The iconic Bollywood actor Shatrughan Sinha's journey to marrying Poonam Sinha in 1980 began not on a film set, but on a long train journey back in 1965. Their love story, marked by intense passion, a painful breakup, and a dramatic last-minute wedding, is a fascinating chapter of Hindi cinema's history, recently revisited in his biography and interviews.
The Fateful Train Journey and a Young Romance
The seeds of this epic romance were sown when a young Shatrughan Sinha first encountered Poonam during a two-day train trip in 1965. At the time, Poonam was still a schoolgirl. In his biography, 'Anything But Khamosh', written by Bharathi S Pradhan, Sinha confessed to having immediate "romantic notions" about her, admitting that even briefly brushing against her foot gave him "a thrill and goosebumps." His friends later teasingly called him a 'cradle-snatcher' for his attraction.
Displaying his characteristic charm, Shatrughan managed to win over Poonam's aunt, who was her guardian on the journey. The aunt even shared their home address with him. This brief encounter left a lasting impression. When Poonam won the 'Miss Young India' pageant in 1968, it reignited his memory of her. Interestingly, Poonam entered films before Shatrughan did, as beauty queens often received film offers then.
Deepening Bond, Painful Breakup, and Another Love
Their relationship truly began to blossom when they worked together in the film 'Dharti Ki God Mein' in 1971. As Shatrughan's career skyrocketed, he garnered much female attention, which he admitted struggling to resist. Despite their growing bond, Shatrughan made the difficult decision to end the relationship in 1973. He told Poonam she was "too good" for him and deserved better, unable to comprehend her unwavering dedication to pleasing him.
Following their separation, Shatrughan became involved with his 'Kalicharan' co-star, Reena Roy. He described this complex period, stating he had the problem of "whom not to marry" as he was in several "steady relationships" at once. For three years, he and Poonam remained apart, while his relationship with Reena grew closer.
The Dramatic Wedding and Lingering Guilt
A strong intervention from his mother ultimately led Shatrughan to choose Poonam. However, his ties with Reena were not easily severed. In a stunning revelation, he shared that just two days before his wedding, he was in London with Reena for a stage show. Composer duo Kalyanji-Anandji announced his impending marriage on stage, with Reena standing silently beside him. She even drove him to the airport for his flight back to India.
Shatrughan confessed he wanted to back out until the last moment. He caught the last possible flight to Bombay, arriving just in time for the wedding in 1980. The stress was immense for Poonam, who reportedly fainted during the wedding pheras, aware that Shatrughan had not completely ended things with Reena. The actor acknowledged he married Poonam while "still very involved" with his co-star, and the emotional entanglement continued even after marriage, as he found it difficult to withdraw.
Reflecting on this time in a recent interview with Lehren Retro, Shatrughan Sinha expressed guilt about two-timing both women. He explained the mental toll, saying a good-hearted man in two committed relationships suffers greatly. "When you are out with your lover, you feel guilty for your wife at home and when you are with your wife, you feel bad for your lover," he said, encapsulating the enduring complexity of his romantic past.
