Archive · 2 Oct 2026
‘Broke’ Sanjeev Kumar’s Struggles, Generosity and Unmarried Life
Sanjeev Kumar was a famous Indian actor who had a very difficult start.
His family needed money, so he accepted films that were called C-grade films.
A journalist said he owned only two sets of clothes at that time.
Later, Kumar became successful in films such as Sholay and Aandhi.
He did not marry Sulakshana Pandit or anyone else because he thought he would die young.
He had already suffered two heart attacks, according to the journalist.
Kumar also gave large loans to friends and helped his driver’s family.
Some people called him miserly, but the journalist said he mainly disliked wasteful spending.
Kumar died at age 47 in 1985.
Journalist Hanif Zaveri said Sanjeev Kumar accepted C-grade films early in his career because his family urgently needed money.
Zaveri said Kumar’s mother managed his father’s failing business and Kumar owned only two sets of clothes.
Kumar reportedly avoided marriage, including with Sulakshana Pandit, because he believed he would die before age 50.
Zaveri said Kumar lent friends Rs 96 lakh, paid for his driver’s wedding and reserved Rs 2 lakh for the driver’s son’s education.
Kumar died on November 6, 1985, at age 47; Zaveri said his financial restraint was mistaken for miserliness.
- Who
- Actor Sanjeev Kumar and veteran film journalist Hanif Zaveri, who discussed Kumar’s life and career.
- What
- An interview described Kumar’s early financial struggles, film work, decision not to marry and generosity toward friends and employees.
- When
- The interview was recently shared; Kumar died on November 6, 1985, at age 47.
- Where
- The account was shared on the Meri Saheli Podcast’s YouTube channel and concerns Kumar’s Bollywood career.
- Why
- According to Hanif Zaveri, Kumar accepted available work because his family needed money and avoided marriage because he believed he would die young.
Journalist’s account
Miserly reputation
How Kumar handled money
Journalist’s account
Hanif Zaveri said Kumar was generous, lending Rs 96 lakh to friends, gifting a car and helping pay for his driver’s family expenses.
Miserly reputation
Kumar was viewed by some people as miserly, although Zaveri said this description was inaccurate and that Kumar opposed unnecessary spending.
- Early financial situation
- Kumar reportedly came from a family facing severe financial hardship and owned only two sets of clothes.
- Early films
- He accepted C-grade films because he was broke and needed work.
- Reported health history
- Zaveri said Kumar had suffered two heart attacks before meeting Sulakshana Pandit.
- Marriage
- Kumar reportedly did not marry because he believed he would die before age 50.
- Loans to friends
- Zaveri said Kumar lent friends Rs 96 lakh, which they never repaid.
- Support for his driver
- Kumar paid for his driver’s wedding and reserved Rs 2 lakh for the driver’s son’s education.
- Death
- Sanjeev Kumar died on November 6, 1985, at age 47.
