Entertainment / Sun, 30 Aug 2026 News18

Muslim Actress Converted To Hinduism For Husband, He Suspected A Secret Child, Shot Her Dead On Son's Birthday

Muslim Actress Converted To Hinduism For Husband, He Suspected A Secret Child, Shot Her Dead On Son's BirthdayLast Updated: August 30, 2026, 21:51 IST1 / 9 Sayeeda Khan started working in films at just 11 after filmmaker H.S. ADVERTISEMENT3 / 9 As film offers declined, Sayeeda took supporting roles to continue earning. By the late 1960s, her opportunities had reduced sharply and she eventually stepped away from acting after marrying filmmaker and producer Brij Sadanah. 4 / 9 'Muslim' Sayeeda married Brij Sadanah and converted to Hinduism after their marriage, taking the name Sudha Sadanah. Brij shot Sayeeda, Namrata and Kamal before turning the gun on himself.

Last Updated: August 30, 2026, 21:51 IST

1 / 9 Sayeeda Khan started working in films at just 11 after filmmaker H.S. Rawail noticed her at a film party. He cast her in Kaanch Ki Gudiya (1961), where she played the lead opposite Manoj Kumar.

2 / 9 She also starred with Kishore Kumar in Apna Haath Jagannath. Her other films included Modern Girl, Wanted, Flat No. 9, Hum Matwale Naujawan, Ek Saal Pehle, Kanyadaan and Vaasna.

3 / 9 As film offers declined, Sayeeda took supporting roles to continue earning. By the late 1960s, her opportunities had reduced sharply and she eventually stepped away from acting after marrying filmmaker and producer Brij Sadanah.

4 / 9 'Muslim' Sayeeda married Brij Sadanah and converted to Hinduism after their marriage, taking the name Sudha Sadanah. The couple had two children, daughter Namrata and son Kamal.

5 / 9 A complicated family story surrounded Sayeeda's relationship with writer Shagufta Rafique. Shagufta was raised by Sayeeda's mother, Anwari Begum, and later recalled that people believed Sayeeda was her biological mother because of their resemblance.

6 / 9 Shagufta said Anwari Begum once told her that if anyone asked whether Sayeeda was her mother, she should say yes. She later said Sayeeda treated her with an affection that felt different from that of an ordinary sister, leaving her trying to piece together the family's past.

7 / 9 According to Shagufta, Brij was troubled by questions around Shagufta's identity and believed Sayeeda had a illegitimate child before their marriage. Shagufta also said Brij financially supported her and Anwari despite his doubts.

8 / 9 On October 21, 1990, the family was preparing to celebrate Kamal Sadanah's 20th birthday when a shooting took place at their home. Brij shot Sayeeda, Namrata and Kamal before turning the gun on himself. Kamal survived the shooting.