From Mithun Chakraborty to Boney Kapoor: Tracing Sridevi's Iconic Romantic Journey

Sridevi, the legendary Indian actress, captivated audiences not only with her unparalleled talent but also with a romantic life that often made headlines. Her journey through love was marked by intense relationships, public scrutiny, and ultimately, a profound connection that defined her later years. Her romantic history reflects the complexities of celebrity relationships in the public eye, moving from rumored affairs to a controversial yet enduring marriage.

Early in her career, Sridevi was linked to several co-stars. One notable rumored affair involved actor Jeetendra in the early 1980s, particularly after their successful film Himmatwalla in 1983. Reports suggested a close bond, with some even claiming they were staying together. However, Sridevi publicly denied these rumors, stating in a 1984 interview that she had never been to Jeetendra's hotel room and emphasized her stance against marrying a married man, asserting, > "It's a wrong belief that second wives are a common feature in the South. Even here, it's a big thing to marry a married man or have a second wife."

Her most discussed early relationship was with actor Mithun Chakraborty in the mid-1980s. Reports indicated a deep connection between the two, who reportedly grew close on the sets of Jaag Utha Insan (1984). Rumors even suggested a secret marriage between them. However, Mithun was already married to Yogeeta Bali. This alleged relationship faced immense public and personal challenges, reportedly ending when Mithun's wife, Yogeeta, reportedly attempted suicide, leading him to sever ties with Sridevi. It was also rumored that Sridevi had tied a rakhi on Boney Kapoor's wrist to reassure Mithun about her relationship with Boney.

The trajectory of Sridevi's romantic life took a significant turn with film producer Boney Kapoor. Boney first became smitten with Sridevi after seeing her in a Tamil film in the late 1970s and later pursued her for his 1987 film, Mr. India. At the time, Boney was married to Mona Shourie Kapoor (since 1983) and had two children, Arjun and Anshula. Sridevi initially resisted Boney's persistent advances, even stopping communication with him for six to eight months after he confessed his feelings and proposed marriage, citing his marital status. Boney shared in an interview, > "When I proposed, she was shocked and asked me, ‘You’re married and have two kids; how can you even say this to me?’ After that, she didn’t speak to me for six months."

Despite her initial reluctance, Boney's unwavering support during challenging periods in Sridevi's life, including the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts and the illness and eventual passing of her mother in 1995, gradually brought them closer. Boney stood by her side, offering care and concern for her family. Sridevi later acknowledged that it took her many years to accept her destiny with Boney. She stated, > "I fell in love with him when I got to know the real him. It was difficult, traumatic even and it took me many years to finally accept the fact that I was destined to be with Boney."

Their relationship culminated in marriage in June 1996, though it was only publicly announced in January 1997. This union was controversial, as Sridevi was reportedly pregnant with their first child before the marriage. The news sparked widespread public debate and criticism, particularly given Boney's existing marriage and family. They had a simple temple wedding due to the circumstances, with author Satyarth Nayak noting that Sridevi had to forgo a lavish wedding.

The couple welcomed their first daughter, Janhvi Kapoor, in March 1997, followed by their second daughter, Khushi Kapoor, in November 2000. Sridevi embraced her role as a wife and mother, often prioritizing her family. Boney Kapoor affirmed her dedication, stating in a Filmfare interview, > "Her priority is our children. She constantly checks with me about Arjun and Anshula... She’s a devoted family person whether it’s with my parents or our children."

Boney Kapoor's first wife, Mona Shourie Kapoor, openly shared her heartbreak regarding the situation. In an interview with DNA, she expressed, > "He was 10 years older to me. I was 19 when I married him. So I literally grew up with him. Ours was a 13-year-old marriage. So it came as a shock when I realised that my husband was in love with somebody else... There was nothing left in the relationship to give it a chance because Sridevi was already with a child." Mona and Boney separated in 1996 and she passed away in 2012.

The complex family dynamics involving Boney's children from his first marriage, Arjun Kapoor and Anshula Kapoor, were often discussed. Arjun Kapoor acknowledged the complicated nature of their family, stating to Film Companion, > "I can't say I'm okay with what my father did because as a child I felt the repercussions, but I understand it." He maintained respect for Sridevi as his father's wife. After Sridevi's tragic passing in February 2018, Arjun and Anshula notably stepped up to support their half-sisters, Janhvi and Khushi, fostering a stronger bond within the family, a development Janhvi and Khushi also acknowledged as providing a better support system.

Sridevi's marriage to Boney Kapoor endured for over two decades until her untimely death in February 2018. Despite the controversial beginning, their relationship evolved into a strong partnership, weathering public opinion and personal challenges. Boney Kapoor often spoke of Sridevi as his soulmate, friend, and the axis around which their family revolved. Her romantic journey, marked by both passion and pain, remains a significant chapter in the life of a true cinematic icon.