The Tragic Love Story That Ended a Promising Career
Veteran actor Vijayta Pandit has made shocking revelations about how the late legendary actor Rajendra Kumar systematically destroyed her Bollywood career because he disapproved of her relationship with his son, actor Kumar Gaurav. In an emotional interview, the Love Story actress detailed how her life turned into a tragedy after falling in love with her co-star.
From Overnight Stardom to Career Sabotage
Vijayta Pandit made her spectacular acting debut alongside Kumar Gaurav in the 1981 blockbuster Love Story, which catapulted both actors to instant fame. The on-screen chemistry translated into real-life romance as the two fell in love during filming. However, their professional success and personal relationship soon faced severe opposition from Rajendra Kumar.
"My life became a tragedy after Kumar Gaurav came into my life," Vijayta revealed emotionally. "His father didn't let me work with him. My career was over. I was like a handicap person."
The actress accused Rajendra Kumar of actively sabotaging her career by threatening producers and getting her removed from films. "I was cast in every film opposite Kumar Gaurav, but Rajendra Kumar asked the producer, 'Pehle Vijayta ko hatao fir Bunty (Kumar Gaurav) kaam karega.' He got me removed from every film," she shared, explaining how this systematic exclusion eventually forced her to quit the industry altogether.
The Heartbreaking Betrayal and Family Manipulation
The personal tragedy unfolded when Kumar Gaurav, after promising marriage and making Vijayta wait for years, suddenly married Sanjay Dutt's sister Namrata Dutt without even informing her. "I got the news that he's getting married, and I had just spoken to him 3 days ago, and he had told me 'I love you', but then I found out that he's getting married," she recalled the shocking moment.
Vijayta believes that Rajendra Kumar and his family "brainwashed" Kumar Gaurav into this decision. "They thought she was Sunil Dutt's daughter and was wealthy, so she was a better option for Kumar Gaurav," she explained, revealing how one of Kumar Gaurav's sisters who studied with Namrata Dutt facilitated their meeting and eventual relationship.
The betrayal had devastating effects on Vijayta's family. "My parents were in shock. This was a big jolt to my family. My mother fainted in shock," she revealed, adding that Kumar Gaurav's regular visits to her home had made everyone believe in his sincerity.
Despite trying to contact Kumar Gaurav until the last moment before his wedding, Vijayta was prevented from speaking to him. The actress, who comes from the prominent Pandit family that includes sister Sulakshana Pandit and music composer duo Jatin-Lalit, saw her promising career cut short while Kumar Gaurav went on to deliver another hit Naam with brother-in-law Sanjay Dutt.
This shocking revelation provides a tragic behind-the-scenes look at Bollywood's dark side, where personal relationships and family pressures could make or break careers in the 1980s film industry.
