How Mehboob Ki Mehndi movie heroine Leena Chandavarkar was ruined by her husband Dharmendra’s movie

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Leena Chandavarkar: The Rise, Fall, and Resilience of Bollywood’s Forgotten Star

In the golden era of Bollywood during the 1960s and 1970s, the film industry saw the rise of many talented and beautiful actresses. Among these shining stars was Leena Chandavarkar, a name that once graced the lips of millions of fans. Known for her innocence, charm, and exceptional acting skills, Leena became a household name, sharing the spotlight with legendary contemporaries like Hema Malini and Mumtaz. However, behind the glittering façade of fame, Leena’s life was marked by personal tragedies, depression, and a struggle to find happiness amidst the limelight.

This article traces the journey of Leena Chandavarkar—from her meteoric rise in Bollywood to the devastating blows in her personal life, her marriages, her struggles, and her enduring legacy.

Early Life: A Star is Born

Leena Chandavarkar was born into an army family in Mumbai. From an early age, she was drawn to the world of glamour and performance. Her entry into the film industry was not straightforward. She first participated in a “Fresh Face” competition, which, although she did not win, opened doors for her in the world of cinema. Her initial foray into the entertainment industry involved working in commercials, which soon led to film offers.

Leena made her film debut with “Man Ka Meet,” starring alongside Som Dutt, the brother of legendary actor Sunil Dutt. Her performance caught the attention of the renowned actress Nargis Dutt, who played a pivotal role in helping Leena secure more opportunities in Bollywood. Without Nargis’s support, Leena’s journey might have been far more challenging.

The Golden Years: Stardom in Bollywood

Leena Chandavarkar’s career soared as she starred in a string of successful films. Her roles in movies like “Mehboob Ki Mehndi,” “Manchali,” “Hamjoli,” “Vidai,” “Rakhwala,” and “Jaane Anjaane” established her as one of the leading actresses of her time. Her on-screen presence was marked by a unique blend of innocence and beauty, winning the hearts of audiences across the country.

During this period, Leena was often mentioned in the same breath as other top heroines like Hema Malini and Mumtaz. She was admired not just for her looks but also for her ability to portray a wide range of emotions with sincerity and depth. Her performances in films like “Sarfarosh,” “Pyaar Ajnabi Hai,” “Yaaron Ka Yaar,” “Qaid,” and “Ek Mahal Ho Sapno Ka” remain memorable to this day.

At the peak of her career, Leena was a force to be reckoned with, ruling the Hindi film industry with her talent and charisma.

Tragedy Strikes: The First Blow

Despite her professional success, Leena’s personal life was fraught with challenges. At a young age, she married Siddharth Bandodkar, a member of a prominent political family, in 1975. Leena dreamed of a happy family life with her husband, but fate had other plans. Just a few days after their marriage, Siddharth suffered a tragic accident—he was accidentally shot and, despite prolonged medical treatment, succumbed to his injuries.

Leena was left a widow at the tender age of 25. The shock and grief of losing her husband so suddenly plunged her into deep depression. Her father, seeing his daughter’s suffering, brought her back home to help her recover from the trauma. The pain of this loss lingered, but with time, Leena found the strength to return to the silver screen.

Return to Films and a New Chapter

After a period of mourning, Leena decided to revive her acting career. Her return to films brought her into contact with one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated and enigmatic personalities—Kishore Kumar. Kishore, already a legendary singer and actor, was known for his eccentricity and genius. Their meeting on a film set marked the beginning of a new chapter in Leena’s life.

Kishore Kumar had already been married three times before he met Leena. There was a significant age gap—he was 20 years her senior—and Leena’s father was initially opposed to the match. However, Leena’s determination and Kishore’s charm eventually won her father over, and the couple married. Their union was blessed with a son, Sumit Kumar.

