends. They shared confidences, and eventually, Pandit expressed her love for him.
Sanjeev Kumar, still reeling from Hema Malini’s refusal, was unable to reciprocate Sulakshana’s feelings and rejected her proposal. This second rejection devastated Pandit.
The emotional blow led Sulakshana Pandit to abandon her flourishing film career and withdraw from the public eye. She subsequently battled severe depression.
Sanjeev Kumar himself passed away on November 6, 1985, exactly 40 years before her own passing. His death reportedly deepened Sulakshana’s emotional turmoil. Reports suggested she struggled with her mental health in the aftermath.
In a rare 1999 interview, Pandit openly discussed her depression following Sanjeev Kumar’s demise. She revealed that she found solace by secluding herself and spending her days watching movies and listening to music. She stated this helped her cope with life and the world outside.
After her parents’ passing, Sulakshana Pandit resided with her sister, Vijeta. Her life remained largely private, marked by the enduring shadow of her youthful love.
Her passing on the same calendar date as Sanjeev Kumar’s death anniversary adds a poignant and unforgettable chapter to her tragic love story. It highlights the profound connection that spanned decades, even in its unfulfilled state.
