Bollywood icon Sanjeev Kumar entered movies in his 20s and rapidly grew to become one of the revered actors of his period. Recognized for his versatility, he selected significant, character-driven roles over glamour or motion. Off-screen, Sanjeev cherished meals and nightly gatherings with associates. Regardless of being born right into a vegetarian Gujarati household, he adored hen—a lot in order that he purchased a separate home in Pali Hill to get pleasure from it freely.
Sobriety got here at a value
Years of heavy consuming led to coronary heart issues and surgical procedure. Medical doctors ordered him to give up alcohol, and he did. However his sobriety left him heartbroken.“All of Sanjeev Kumar’s associates, who used to spend each night with him over drinks, out of the blue disappeared after he stopped consuming post-surgery,” revealed his niece Jigna Shah in an interview with Vickey Lalwani. She added, “None of them even got here to verify on him. It actually harm him. He was a real pal to them, however for them, he was solely a supply of alcohol and freebies.”
Generosity misunderstood
Veteran journalist Hanif Zaveri stated, “There are individuals who known as Sanjeev Kumar ‘kanjoos’ (stingy), however that’s removed from the reality. He was extremely beneficiant—he gifted automobiles to associates, purchased a home for Dilip Dutt and his supervisor Jamnadas. He lived for his associates, however no one ever really understood him.”
A millionaire in kindness
Jigna recalled, “I’ve by no means seen anybody like him within the business. I used to be simply 14 when he handed away, however I’ve at all times heard tales in my household that he gave away almost Rs 1 crore to individuals from the business—and this was within the Nineteen Eighties.”The one pal to return any cash? Boney Kapoor. “After Sanjeev Kumar handed away, Boney Kapoor got here to us with Rs 3 lakh. He stated, ‘I owe him extra, however that is what I can return proper now. Please hold it.’ No one else ever returned something.”
Life minimize brief
Sanjeev Kumar died at 47 from a large coronary heart assault, forsaking 150+ movies. Recognized for his craft, generosity, and love for meals, he stays a Bollywood legend whose kindness—and heartbreak—nonetheless resonates.