Archive · 29 Aug 2026
Bollywood Couples Who Secretly Married Despite Family and Social Opposition
Some Bollywood actors and filmmakers chose to marry quietly instead of having large public weddings.
Dharmendra and Hema Malini secretly married in 1980.
Dharmendra was already married and had children from his first marriage.
Vijayta Pandit married Sameer Malkan at a temple after her family objected.
Zarina and Aditya had a private nikaah because producers did not want Aditya to marry before his debut.
Mahesh Bhatt and Soni Razdan also married secretly while Bhatt’s first marriage continued.
Padmini Kolhapure and Ranjeet likewise had private wedding ceremonies.
The article says many of these couples later remained together and built families.
Dharmendra and Hema Malini secretly married on May 2, 1980, while Dharmendra was still married to Prakash Kaur.
Vijayta Pandit married Sameer Malkan in a secret Hindu ceremony at Mumbai’s ISKCON Temple after opposition from her sisters.
Zarina and Aditya reportedly held a secret nikaah despite producers asking Aditya to avoid marriage before his debut.
Mahesh Bhatt and Soni Razdan reportedly adopted Muslim names before marrying, while Bhatt was still married to Kiran.
Padmini Kolhapure, Jaya Prada, and Ranjeet also married partners privately, with several later raising families together.
- Who
- Bollywood couples including Dharmendra and Hema Malini, Mahesh Bhatt and Soni Razdan, Vijayta Pandit and Sameer Malkan, and others.
- What
- The couples married secretly or eloped, often despite existing marriages, family objections, or professional pressure.
- When
- The marriages discussed took place mainly from 1980 onward, with several secret weddings occurring in 1986.
- Where
- The ceremonies took place at locations including Mumbai’s ISKCON Temple, a producer’s home, and other undisclosed venues.
- Why
- The couples reportedly wanted to marry despite family opposition, existing relationships, social concerns, or restrictions imposed by producers.
Supporters of Private Marriages
Family and Social Critics
Choosing love over convention
Supporters of Private Marriages
The article presents the couples as following their relationships and, in many cases, later building lasting families.
Family and Social Critics
Families and social expectations opposed some of the marriages, particularly when one partner was already married or when the relationship was kept secret.
Marriage despite existing relationships
Supporters of Private Marriages
The couples proceeded with marriage even when prior marriages or professional commitments complicated their decisions.
Family and Social Critics
The article notes concerns surrounding bigamy, divorce, and existing spouses, including Dharmendra’s first marriage and Mahesh Bhatt’s marriage to Kiran.
- Featured marriage
- Dharmendra and Hema Malini secretly married on May 2, 1980.
- Existing marriage
- Dharmendra had four children with his first wife, Prakash Kaur.
- Vijayta-Sameer ceremony
- Their secret Hindu wedding took place at the ISKCON Temple in Juhu, Mumbai.
- Mahesh-Soni marriage
- Mahesh Bhatt reportedly became Ashraf Bhatt and Soni Razdan became Sakina Banoo before marrying.
- Jaya Prada marriage
- Jaya Prada married Chennai-based producer Shreekant Nahata despite his existing marriage.
- Padmini-Tutu ceremony
- Padmini Kolhapure and Pradeep “Tutu” Sharma married in a midnight ceremony at a producer’s home.
- Ranjeet-Aaloka marriage
- Ranjeet married Aaloka after his first wife, Pushpa, left him.