On his 88th birth anniversary, Sanjeev Kumar continues to be celebrated not only for his acting brilliance but also for the fascinating stories that shaped his personal and professional journey.

Born as Harihar Jethalal Jariwala on July 9, 1938, in Gujarat, Sanjeev Kumar came from a family that had faced both prosperity and personal tragedy. According to accounts documented by family members, his mother had prayed for a son at a temple on the Maharashtra-Gujarat border and made a vow that he would wear donated clothes for the first ten years of his life if her wish was fulfilled.

After spending his early years in Surat, the family moved to Mumbai, where Harihar developed an interest in theatre. His acting journey began on stage through organisations such as the Indian People’s Theatre Association (IPTA) and Indian National Theatre.

The name “Sanjeev Kumar” itself was not his original identity. Film-maker Sawaan Kumar Tak, impressed by his stage performances, reportedly suggested a more screen-friendly name while casting him in Naunihal. The new name would eventually become one of the most respected brands in Indian cinema.

Despite immense success on screen, Sanjeev Kumar’s personal life remained complicated. One of the most discussed chapters was his relationship with actress Hema Malini. The two grew close while working together in the early 1970s, and discussions about marriage reportedly took place between their families.

However, the relationship is said to have ended because of differing expectations about life after marriage. While Hema Malini and her family wanted her acting career to continue, Sanjeev Kumar reportedly preferred a more traditional family setup. The disagreement proved difficult to resolve, and the marriage never materialised.

Another emotional chapter involved actress and singer Sulochana Pandit, who was deeply attached to the actor. Industry accounts suggest that she once expressed her desire to marry him and even took him to a temple, hoping he would accept her proposal. Sanjeev Kumar declined.

Friends and colleagues later claimed that his decision was influenced by concerns about his health. A history of heart disease ran through his family, and the actor reportedly feared he would not live a long life. He did not want someone else’s future tied to what he believed could be a short and uncertain lifespan.

His personal relationships often became subjects of discussion within the film industry. Actress Anju Mahendru once recalled that Sanjeev Kumar would jokingly refer to women he was casually acquainted with by numbers rather than names. The habit became an inside joke among some of his friends.

Away from relationships, Sanjeev Kumar’s commitment to acting remained unmatched. Director Ramesh Sippy’s decision to cast him as Thakur Baldev Singh in Sholay created one of the most iconic characters in Indian cinema. Interestingly, actor Dharmendra reportedly wanted to play the role initially before eventually agreeing to portray Veeru.

Sanjeev Kumar was only 37 years old when he convincingly portrayed the ageing and emotionally scarred Thakur, a performance that continues to be regarded as one of Bollywood’s finest character portrayals.

His health, however, continued to deteriorate through the late 1970s and early 1980s. He suffered multiple heart attacks and underwent treatment in India and the United States. Doctors repeatedly advised him to avoid smoking, alcohol and an exhausting work schedule.

Those close to him said he found it difficult to step away from work. Even after undergoing major medical treatment, he remained committed to film projects and continued shooting despite growing health concerns.

On November 6, 1985, Sanjeev Kumar suffered a fatal heart attack. He was only 47 years old.

Though his life ended far too soon, his influence on Indian cinema remains unmatched. With more than 100 films to his credit and performances that continue to inspire actors across generations, Sanjeev Kumar is remembered as one of the finest performers Indian cinema has ever produced.