Had one relationship not fallen apart, Salman Khan's personal story might have read very differently. The actress whose wedding invitations to him had already gone to print later became the wife of a celebrated cricketer — and, after that marriage ended in divorce, chose a life of her own. This is the story of Sangeeta Bijlani, the glamorous leading lady of the 1980s and a former Miss India.
The Climb From Modelling to Stardom
Born in Mumbai on 9 July 1960, Sangeeta stepped into modelling at a young age and quickly rose to become one of the country's top faces. The biggest turning point came in 1980, when she won the Miss India title. She went on to represent India at the Miss Universe pageant; though she did not advance to the semifinal, her beauty drew plenty of attention.
Breaking Into Bollywood
The Miss India crown threw open the doors of cinema for her. In 1988 she made her acting debut opposite Aditya Panjoli in the film 'Katil'. Just a year later, in 1989, the multistarrers 'Tridev' and 'Hathyar' turned her into an overnight star. Riding that success, she took on films such as 'Hatim Tai' and 'Gunahon Ka Devta', carving out a distinct identity in the industry.
When the Graph Began to Slide
In the early 1990s, Sangeeta appeared in several films including 'Paap Ki Kamai', 'Khoon Ka Karz' and 'Gunehgaar Kaun'. She remained a regular presence on screen, but these films failed to deliver the box-office results that were hoped for. Gradually her film career drifted downward, and she could never quite repeat the success of her early blockbusters.
The Wedding to Salman Khan That Never Happened
Sangeeta's private life was always the subject of buzz. She met Salman Khan in the 1980s, and their romance became the most talked-about of that era. It even reached the point of marriage — a date was set in 1994 and the invitation cards were printed. But at the last moment, everything fell apart. Actress Somy Ali later revealed that Sangeeta had caught Salman red-handed with her, and the wedding was called off.
From Bitterness to a Lasting Friendship
The breakup became the biggest headline of its time and left Sangeeta heartbroken. Yet with time, both moved past the bitterness. Even after all these years, Salman and Sangeeta share a strong and respectful friendship. Sangeeta is often seen at his functions and on his birthday — proof of how much regard the two still hold for each other.
Marriage to Azharuddin and Its End
After parting ways with Salman, former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin entered her life. The couple married in 1996, and this meeting of cricket and Bollywood generated plenty of headlines. After the wedding, Sangeeta stepped away from films and the limelight entirely and settled into married life. The relationship lasted around 14 years, but differences led to their divorce in 2010.
Sangeeta Today — Alone, Yet Full of Life
After her separation from Azharuddin in 2010, Sangeeta never remarried. At 65, she is single and thoroughly enjoys her privacy. Away from the glare of cinema, her focus is firmly on fitness, wellness and travel. She remains fairly active on social media too, frequently sharing glimpses of her healthy lifestyle with her fans.
