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When Shatrughan Sinha Explained why he Married Poonam Despite His Affair with Reena Roy

Sanjana Bailwal2 years ago2 years ago919 mins

Shatrughan Sinha, one of Bollywood’s most iconic actors, rose to prominence with a combination of charisma, talent, and an authoritative screen presence. He began his acting journey in antagonist roles but cemented his stardom with Subhash Ghai’s Kalicharan in 1976, where he portrayed a righteous police officer. This is when Sinha gave back-to-back hits such as Vishwanath, Jaani Dushman, Dostana, and Zamaana Deewana. But off-screen life caught as much attention as he did on screen, particularly his romance with actress Reena Roy and then choosing to marry Poonam Chandiramani.

The Sizzling Chemistry of Shatrughan and Reena Roy

The pair of Shatrughan and Reena Roy were fan favourites both on-screen and off-screen. They had some palpable chemistry in hits like Kalicharan, Milap, Sangram, Sat Sri Akal, and Chor Ho To Aisa. Their close working relationship translated into a romantic affair that became the talk of the town. Both audiences and industry insiders believed they were destined to be together.

However, while their romance blossomed, Shatrughan Sinha’s relationship with Poonam, whom he had met during a train journey years earlier, was also progressing. Poonam, who later co-starred with him in Sabak, had quietly held a place in his life. When Shatrughan announced his decision to marry Poonam, it left fans and industry colleagues in disbelief, given his highly publicized relationship with Reena Roy.

The Decision That Stunned Everyone

In an interview by Rajiv Shukla, Shatrughan explained the decision to marry Poonam though he was deeply involved with Reena Roy. He recalls this tumultuous period and said, “Sometimes in life, one reaches a juncture where making a decision becomes very difficult. But once the decision is made, it may not always be in everyone’s favour.

His decision was not taken without much deliberation. In his biographical book Anything But Khamosh, Shatrughan admitted that he had wanted to back out of marrying. He said in Stardust magazine, “My strongest emotion at that time was fear. I was very scared. I was happy being a bachelor, but I had reached a point where I was compelled to make the decision. Till the last moment, I wanted to back out.”

A Wedding Almost Called Off

Shatrughan’s reluctance to marry Poonam translated into his no-show at the wedding preparation. At the time, he was away in London to perform in a stage show with Reena Roy. It only added to the complexities of an already complicated situation. Left to fend for herself to get things ready, Poonam worried that he may not come. Shatrughan recalled in his biography, “The wedding was in Bombay, and I was in London.”. I caught the last flight that just about brought me in time for the wedding. Poonam was in a state—she thought I was backing out.”

From the chaos, the two marries and marked the beginning of a complex phase in their relationship.

The Challenges of Moving On

Post-marriage, Shatrughan continued to be in touch with Reena Roy, which understandably was upsetting for Poonam. Writing about this phase in his book, he confessed, “Withdrawal from an emotional tangle elsewhere was taking its own time. Promi (Poonam) would cry a lot, but she knew I was trying my best. Sorting out our lives took its own time because it was a question of a commitment to the other party also.”

The actor also said that he had to have very difficult conversations with Reena, who felt betrayed by his decision. He wrote, “When I was with her (Reena) outside, I was faced with the question, ‘You’ve set up your home. So was I a toy to be used and cast away?’ It was not a comfortable position to be in.”

Reena Roy’s New Chapter

Three years after Shatrughan and Poonam’s marriage, Reena Roy moved on and married former Pakistani cricketer Mohsin Khan in 1983. However, their marriage separated in 1992. Thereafter, Reena chose to remain single and focused on her family and personal life.

A New Life for Shatrughan and Poonam

Shatrughan Sinha and Poonam meanwhile welcomed twins Luv and Khush in 1983 and their daughter, Sonakshi Sinha, in 1987. A complicated love story eventually made its family a strong foundation within the working couple years.

Legacy of a Complicated Love Story

Love life was always a deep source of complicated decisions and emotional trials for Shatrughan Sinha-and hence one of the most intriguing stories in Bollywood. Candid reflections on his relationships in his biography offer a rare glimpse into the vulnerabilities of a Bollywood star.

Ultimately, the actor’s journey is a testament to the complexities of love, loyalty, and life in the spotlight. Surprising many by marrying Poonam, he also proved the depth of his commitment to commitments he made – all at an immense personal and emotional cost to himself

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