Today, at 65, she continues to live life on her own terms, embracing independence.
We are talking about actress and former Miss India, Sangeeta Bijlani.
4 / 6 Long before she became a familiar face in Bollywood, Sangeeta's personal life had already attracted significant public attention.
Their marriage drew considerable attention, bringing together two of the country's most celebrated worlds, Bollywood and cricket.
In the years that followed, Sangeeta largely stepped away from films and public life, choosing to focus on her personal commitments and family.
Last Updated: June 13, 2026, 19:38 IST
1 / 6 Her life has often made headlines not just for her work in the entertainment industry, but also for the high-profile relationships that kept her in the public eye for decades. From being one of the most glamorous faces of her era to finding herself at the centre of some of the most talked-about personal chapters in showbiz, she has experienced fame, heartbreak, love, and reinvention in equal measure. While many remember her for a romance that once seemed destined for marriage, her journey has been far more layered than the headlines suggested. Today, at 65, she continues to live life on her own terms, embracing independence. We are talking about actress and former Miss India, Sangeeta Bijlani.
2 / 6 Born on July 9, 1960, in Mumbai, Sangeeta Bijlani began her journey in the world of fashion as a teenager and quickly established herself as one of the most sought-after models of her generation. Her breakthrough came in 1980 when she was crowned Miss India, earning the opportunity to represent the country at the prestigious Miss Universe pageant held in Seoul, South Korea. While she did not advance to the semi-final round, Sangeeta won praise for her elegance and stage presence, with her national costume earning special recognition during the competition.
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3 / 6 She made her Bollywood debut in 1988 with Qatil, opposite Aditya Pancholi. She gained wider recognition the following year with her appearances in the successful multi-starrers Tridev and Hathyar. Riding on the momentum, she went on to feature in several films during the early 1990s, including Paap Ki Kamaee, Gunahon Ka Devta, Haatim Tai, Khoon Ka Karz, and Gunehgar Kaun. While these projects helped establish her presence in the industry, they failed to make a significant impact at the box office, and she was unable to replicate the success of her earlier ventures.
4 / 6 Long before she became a familiar face in Bollywood, Sangeeta's personal life had already attracted significant public attention. She met Salman Khan in the mid-1980s, and the two soon began a relationship that lasted for several years. Their romance became one of the most talked-about celebrity relationships of the era, eventually leading to wedding plans in 1994. Reports at the time suggested that the couple's wedding date had been finalised and invitation cards had even been printed. However, the marriage was called off shortly before the ceremony. In a 2023 interview with the Indian Express, Somy Ali herself admitted, "The wedding cards were printed, but Sangeeta caught him red-handed with me." Despite their highly publicised breakup, both Sangeeta and Salman appear to have moved past the bitterness over the years. The former couple continues to share a warm and cordial bond and has often been seen attending each other's birthday celebrations and family gatherings, reflecting the mutual respect they continue to have for one another.
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5 / 6 Later, she found companionship with former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin. The two tied the knot in 1996, shortly after Azharuddin's separation from his first wife. Their marriage drew considerable attention, bringing together two of the country's most celebrated worlds, Bollywood and cricket. In the years that followed, Sangeeta largely stepped away from films and public life, choosing to focus on her personal commitments and family. For a long time, the couple appeared to share a stable and happy relationship. However, reports of differences gradually began to surface, and their marriage eventually came to an end in 2010 after nearly 14 years together.
