Sonam Khan Sets Record Straight on Tridev Affair Rumors
Former actress Sonam Khan has finally addressed long-standing rumors of an alleged affair with Tridev director Rajiv Rai during the film's production. In a detailed Instagram post, Khan clarified that she and Rai began dating only after the movie's release, dismissing decades-old speculation that she received preferential treatment because of a romantic relationship with the director.
Timeline of Relationship Clarified
Sonam Khan stated that neither she nor Rajiv Rai were romantically involved while making Tridev. "First day of Tridev shoot. First song. First rumor. As per popular belief after Tridev released, there was a very strong belief that I was busy romancing the director during the making of Tridev resulting in me getting more leverage than the other two leading ladies," she wrote. Khan emphasized that both were in other relationships at the time: "Rajiv was on set with his girlfriend. I had a boyfriend parked not far away from the set either. We were both very taken people."
According to Khan, she was not Rai's first choice for the film. "In fact Rajiv didn't want me in Tridev. He had contacted and almost sealed the deal with another actress, as he didn't like me much when he saw the rushes of Vijay which Yash ji showed him. In fact I was the last choice when he was left with no choice," she revealed.
Denial of Special Treatment
Khan rejected claims that she received any director privilege, stating, "So, No romance, no secret phone calls, no so-called director privilege if that even exists I dunno sorry for sounding naive or delulu. Just me, a catchy song." She added that her popular song "Oye Oye" from the film was not a result of favoritism. "It was much after Tridev released that Rajiv and I actually started dating, as we both were single and owed no one any explanations. So, my dearies I got zero preference in the making of Tridev. Zero. Zilch. Nada."
Later Relationship and Marriage
Sonam Khan and Rajiv Rai eventually entered a relationship after Tridev and married in 1991. They also collaborated on the film Vishwatma. However, the couple separated in 2001, and their divorce was finalized in 2016 after a 15-year legal process.
Rajiv Rai is known for directing iconic Bollywood films such as Tridev, Vishwatma, Mohra, and Gupt. The clarification from Khan aims to put an end to the long-circulating rumors about their professional and personal history.
