In a rare moment of candor, veteran Bollywood actor Shatrughan Sinha has peeled back the curtain on one of the most complicated chapters of his personal life, revealing details about his simultaneous romantic involvement with his wife Poonam Sinha and co-star Reena Roy.
The Confession: Feet in Multiple Boats
During a revealing interview with Lehren Retro, the actor known for his intense screen presence addressed past relationship complexities when reminded about his previous comment about having 'feet in two different boats.' Sinha responded with characteristic boldness, "Two different boats? I would say, sometimes I was in several boats."
While choosing not to name individuals directly, the actor expressed gratitude toward all the women in his life. "I wouldn't take names. But, I am grateful to all the women who were part of my life. I don't have any grudges against anybody. I never think ill of them. They have all helped me grow and become a better person," Sinha stated during the conversation.
Struggles With Stardom and Personal Turmoil
The 'Kala Patthar' actor openly acknowledged making mistakes in his personal life, attributing them to his journey from Patna to the glittering world of Bollywood. "I have definitely made mistakes in my life," Sinha confessed. "It was natural for a boy, who had come all the way from Patna to get lost in the glitz and glamour of the industry. I didn't know how to deal with stardom."
Sinha revealed the absence of guidance during his early career, noting "I didn't have any guardian to guide me." He credited his wife Poonam Sinha with providing much-needed stability, saying "after Poonam came in my life, she helped me a lot."
Despite avoiding direct mention of Reena Roy by name, Sinha expressed appreciation for their relationship, stating "I am grateful to her. I have received lots of love from her, and have learnt a lot. I have no complaints."
The Emotional Toll of Dual Relationships
The 'Khudgarz' actor provided deep insight into the psychological impact of maintaining simultaneous committed relationships. "When a man is good at heart, and he is having two committed relationships simultaneously, he too suffers a lot in terms of his mental and physical health," Sinha revealed.
He described the constant guilt that plagued him, explaining "You also feel guilty. 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." Sinha poignantly questioned the situation in Hindi, "Usko khilona banake kyu rakha hai?" (Why keep her like a toy?)
The veteran actor emphasized that the emotional burden extended beyond the women involved. "I want to say, it's not just the girls involved in the love triangle that are suffering, the man equally suffers. He struggles to get out of the situation even when he wants to," Sinha added, highlighting the complexity of such relationships.
Professional Collaboration and Personal Paths
Shatrughan Sinha and Reena Roy first crossed paths on the sets of their 1976 film 'Kalicharan', marking the beginning of both professional and personal connections. Their on-screen chemistry translated into multiple successful collaborations including films like 'Milap', 'Sangram', 'Sat Sri Akal', and 'Chor Ho To Aisa'.
While their professional journey brought them closer, their personal paths eventually diverged, with Sinha continuing his marriage with Poonam Sinha while maintaining cordial relations with his former co-star.
This rare confession provides unprecedented insight into the personal struggles behind Bollywood's glamorous facade, showcasing how even the industry's most formidable personalities navigated complex emotional landscapes during their careers.