More Heartbreak: Loss and Loneliness

Leena’s happiness was short-lived. In 1987, tragedy struck again when Kishore Kumar passed away, leaving Leena widowed for the second time, this time at the age of just 37. The loss was devastating, not only because she lost her life partner but also because Kishore was her anchor after years of personal turmoil.

Reflecting on her relationship with Kishore, Leena once shared that initially, she had rejected his marriage proposal. The turning point came after a heated argument with her father, who, in a moment of frustration, called her a “trouble.” Deeply hurt, Leena decided to leave home and reached out to Kishore Kumar, asking if he still wanted to marry her. Kishore agreed, and thus began their life together.

Despite the challenges—Kishore’s previous marriages, their age difference, and societal pressures—Leena and Kishore shared a bond built on mutual respect and affection. Their son, Sumit, became the center of Leena’s world after Kishore’s death.

Life After Bollywood: A Quiet Existence

Following Kishore Kumar’s passing, Leena gradually withdrew from the limelight. She devoted herself to raising her son and occasionally wrote songs for her stepson, Amit Kumar, who is also a singer. Leena’s decision to step away from films after marriage was influenced by her desire to focus on family, but her legacy in Bollywood remains intact.

In recent years, Leena has been seen less frequently in public. Now in her mid-70s, she lives in Mumbai with her son Sumit and stepson Amit. Age has taken its toll—her once-youthful beauty has faded, her hair has turned white, and wrinkles have appeared on her face. Yet, her spirit remains unbroken, and she continues to be respected as a veteran of Hindi cinema.

Controversies and Media Attention

Leena Chandavarkar’s life has not been without controversy. In 2015, at an awards ceremony, a senior lawyer, Ram Jethmalani, greeted her on stage and unexpectedly kissed her, a moment that was captured by cameras and quickly went viral on social media. The incident sparked a media frenzy, with many criticizing Jethmalani’s actions.

However, Leena came forward to defend him, explaining that there was no malice or misconduct involved. She recounted that she had felt dizzy while climbing the stage and had asked Jethmalani for help. He had asked for her permission before the kiss, to which she had agreed. Leena emphasized that love and affection know no age and that the incident was blown out of proportion by the media.

The Mehboob Ki Mehndi Myth: Separating Fact from Fiction

There have been persistent rumors and misconceptions about Leena Chandavarkar’s career being “ruined” by her association with certain films or co-stars, including the suggestion that her life was negatively impacted by working with Dharmendra. However, a closer look at her career shows that Leena’s challenges were primarily rooted in her personal tragedies, not professional setbacks caused by colleagues or specific movies.

“Mehboob Ki Mehndi,” one of her most popular films, was a major success and is still remembered fondly by fans. Leena’s performances in films alongside leading men like Rajesh Khanna and others only enhanced her reputation as a talented actress. There is no credible evidence to suggest that her work with Dharmendra or any other actor led to the downfall of her career. Instead, it was her personal choice to prioritize family over films after marriage that led to her gradual retreat from the industry.

Legacy: A Story of Strength and Survival

Leena Chandavarkar’s life is a poignant tale of resilience in the face of repeated adversity. She rose to stardom through hard work and talent, faced unimaginable personal loss, and endured the challenges of being a single mother and widow—not once, but twice. Despite her struggles, she has always maintained grace and dignity, earning the admiration of fans and peers alike.

Today, Leena is remembered as one of the most beloved actresses of her era. Her films continue to be enjoyed by new generations, and her story serves as an inspiration to those facing their own battles. Even as age has changed her appearance, her legacy as a symbol of beauty, talent, and inner strength endures.

Conclusion

Leena Chandavarkar’s journey through life and cinema is a testament to the unpredictable nature of fate. She experienced the heights of stardom and the depths of sorrow, yet managed to carve out a life defined by courage and perseverance. While the spotlight may have dimmed, her contributions to Indian cinema remain undiminished.

For fans who remember her as the radiant heroine of “Mehboob Ki Mehndi” and other classics, Leena Chandavarkar will always be a star—one whose light continues to shine, even as time marches on.

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