When a 'traumatised' Rakhee Majumdar decided to end her marriage with Gulzar after he showed concern for Suchitra Sen: 'We deserve an award for the best split couple'

Time of India

2 days ago

Veteran actress Rakhee Majumdar's marriage to lyricist Sampooran Singh Kalra, popularly known as
Gulzar
, became an emotional topic for her fans when their bond ended on a traumatic note.
However, after parting ways unofficially, they grew closer to each other.
Rakhee
Majumdar's
failed marriage
with Ajay Biswas
Rakhee had married Bengali filmmaker Ajay Biswas at a young age, but they separated in 1965. Later, fate brought her together with Gulzar. The acclaimed lyricist and writer married Rakhee in 1973, and the couple welcomed their daughter
Meghna Gulzar
the same year. Reportedly, Gulzar asked Rakhee to step away from her acting career after marriage.
Rakhee Majumdar's marriage with Gulzar
Trusting that her passion could still find space in Gulzar's own productions, Rakhee agreed. She turned down multiple film offers, hoping her husband might cast her in his films. However, those expectations were dashed when Gulzar repeatedly chose other actresses for his projects. Rakhee's tolerance reached its limit during the J&K shoot of Gulzar's Aandhi. A post-shoot gathering led to a tense moment when lead actor Sanjeev Kumar allegedly misbehaved with actress
Suchitra Sen
. Gulzar intervened to de-escalate the situation and later escorted
Suchitra
to her hotel.
Though his intentions may have been noble, Rakhee felt hurt and questioned him about his actions.
Rakhee Majumdar's return to Bollywood
The confrontation turned violent. According to reports, Gulzar hit Rakhee for questioning him. The incident left her traumatised. The very next day, filmmaker Yash Chopra offered her a role in Kabhi Kabhie. Rakhee returned to films, despite her husband's disapproval. Kabhi Kabhie marked a powerful comeback for her, and the duo decided to live apart.
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Their daughter Meghna was unwilling to see her parents officially part ways, so they never legally divorced. The duo later maintained a respectful bond with each other.
Rakhee Majumdar's bond with Gulzar after separation
In an old interview with Stardust, Rakhee spoke about the dynamics of their post-separation relationship. 'We deserve an award for the best split couple. We are more well-adjusted than most married couples. Gulzar and I are there for each other. He treats me as if I were still his wife.
He calls me from his house and tells me, 'I've called four friends for dinner. There's no food at home. So please, quickly send some jhinga curry.
' I send it across.'
Rakhee also opened up about how Gulzar's films often mirrored intimate aspects of their personal life. Over the years, she observed that he drew inspiration from their shared moments and translated them into scenes and characters on screen. She believes that only the two of them can truly recognise the real-life situations behind those cinematic moments.
Recalling their time as a married couple, she shared that their evenings often involved creative exchanges—Gulzar would read his stories aloud while she translated Bengali stories for him. She would remain by his side as he continued writing late into the night. Two of those stories were eventually adapted into his films, Parichay and Khushboo.
She also mentioned a call she once received from Gulzar, during which he praised her role in 'Ram Lakhan'.